Conservative MP accelerates resignation, stepping down this summer

Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall says she’ll leave office Aug. 31, ending more than a decade representing Yorkton-Melville.

Longtime Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall will be stepping down at the end of August, fast-tracking her leave from Parliament after she announced last summer she wouldn’t run in the next election.

“Although my intent when I first announced my plans to step down as the MP for Yorkton-Melville was to continue to represent the wonderful people of our riding until the next federal election is called, I have decided to take my leave as of Aug. 31, 2026,” Wagantall announced in a statement posted to social media.

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Wagantall was first elected to the rural Saskatchewan riding of Yorkton-Melville in 2015. The riding has been held by Conservatives — and the federal party’s Reform and Canadian Alliance predecessors — since 1993.

During last year’s federal election, Wagantall was re-elected with 78 per cent of the vote.

“The depth of support I’ve received over the past four elections has been both sobering and affirming,” Wagantall also wrote in her statement Wednesday. “Sobering, in light of the overwhelming hardships imposed on the lives of those I represent.”

But, she adds that in her time as an MP, she has “witnessed and shared in a deep, prevailing and confident hope,” before extending her thanks to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, her staff, the RCMP, and her family.

In a statement also posted to social media Wednesday, Poilievre thanked Wagantall for “more than a decade of principled and faithful service to the great people of Yorkton—Melville.“

“You have been a strong voice for your constituents, your values, and our Conservative family,” he added.

Wagantall has faced questions around her socially conservative views, particularly when it comes to abortion, the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 trucker convoy.

Wagantall joins a growing list of MPs who have resigned their seats in recent months, some following diplomatic appointments, and others leaving politics entirely. Including in Wagantall’s riding, six by-elections will have to take place in the coming months to fill the vacancies.