Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Finance Minister Donna Harpauer delivers the updated 2020-2021 budget June 15, 2020. (Lisa Schick/980 CJME)
New Cabinet

Harpauer named deputy premier, other local MLA’s get new roles

Nov 9, 2020 | 6:14 PM

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced his new cabinet on Monday, Nov. 9 in Regina.

Humboldt-Watrous MLA Donna Harpauer was named the deputy premier, becoming the first woman to hold that position in over 30 years. Harpauer told northeastNOW she was surprised when asked by Moe to take the position, but she’s honoured to be named the deputy premier.

“Hopefully I will set a good example for all women,” she said. “Who think about politics, or consider whether it’s something for them.”

She added it takes hard work and determination to do so. Harpauer said it’s humbling to have that much effect on the province, and that she’s going to keep her head down and do the best job she can.

Harpauer also maintains her position as finance minister as well, a position she’s held since 2017. She said it’s a portfolio that she’s enjoyed greatly over the years and she’s excited about their four year economic plan to help balance the budget by 2024.

“I’m actually looking forward to that plan,” Harpauer said. “And it involves a strong recovery, but I think Saskatchewan people and Saskatchewan businesses are up to it.”

Since being elected to the legislature in 1999, Harpauer has held a number of portfolios, including social services, education, saskatchewan housing corporation and status of women, and was the minister responsible for First Nations, metis, and northern affairs before becoming the minister of finance. She was also the critic of a number of portfolios during her time as the opposition.

Harpauer said just like any of her other portfolios; it takes a bit of time to get used to.

“It was a learning curve to be sure,” she said. “And all of it was worth it, to do the learning, to meet the people, but just do the best you can do, and that’s all you can do. It’s worked well for me so far, so that’s the determination I’m going to enter this with as well.”

Meanwhile, a few other northeast MLA’s have some new positions in the cabinet. Carrot River Valley MLA Fred Bradshaw will become the deputy government house leader, and will serve as legislative secretary to the minister of environment. Melfort MLA Todd Goudy will serve as the legislative secretary to the minister of parks, culture and sport, and will also be the francophone affairs liaison.

mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6

View Comments