Saskatoon doctor Ryan Meili has announced he will seek the nomination as the Saskatchewan NDP candidate in the upcoming Saskatoon Meewasin byelection.

“I have long believed that the real opportunities to create the conditions for good health are political, not medical, and I am eager to be a part of the search for people-centered solutions to Saskatchewan's challenges,” Meili said in a Facebook post Thursday.

“For this reason, I am taking the necessary steps to make pursuit of nomination for candidacy to represent the New Democratic Party in Saskatoon Meewasin possible.”

The riding was formerly represented by Saskatchewan Party MLA Roger Parent, who died last month after he was diagnosed with cancer.

“At this time, our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and the constituents he served faithfully for many years,” Meili said.

He says the byelection is “an essential moment” for the NDP and the province to “chart a new direction.” No date has been set for the vote.