By TERRY PUGH
Joe Hargrave is hoping to be the next Reeve of the RM of Corman Park.
The former provincial Cabinet Minister announced on Friday, August 16 that he’s seeking election as Corman Park Reeve in the November 13 municipal election.
Current Corman Park Reeve Judy Harwood, who has served in the post since 2012, announced earlier this summer that she is not running again.
Hargrave, a resident of the hamlet of Casa Rio in the RM of Corman Park, is currently the MLA for Prince Albert Carlton. He indicated in May that he would not be seeking re-election to the provincial legislature.
In an interview August 19, Hargrave said he’s looking forward to entering municipal politics.
“I’m not done serving people and helping my community,” said Hargrave. “I found provincially that I was on the road and away from home and my wife Fran a lot, and it got to be too much. But, I still enjoy what I do, and I believe my background in business and as an MLA and Cabinet Minister will benefit the RM.”
Hargrave said Harwood has done a good job as Reeve over the past decade, and his goal is to work with the RM council to continue the positive direction of the municipality.
“I’ve had discussions with Judy, and there are many good things in the works that need to be implemented,” he said, adding he believes regional cooperation with neighbouring municipalities is a contributing factor to the region’s strong growth.
“We need to foster strong relationships with all the municipalities,” he said.
Promoting the economy, forming partnerships with all levels of government and quality of life for residents are priorities for Hargrave.
“The RM of Corman Park is the largest RM in the province with a diverse mix of agricultural, commercial, and rural residential,” said Hargrave. “It needs someone with experience. My wife and I have owned and operated businesses for almost 25 years, and I’ve been in politics for nine years, serving in Cabinet for most of that time frame, so I have that experience.
“That’s why a number of people have asked me to run for the Reeve’s position. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the residents and contribute to the future growth and development of the RM.”
Hargrave said while voters will naturally associate him with the governing Saskatchewan Party, he’s not carrying any partisan flags into the municipal election.
“Municipalities, whether they’re rural or urban, are run on a consensus basis, not a partisan political basis,” said Hargrave. “I look forward to that. In provincial politics, you’re obligated to a certain extent to toe the party line.
“But, I have also been good at consensus building. In my role as MLA and in Cabinet, I’ve had a lot of experience in building consensus and listening to all points of view. I think I’m well-suited to this, and I look forward to that role. As I mentioned, the RM is diverse, with agricultural, commercial and residential interests, and we have to take all three into account and have everyone pull in the same direction for the betterment of the RM.”
Hargrave was born and raised in the hamlet of Chelan, near Porcupine Plain. He was first elected as an MLA in 2016 and has served in Cabinet in the portfolios of Highways, Crown Investment Corporation, SGI and most recently SaskBuilds and Procurement. During his tenure a major expansion of Prince Albert’s Victoria Hospital was begun.
Hargrave was also the subject of controversy during the winter of 2020-2021, during the the COVID-19 pandemic. He resigned as Minister of Highways after he flew to the United States to sell some property at a time when the provincial government was advising people to stay home and avoid travelling.
Hargrave has served on the Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners, the Prince Albert Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Committee and other organizations. He and his wife have four children and seven grandchildren.