Sask. premier says NDP leader competing ‘for the backseats’ in federal election

WATCH: The SUMA convention wrapped up Wednesday with healthcare and homelessness as key topics of discussion.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said the NDP will be competing with the Green Party “for the backseats” in the upcoming federal election.

Moe made the comment at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) convention, while answering a question about the economy during the “bear pit session” — a chance for municipal leaders to directly speak with provincial cabinet ministers.

“Whoever is the prime minister and whoever’s the governing party, it’ll be Pierre Poilievre or Mark Carney, I suspect — unless Jagmeet pulls off some sort of a miracle,” Moe said, prompting laughter from the SUMA convention crowd.

“He’ll be competing with the Greens for the backseats.”

The remark garnered more reaction from the crowd, followed by an applause.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t—,” Moe said, speaking over the clapping.

“I better be careful here.”

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Moe quickly got back on track, speaking about “the tremendous opportunity” Canada’s next leader has to “unite Canadians.”

Saskatchewan’s premier said in order to unite Canadians and strengthen the country, the future prime minister must support all people — no matter where they live or their political beliefs.

“If that leader puts every Canadian ahead of their political ideology, we have a tremendous opportunity to come together, united as Canadians,” Moe said.

“If that choice is not made, and that political ideology that we’ve seen in the last nine years continues on into the future — we are going to have a very challenging conversation in this nation.”