ANGUISH, DOUGLAS KEITH (1950-)

During much of the 1980s and 1990s, Doug Anguish stood out as a leading New Democratic Party (NDP) politician in the west central part of Saskatchewan. Anguish was born on July 8, 1950, in Meadow Lake to Ann (née Pope) and Willard Earl Anguish. He and his wife Mona Jane (née Karpenko) have four children: Bree, Ashala, Nikki, and Jordan.

Anguish’s full-time involvement in the political arena began with his work as a ministerial assistant, first for Ed Tchorzewski and then for Ted Bowerman. Politically ambitious himself, Anguish won as the NDP Member of Parliament for The Battlefords–Meadow Lake riding in the 1980 general election. After serving one term in Ottawa, he met defeat in the 1984 general election. Anguish successfully ran for the NDP in the constituency of The Battlefords, later known as the North Battleford constituency, in the provincial general election of 1986. As an Opposition member, he helped Roy Romanow rebuild the NDP. Anguish participated in the NDP return to power in 1991. He was re-elected in 1995, but resigned in 1996, part way through his third term.

For a time, while in office, Anguish served on Romanow’s executive council. His positions included those of minister of Energy and Mines from January 1993 to February 1995, and minister of Labour beginning in February 1995. He was reappointed to the latter position in November 1995. His duties as minister included responsibilities for the Saskatchewan Energy Conservation Authority, the Saskatchewan Research Council, the Labour Relations Board, and the Workers Compensation Board. Anguish also chaired the boards of SaskPower and SaskEnergy.

Anguish pursued active careers before and after his time in politics. Until his mid-twenties, Anguish worked as a Life Skills coach at various locations in Saskatchewan and Alberta. After his years in public office, he first served as vice-president of marketing for the Northwest Territories Development Corporation and then as manager of corporate communications for Renaissance Energy. Since 2000, Anguish has worked in a company he founded, External Solutions Ltd., a project management company for social development. He currently resides in Calgary, Alberta.

As an elected representative in Ottawa and Regina, Anguish made many contributions to his constituents and other residents of Saskatchewan. He also played an important role in his chosen New Democratic Party, including on the campaigns of other NDP politicians.

David Quiring