Wagantall stepping down as MP August 31
June 22, 2026, 10:24 am
Ashley Bochek, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
After announcing she would not run as the Conservative candidate in the next election, Yorkton-Melville MP Cathay Wagantall announced last week that she is stepping down as MP as of August 31, 2026.
“Although my intent when I first announced my plans to step down as the Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville was to continue to represent the wonderful people of Yorkton-Melville until the next federal election is called, I have decided to take my leave as of August 31, 2026,” she said last week.
“I have been blessed to have great people who have served alongside me through four election cycles. I watched as my 2026 board of directors established the local Conservative Nominating Committee, and together, they did an amazing job of running a fair and efficient election to choose Yorkton-Melville’s Conservative candidate of record to run in the next federal election. I am so pleased to congratulate Nelson Pohl on winning the contest.
“The depth of support I’ve received over the past four elections has been both sobering and affirming. Sobering, in light of the overwhelming hardships imposed on the lives of those I represent. The economic sabotage and unethical, regressive overreach of the Carney-Trudeau government continues to deeply affect Canadians.
“Yet, it has also been affirming. Over the past 10 years and counting, I have witnessed and shared in a deep, prevailing, and confident hope. This hope is rooted in the sound common sense, knowledge, wisdom, and relationship-building that flows from the steadfast pillars of faith, freedom, and family that our communities hold dear. Change will come—and it will be worth the struggle and the wait.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, the Hon. Pierre Poilievre. He has led with conviction and determination, but also with the humility of a servant leader who understands that public office is about service to others, not self. I have every confidence that millions more Canadians will come to know the character and resolve I have seen and appreciated personally, and that they will choose him to be the next Prime Minister of Canada.
“To the Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police—thank you for your acceptance and your patience with me, a civilian. You deserve so much more that we CAN and MUST give.
“I am incredibly grateful to my professional, capable, and passionate staff—both past and present—on Parliament Hill and in the constituency. I know they are the very best because of the constant, positive feedback I receive. I simply could not do justice to my responsibilities without them.
“I am beyond thankful for the support of my husband and best friend. He is always by my side in spirit when we are apart—and more often than not, deeply engaged, as we choose to do life together in every way, every day. To our precious three, their amazing spouses, and our 10 incredible grandchildren—our gifts from God—please know that although it may be hard to fully understand at times, you are the reason I served Canada in this way.”
Nelson Pohl will be representing the Conservatives as their candidate in the Yorkton-Melville riding in the next election after winning the Yorkton-Melville Conservative nomination race on June 13.
