Hodgins, Grant Milton (1955-)

Grant Hodgins was born July 22, 1955, in Prince Albert. After completing high school in Melfort, he attended the University of Saskatchewan, completing a degree in Commerce. Hodgins was elected for the Progressive Conservatives in the Tory sweep of 1982 in the traditionally NDP seat of Melfort. In 1985, Hodgins was appointed to Cabinet as Minister of Highways and Transportation. Easily re-elected in 1986, Hodgins was given added responsibility by taking on the Indian and Native Affairs portfolio. In 1989, Hodgins was moved out of Highways and took over as Minister of Environment. He was also given the added responsibility of Government House Leader, piloting the government's legislation through the Legislature. In 1991, Hodgins became upset with government policy, in particular the program called “Fair Share Saskatchewan.” This rural revitalization program, which would have seen the dispersal of government offices from Regina to various centres across Saskatchewan, was a highly contentious proposal. In protest, Hodgins resigned from the government and served out the legislative session as an independent. Hodgins did not seek re-election in 1991, choosing instead to take over the family auctioneering business in Melfort.

Brett Quiring