Rebel News Podcast Summary

Episode: SHEILA GUNN REID | Scott Moe Survives Leadership Review at Sask Party Convention
Date: November 13, 2025
Host: Sheila Gunn Reid
Guests: Elise Merle (Rebel News), Michael Koros (Saskatchewan political commentator)

Overview of the Episode

This episode of the Rebel News podcast, hosted by Sheila Gunn Reid, focuses on the recently concluded Saskatchewan Party convention, where Premier Scott Moe passed his leadership review with an approval over 80%. Sheila is joined on the "Saskatchewan Soapbox" panel by her close friend Elise Merle and political commentator Michael Koros to discuss the gathering’s atmosphere, Moe’s leadership outcome, changes to party policy, and broader political dynamics in Saskatchewan. The show also explores interactions with mainstream media, notable anecdotes, and feedback from listeners.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Significance and Atmosphere of the Saskatchewan Party Convention

• Record Attendance and Optimism

  • The 2025 convention in Saskatoon was the largest in the party’s history with ~900 delegates, three times the size of previous conventions.
  • The atmosphere was upbeat and energetic despite 18 years in power, with delegates excited to reconnect and discuss the party’s future.
    [01:49] Michael Koros:

    “It was a gathering of people that had not seen each other for a while. And the mood was surprisingly optimistic… delegates were surprisingly upbeat…”

• Media Presence and Rebel News Reception

  • The Rebel News team, though seated separately from mainstream outlets ("media gulag"), received enthusiastic greetings and appreciation from attendees.
    [03:43] Elise Merle:

    “The number of people… in the hundreds… greeted us so warmly, unabashedly loving Rebel News for being there… The best tire pumping I’ve received personally in my entire life.”

  • Sheila noted, “It was kind of fun to have the people walk past, say, oh my goodness, hi, girls, thanks so much for coming… it’s great to have the real media here.” [05:21]

2. Scott Moe’s Leadership Review

• Context and Results

  • Moe was under scrutiny after the party lost 14 seats to the NDP, many in urban areas.
  • Party apparatus worked hard to ensure a strong show of support; Moe passed the review with a reported “over 80%” but the exact figure was not released.
    [07:24] Sheila:

    “…Scott Moe was facing a leadership review. People have been critical… they did lose 14 seats to the NDP... He was up against that.”

  [11:50] Michael:
  > “When the results of the leadership review came by, they announced them at north of 80%, but they didn’t give the actual number. So we don’t know if that was 79.5% or 89%...”

• Perceptions of Moe and the Party’s Direction

  • Moe is described as personable and charismatic in private settings but often comes across as stiff or overly technical during public speeches, especially when compared to predecessor Brad Wall.
  • Some delegates feel the party is no longer sufficiently conservative, causing concern among its fiscal and social conservative base.
    [09:20] Elise:

    “…extraordinarily personable… I wish the people of Saskatchewan would see the Scott Moe that we get to see...”

  [13:14] Elise:
  > “...social and fiscal conservatives in Saskatchewan don’t really have a place to put their vote as it pertains to the Saskatchewan Party...They must not do that at the expense of their conservative rural base.”

3. Relationship with Federal Conservatives & Convention Organization

• Noteworthy absence of federal Conservative MPs (aside from Brad Redekopp) and discussion surrounding possible disconnect or organizational issues between federal and provincial conservatives.
  [13:14] Sheila:
  > “I noticed a, a very prominent absence of members of the Federal Conservative Party at the convention…”

• Accreditation challenges for Rebel News attributed to possible inexperience and the large scale of the event. [15:04] Sheila:
  > "It's disorganized... I just thought the organization kind.”

4. Memorable Moments & Anecdotes

• The “Poppy Story”

  • Elise distributed poppies to mainstream media colleagues, who were mostly young and poppy-less, as a gesture to avoid potential embarrassment on camera before Remembrance Day.
    [20:24] Elise:

    “I go into every social situation like a golden retriever… I’m Lisa Rowe from Rebel News. Brought you guys some poppies. Have a great day.”

• Rebel News’ Interactions with Mainstream Media Staff

  • The team emphasizes friendliness and wanting to break stereotypes about Rebel News, especially for young, possibly future “baby rebels.”
    [22:56] Elise:

    “If this was going to be their first experience interacting with Rebel News, I wanted it to be a good one…”

5. Policy Change: Eligibility in Nomination Voting

• The party changed its constitution: Only Canadian citizens (not permanent residents or foreign nationals) can vote in internal nomination races.

