NDP leadership race: Candidate Profiles

A look at the three people who are in the running to be the next leader of the NDP in Saskatchewan.

The next NDP leader will be chosen during a convention Saturday.

The Canadian Press Posted: Mar 08, 2013 10:38 PM EST | Last Updated: March 9, 2013

Cam Broten, Trent Wotherspoon and Ryan Meili are running to be the next leader of the NDP in Saskatchewan. (CBC )

Members of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party are gathered in Saskatoon to choose a new leader.

While four people set out to campaign for the top spot, three are left afterErin Weir bowed out of the contest to support Ryan Meili.

Here is a look at the three choices the NDP have for leader:

Ryan Meili

Age: 37.

Born: Moose Jaw. Raised on afarm near Courval, in southwest Saskatchewan.

Education: University of Saskatchewan. For his first degree, hestudied Human Anatomy andLanguages. His second degree is in medicine.

Professional background: Family doctor.
Married to Mahli,who is training to be a pediatrician. They have oneson, 18-month-old Abraham.
Meili has worked in South America and Africa.
Has never been elected butran for the Saskatchewan NDP leadership in 2009 and came in second to Dwain Lingenfelter.

Trent Wotherspoon

Age: 33

Born:Regina. Also raised in Regina.

Education: University of Regina. Bachelor of Education degree.

Professional background: High school teacher. Has alsoworked with high-risk young offenders on a mentorship program to help them stay out of trouble
Married to Stephanie, a school teacher.
Politics: First elected in the constituency of Regina Rosemont in 2007. Re-elected in 2011. Currently the Opposition critic for finance, education, SaskPower, the Information Technology Office and the Global Transportation Hub.

Cam Broten

Age: 34

Born:Regina. Raised in northern Saskatchewan (La Loche, Green Lake, Meadow Lake, La Ronge) and Saskatoon.

Education:University of Saskatchewan(Bachelor degree in International Studies); Simon Fraser University (Master degreein Political Science).

Professional background: Former health policy manager for the Saskatchewan Medical Association and policy analyst with Saskatchewan Culture, Youth and Recreation. Also spent eight seasons as a tree planter.
Married to Ruth. They have two daughters, Ingrid and Clara.
Politics: First elected in Saskatoon Massey Place in 2007. Re-elected in 2011. Currently serves as the Opposition critic for health, seniors, advanced education, employment and immigration.

Programming Note: CBC News will have live coverage, online and on Regional Radio newscasts during the convention. You can also follow CBC News political reporter Stefani Langenegger on twitter:@SLangeneggerCBC

With files from CBC's Stefani Langenegger

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External Links

Ryan Meili campaign site