Photo: Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly

Saskatchewan Party MLA Nadine Wilson, has been formally charged with common assault in relation to an alleged personal family matter that occurred earlier this year.

Wilson, who represents the riding of Saskatchewan Rivers, informed Premier Scott Moe of the charge.

Moe released the following statement on Friday morning.

“Yesterday afternoon, I was informed by Nadine Wilson, MLA for Saskatchewan Rivers, that she was charged with common assault related to a private family matter. Ms. Wilson has offered to step down from her role as Provincial Secretary, which I have accepted. 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 NDP is calling on the Premier to remove Wilson from caucus.

“When an MLA is facing serious criminal charges, it’s only reasonable that they resign from caucus until the matter is resolved,” Leader Ryan Meili said. “By failing to enforce that standard, the Premier is sending the wrong message about how seriously he takes this charge and the issue of elder abuse.”

“Any MLA who is charged with a crime should be removed from caucus until it has been resolved,” NDP Justice Critic Nicole Sarauer tweeted shortly after the news broke. “The Premier needs to show leadership: Ms. Wilson can not represent the govt while this is ongoing.”

Wilson was first elected in 2007 and then re-elected in 2011 and 2016.