David Karwacki grew up in Saskatoon and attended the University of Saskatchewan, graduating from the College of Commerce in 1989. He currently continues his education through enrolment in the Birthing of Giants program at MIT in Boston. Karwacki is married to Laurie, an educator, and has four children. In 1990, Karwacki and three partners founded Star Produce Ltd., an international fresh produce distribution company. Karwacki has served as chief operating officer of the company, and is currently CEO. In the community, Karwacki served as the president of the Huskie Basketball Alumni Association, acted as the founding board member of the University of Saskatchewan Athletic Endowment Fund, and participated as a member of the St. Anne's faith community. Although he had no formal political experience, Karwacki won a decisive victory over opponent Jack Hillson at the October 2001 Liberal leadership convention. He inherited a troubled party with declining membership. Karwacki attempted to end the Liberal-NDP coalition but Jim Melenchuk and Ron Osika remained in the coalition Cabinet as independents. Karwacki led the Liberals into the 2003 election. He went down to personal defeat in Saskatoon Meewasin and the party failed to elect any of its candidates, its worst electoral defeat since 1982.
Winter Fedyk