David Forbes - Biography

Currently representing Saskatoon Centre, David was first elected in November 2001. He serves as the Opposition critic for Social Services, Disabilities, CBO Sector and the Voluntary Sector Initiative.

David served in a variety of roles within the Lorne Calvert Government. In February 2006, David was appointed Minister of Labour, with responsibilities for SaskWater. He is especially proud of implementing Saskatchewan’s newest holiday – Family Day and the Improving Work Opportunities Report which including raising the provincial minimum wage to LICO standards. Many workplace safety improvements and eliminating the Northern Overtime exemption also took place during his time at Labour.

In 2003, David became Minister of Environment. During his tenure, he released Caring for Natural Environments: A Biodiversity Action Plan for Saskatchewan’s Future 2004-2009, the first major environmental blueprint in Western Canada. It will guide conservation actions of the Saskatchewan government through to 2009. 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 sat on the Standing Committees for the Crown Corporations and Agriculture. In 2002, David served as vice-chair of the Premier’s Voluntary Sector, 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.

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