SASKATOON – Ryan Meili announced on Feb. 18 he is stepping down as leader of the New Democratic Party. The 46-year-old Saskatoon Meewasin MLA was initially elected in a byelection in March, 2017. He had sought the leadership in 2009 and 2012, ultimately gaining success in his third attempt in 2017. In announcing his resignation in Saskatoon, Meili spoke of “taking a walk in the snow,” a clear reference to former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, who famously decided to resign after taking his own walk in the snow, in February 1984.