New book examines influential former premier

During his time in office, Blakeney was known for directing government to play a large role in the economy with the creation of a range of Crown corporations including SaskOil and the Saskatchewan Potash Corporation.

“He’s also, I think, remembered as somebody who really believed in positive state intervention in the economy in order to create economic wealth, that was shared with everyone in the province,” McGrane said.

The Blakeney government was as well known for instituting public programs like the children’s dental program, which McGrane said helped make Saskatchewan a more equal place. McGrane added during their time in office the Blakeney government were also able to reduce public debt at the same time.

However, perhaps the former premiers most long lasting accomplishment was the central role he played in repatriating Canada’s constitution. McGrane called the constitution Blakeney’s gift to Canada.

“His fingerprints are all over the 1982 constitution, which is still governing us. Canada’s first constitution,” he said.

In terms of the constitution, McGrane said there are a number of provisions which can be traced back to Blakeney, including recognizing Indigenous rights to self-government. Another provision was the notwithstanding clause, allowing legislatures to temporarily override court decisions relating to certain sections of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The book contains two essays on the topic presenting two different points of view.

Don Cody, who served in the Blakeney government, including in the cabinet said the notwithstanding clause was a result of the former premier’s belief in those who are elected.

“He always said the last resort has to be an elected official,” Cody said.

Cody added this belief was centered on the fact elected officials could be voted out, while judges could not. Cody suggests if it hadn’t been for Blakeney along with former Premier Roy Romanow, the country’s constitution would likely have not gone through.

On the provincial front, Cody said the Blakeney government’s willingness to intervene in the economy by creating Crown corporations is a big part of the former premier’s legacy and helped to deal with boom and bust cycles.

“Those kinds of things made it so we could balance budgets and still do a lot of the good things the public needed,” he said.

Cody said Blakeney was the kind of person who was always looking to do something for regular people. An example which stood out to Cody was during a particular meeting.

“We were talking about liquor prices and Allan said during a cabinet meeting, he said it really doesn’t matter if you put spirits up a little bit, but don’t put beer up, because it’s a working man’s drink,” he said.

The book launch is set go next Tuesday evening, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.

Editor’s note: The date of the event has now been moved from Wednesday Nov. 13 as initially reported.

—

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn

by Michael Joel-Hansen

New book examines influential former premier

What's Trending