MLA for the Battlefords Herb Cox enjoyed his final day in the Legislature, as he will not run for re-election this fall. (File Photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

Moving On

Herb Cox reflects on time as MLA

Jul 3, 2020 | 4:27 PM

After nearly 10 years, Herb Cox served his final day in session as a member of the Legislative Assembly for the Battlefords.

The former Minister of Advanced Education, Minister of Environment and Government Whip decided not to run for re-election in 2020, after winning in 2011 and 2016. He joins six party members and four from the opposition NDP who are stepping down.

Friday morning, Premier Scott Moe acknowledged and thanked each member not running this year.

“On behalf of the entire province, I want to thank my departing colleagues for their sacrifice and commitment as we worked together to build a better Saskatchewan,” he said.

Cut Knife-Turtleford MLA Larry Doke is also stepping down. Doke previously served as a council member in North Battleford and a board member for the Chamber of Commerce prior to being elected to the legislature in 2011 along with Cox.

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“These folks are exemplary citizens who have never forgotten why they were elected,” Moe said. “It was a great honour to serve with them.”

Most recently, Cox served as a member of the Human Services and Public Accounts committees and as the Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Corrections and Policing. He cited health, age and time with family as reasons for leaving his role.

“I’ve been employed for 48 years now, I think that’s long enough,” he said.

(File Photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Cox said keeping the curve of COVID-19 cases flattened has dominated most of the legislature’s time, so he didn’t think very much about this day. As soon as he headed to work, that changed.

“It’s your last day and you’re giving your farewell speech, reality is starting to hit a little bit,” he said.

Leaving politics was difficult for Cox, having thoroughly enjoyed his time as MLA. He said what he will miss most is the people, many of whom who’ve guided him through working in multiple roles.

“I came into this, as a lot of people probably do, quite naïve about the process and what goes on in this building,” Cox said. “So, it’s been a great learning experience and a great opportunity to several different things in the government.”

He said he’s proud to have played a small part in helping progress several important infrastructure projects in the Battlefords, such as the new Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford and the Urban Highway Connector Program.

“Much needed infrastructure upgrade there and we’re seeing businesses being developed along it already.”

(File Photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Cox said the first thing he’s looking forward to after his time in politics is enjoying being out on the farm.

“I don’t really have any other plans beyond that, as far as taking another career or job at this time.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports