Saskatchewan premier calls byelection for March to replace MLA who died

REGINA -- Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has called a byelection for March to fill a seat left vacant when its member of the legislature died.

The vote in Saskatoon Meewasin is to be held on March 2.

Saskatchewan Party MLA Roger Parent died in November, two weeks after he was diagnosed with cancer.

Wall said he wanted to have the byelection before the legislature resumes sitting on March 6.

The premier said he expects a close race and a hard-fought campaign.

The three main parties have each chosen a candidate for the byelection.

Brent Penner, a former Saskatoon police officer and currently executive director of the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District, will carry the banner for the Sask. Party.

Saskatoon doctor Ryan Meili, who has unsuccessfully tried twice to become NDP leader, will run for the New Democrats.

And provincial Liberal Leader Darrin Lamoureux has put his name in the race.