  • Move is praised as closing loopholes exploited in other political parties (example given of Han Dong’s nomination in Don Valley North).
    [23:13] Sheila:

    “They have changed their constitution so that the Only people who can vote in nomination races are Canadian citizens… it prevents people from stacking the nominations to get ...themselves nominated but then failing on election day because all the people who nominated you can't vote for you.”

  • Panel recognizes NDP’s immediate accusations of racism, but defends the change as common sense and vital for election security.
    [25:06] Elise:

    “It was a necessary, it was an absolutely necessary change. And yes, the NDP has already like straight out the gate...said the party’s full of racists... That’s actually not what they said. ...it’s going to compel people that aren’t Canadian citizens who want to be involved to become Canadian citizens. And it was just awesome to see… overwhelmingly carried by the crowd.”

• Discussion also addresses broader concerns over foreign influence and the need for greater integrity in both party nominations and national elections.

6. Warnings and Party Future

• Sask Party’s Need for Renewal and Conservative Identity

  • Panel warns that, like in Alberta (PC to NDP transition), a lack of clear conservative distinction could cost the party votes or government.
  • Concern about “drifting left” mirrors wider conversations in Canadian conservatism.

  [33:35] Sheila:

  “Let Alberta be a warning. Because we had 44 years of PC government, and then people were like, you know what? Let's give the NDP a little bit of a try. ...people are complaining that the SASK Party isn't conservative enough. They must be conservative. They have to be a clear alternative.”

  [34:58] Michael:
  > “...the SAS party needs to have renewal within their party, not sort of slowly drift towards the left because...once there's limited daylight, it's like, okay, well, am I voting for the SAS party or the NDP? Because I can't tell the difference.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Convention Mood and Rebel News Reception:
  “The number of people...in the hundreds...greeted us so warmly, unabashedly loving Rebel News for being there... The best tire pumping I’ve received personally in my entire life.” — Elise Merle [03:43]

• On Media Interactions:
  “They all put their poppies on. They were actually very, very nice kids. ... We don’t have anything against the kids working at CBC and we hate their parent companies. And fair enough.” — Elise Merle [21:07]

• On Scott Moe’s Personality:
  “I wish the people of Saskatchewan would see the Scott Moe that we get to see. ... He’s got the charisma in person. I think that he’s been overly handled and overly policed and overly limited...” — Elise Merle [09:20]

• On Conservative Identity:
  “...social and fiscal conservatives in Saskatchewan don’t really have a place to put their vote as it pertains to the Saskatchewan Party...” — Elise Merle [13:14]

• On Nomination Rules Change:
  “They have changed their constitution so that the Only people who can vote in nomination races are Canadian citizens. And I think this is a wonderful thing which aligns with election Saskatchewan rules.” — Sheila Gunn Reid [23:13]

• On NDP Opposition to Change:
  “If we limit our nominations...to Canadian citizens, it’s going to compel people that aren’t Canadian citizens...to become Canadian citizens.” — Anonymous convention attendee, cited by Elise [25:06]

• On Identity Politics:
  “...the world is rapidly divesting from identity politics. Yes, we are... So by all means NDP, please dig in on these issues—double down, triple down even. Can’t wait to see you lose.” — Elise Merle [30:51]

Listener Feedback Segment Highlights (39:30+)

• Ostrich Farm Tragedy Feedback

  • Sheila shares emotional comments from viewers about the government-ordered destruction of ostriches on a family research farm.
  • Discussion focuses on the lack of governmental accountability and the erosion of evidence-based policy.
  • Sheila draws parallels to other recent controversial policies and the danger of unquestioning obedience to government directives.

  [41:41] Sheila:
  > “These animals belonged to somebody... We are in a post-proof society right now and it has to stop. And I hope these birds are the reason that it stops.”

Conclusion

The episode provided an insider’s look at the energy and challenges within the Saskatchewan Party, the personality and politics surrounding Premier Scott Moe, and broader debates about party renewal and conservative identity. Through personal anecdotes and pointed analysis, the panel underscored the political significance of procedural integrity and the perils of losing touch with the conservative base—both in Saskatchewan and across Canada.

Next Episode Preview:
The panel plans to reconvene in four weeks to discuss further developments, including the impact of the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference.