The Saskatchewan Party’s longest-serving MLA and founding member, Dan D’Autremont, will not be running for next year's upcoming election as he will be entering retirement.

We sat down with the Cannington MLA to talk about his 28 years in office and his thoughts on the upcoming election.

"It has been 28 years, but it's good to be able to help people and that's the most satisfying thing about the job is when someone comes to you with an issue or a problem and you are able to help them resolve it." 

When asked about a change he made that he was most proud of, D'Autremont said that the creation of the Saskatchewan Party was one as he was very involved in changing the way the rules and the way the legislature operates.

"The MLA/Legislature part I also enjoyed that very much, the legislation and the process and making changes to that process over the years has been very satisfying."

D'Autremont said one of his favorite parts was the comradeship with fellow MLAs within the party and even opposing members as well. Working closely with those with shared goals or not, he said, was very gratifying.

"We have some very qualified candidates coming forward seeking the nomination for the Saskatchewan Party in the Cannington constituency and I look forward to working with them once they're nominated leading up to the next election, so we'll have a chance to work together for a little over a year."

The number one thing that candidates running for MLA should know, D'Autremont says, is to learn to listen, as an MLA and politician you talk a lot but the most important part is to listen and understand the issues people are facing.

"The satisfaction of being able to help and improve the process by which Saskatchewan legislature operates I that found very worthwhile and building contacts internationally both our neighbors across the border and around the world as well where we share common goals of democracy and the improvement of all of our nations I think is critical and I think I played some small part in that."

D'Autremont believes the Saskatchewan Party will again be successful this coming election despite previous challenges and would like to thank constituents of Cannington for all the support over the years and that he looks forward to seeing them around the consistency for years to come.