David Forbes - Biography

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

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 included raising the provincial minimum wage to LICO standards. Many workplace safety improvements such as the new anti-harassment unit 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. 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 was very proud to introduce legislation in 2005 that made over 360 sq km of the Great Sand hills into the strongest ecological protected area in Saskatchewan.

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.