REGINA — Two former Saskatchewan Party government members say they are voting for the NDP's Carla Beck in the provincial election on Oct. 28. Mark Docherty, who retired from Premier Scott Moe's government last year and is a former Speaker, says Beck shows strong leadership.

` Docherty says the Saskatchewan Party became insular under Moe and that the premier wouldn't meet with Docherty to discuss issues. Glen Hart, a Saskatchewan Party member who retired in 2020, says the party is not what it used to be and has moved more right on the political spectrum. He says Moe could have spent provincial dollars more wisely and helped fix problems in the health-care system.

Beck says she is thankful for the endorsements and that it's time for change. "They're here to help elect a Saskatchewan NDP government to fix health care, to lower costs and to get Saskatchewan out of last place," she said in Regina in front of the legislature. "They know, as we know, this isn't about Team Orange versus Team Green.

This is about Team Saskatchewan." Ian Hanna, a speech writer and senior political adviser to former Saskatchewan Party premier Brad Wall, also endorsed Beck. "I didn't leave the Saskatchewan Party.

The Saskatchewan Party left me," Hanna said. He said the party used to be comprised of liberals and conservatives who committed to balanced budgets, quality health care and a strong safety net. Hanna said the party drifted from its principles when it decided to cut education spending in 2017 an.