Sask. MLA Nadine Wilson will remain in caucus, step down as provincial secretary following assault charge

Saskatchewan Rivers MLA Nadine Wilson will remain a member of the Sask. Party caucus, but is stepping down as provincial secretary after beingcharged with assault.

"Ms. Wilson has offered to step down from her role as provincial secretary, which I have accepted," Premier Scott Moe said in brief written statement Friday. He said he was informed of the chargeson Thursday.

"Ms. Wilson maintains her innocence, and as the charges have not been proven in court, she will remain a member of the government caucus."

The assault charges stemfrom an incident on March 21 of this year.

Previously, Crown prosecutors were deciding on whether or not to charge Wilson.

The complaints against Wilson were made by 87-year-old Lorraine Kingsley Helbig who was married to Wilson's father until his recent death, about a month after the incidentand Kingsley Helbig's sonEric Hocknes.

It all stemmed from a bitter family estate dispute, according tothe alleged victims.

NDP Justice critic Nicole Sarauersaid in a tweet that she believes the premier should remove Wilson from caucus.

NDPLeader Ryan Meiliseconded that.

"[It's] a very big concern to have somebody's public representative charged with that crime," Meili said in an interview.

Although the NDP leadersaid it was appropriate that Wilson step down as provincial secretary, he also said she should be removed from caucus.

"I think that sends the wrong message to leave her in caucus."

Wilson is scheduled to appearin Saskatoon provincial court on Sept. 6.