“Sooner than soon, but not as soon as very, very, very soon.”

That’s what Premier Scott Moe told reporters on Thursday at the Saskatchewan legislature when asked on when a provincial election will take place.

On Wednesday, Moe said “very, very soon” at the legislature when speaking about the upcoming election, however he didn’t commit to a particular date.

Despite persistent questions from the media and the official opposition, the premier appears to be sticking to his guns by saying his party is planning for the October 26 election date.

However he reiterated that he does have the prerogative to call one earlier.

“The fact of the matter is the premier does have the prerogative to call an election at any time,” he stated. “We’re going to have one this year and I’m looking forward to it.”

This comes as teachers in the province are without a contract and while the STF and government had discussions on Thursday afternoon in Regina.

NDP deputy leader Nicole Sarauer wants the government to commit on a date for the provincial election rather than create speculation and confusion among Saskatchewan voters. Some feel that might be this spring.

Sarauer said the Sask. Party can be very strategic in making decisions that benefit their party, and not necessarily for Saskatchewan people.

“The speculation about an early election lies at the feet of Premier Moe,” she suggested.

“It was his decision to start this discussion and it has been detracting from the issues that Saskatchewan people want and expect us to be talking about in the legislative assembly.”

She added it’s the premier’s responsibility to be clear with voters by committing to when they will go to the polls.