David Forbes, MLA Saskatoon Centre

Currently representing the constituency of Saskatoon Centre, David was first elected in November 2001. He serves as the Opposition critic for Labour, Municipal Affairs, Housing, SK Housing Corporation, SK Workers Board, Enterprise SK, and SK Water Corporation. As well, he serves as chair for the NDP caucus.

David is passionate about social justice – committed to ensuring that everyone can participate fully in our great province and that someday poverty and exclusion are no longer with us. He is a strong advocate for housing. David’s current projects include promoting fairer rent regulations, easier access for personal ID and better protection for service animals.

While in government, David served a variety of roles for Premier Lorne Calvert. As Minister of Labour, he is especially proud of implementing Saskatchewan’s newest holiday – Family Day and the Improving Work Opportunities Report which included raising the provincial minimum wage to LICO standards. Many workplace safety improvements such as the new anti-harassment unit and introducing labour standards in the North also took place during his time at Labour.

Serving as Minister of Environment from 2003 to 2006, David released Caring for Natural Environments: A Biodiversity Action Plan for Saskatchewan’s Future 2004-2009 , the first major environmental blueprint in Western Canada. Other initiatives such as Saskatchewan’s Green Strategy, The Great Sand Hills Land Use Strategy and Conserving our Water, A Water Conservation Plan for Saskatchewan highlight David’s strong commitment to Saskatchewan’s built and natural environment and economy.

David also served as Legislative Secretary for School Plus and in 2002; David served as vice-chair of the Premier’s Voluntary Sector Initiative, which produced Saskatchewan’s Voluntary Sector: Reflecting Our Strength.

Before entering politics, David taught for 18 years in both Saskatoon and rural Saskatchewan. He received his Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina (with Distinction, 1982) and a Masters Degree in Education Administration from the University of Saskatchewan (1996). David is currently on leave from the Saskatoon Public School Division where he held many positions within the STF and the Saskatoon Teachers’ Association.

David has been a volunteer for his local community association, the Saskatchewan SaskTel Jazz Festival, and as a coach of youth football and softball. He is a past president of Cross Country Saskatchewan and the Nordic Ski Club of Saskatoon, and loves to cross country ski.

David is married with three children.