Former Saskatchewan highways minister Joe Hargrave to step away from politics

Prince Albert Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave will not be running in the upcoming provincial election.

“My family and I have given this a lot of consideration and have decided I just can’t commit to another four years as MLA,” Hargrave said.

“I want to thank my family, friends and most importantly, the constituents of Prince Albert Carlton for your support over the past eight years,” Hargrave said. “It has been an honour to serve you with Premier Moe and all my caucus colleagues.”

Hargrave was first elected in the 2016 provincial election. He has previously served as deputy Speaker and chair of the committee of the whole, minister of highways, minister responsible for Saskatchewan Water Security Agency, minister responsible for SaskEnergy and SaskTel, and vice-chair of the SaskBuilds Corporation board.

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He was the minister of Crown Investments Corporation, minister responsible for Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation, minister responsible for STC, minister responsible for SGI, chair of the Crown Investments Corporation board and vice-chair of Public Sector Bargaining.

He currently serves as minister of SaskBuilds and procurement and minister responsible for the GTH and Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan.

Over the next few weeks, a new candidate will be announced.

On Monday afternoon it was announced Terry Jenson will replace Hargrave as minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement. It is Jenson’s first time in Cabinet.

It was also announced Minister of Highways Lori Carr has been named Government House Leader, after MLA Jeremy Harrison resigned from the position as allegations surrounding his behaviour in the legislature were brought forward earlier this month.

Paul Merriman, Minister of Corrections will be the Deputy House Leader.

The Saskatchewan Party currently has 48 candidates nominated for the upcoming election, of which 28 are incumbent MLAs seeking re-election and 20 are new candidates.