by on Dwain Lingenfelter became leader of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party in June 2009. At the time of writing, he did not hold a seat in the provincial legislature, but has been nominated to run in the upcoming by-election in the riding of Regina Douglas Park.
The former deputy premier defeated political newcomer Ryan Meili, a Saskatoon doctor, in a tight leadership race held in June 2009. Lingenfelter replaces outgoing party leader and former premier Lorne Calvert.
Dwain Lingenfelter became leader of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party in June 2009. At the time of writing, he did not hold a seat in the provincial legislature, but has been nominated to run in the upcoming by-election in the riding of Regina Douglas Park.
The former deputy premier defeated political newcomer Ryan Meili, a Saskatoon doctor, in a tight leadership race held in June 2009. Lingenfelter replaces outgoing party leader and former premier Lorne Calvert. His victory marks a political comeback from Lingenfelter, who previously served as a cabinet minister under former premiers Allan Blakeney and Roy Romanow, but had retired from politics in 2000. From 2000 until he reentered politics, Lingenfelter served as vice president, government relations for Nexen, an energy company in Calgary.
Lingenfelter first entered politics in 1978. During his tenure, he held several important positions: from 1980–82 he served as Minister of Social Services; in 1982 he was Opposition House Leader; from 1991-96 he served as Minister of Economic Development; from 1996–99 he was Minister responsible for Crown Investments Corporation. He was deputy premier from 1995–2000, government house leader in 1997–2000, and Minister responsible for Agriculture from 1999–2000.
Lingenfelter is active in his community: he is past president of the Canada Arab Business Council; he has served as a board member of the Nature Conservancy of Canada; he has also been a member of the Mexico-Canada Energy Working Group Committee.
While studying political science at the University of Saskatchewan.Lingenfelter farmed and also worked as a customs officer. He was raised on a family farm north of Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. He is married to Rubeila. Together they have a blended family of five children. Lingenfelter and his family still own and operate a grain and cattle farm new Shaunavon.