Schofield appointed | Longtime military supporter gets the nod
Vaughn Solomon Schofield will be Saskatchewan’s next lieutenant-governor.
Prime minister Stephen Harper announced March 6 that Schofield, from Regina Beach, will take over from outgoing lt.-gov. Gordon Barnhart at a date to be announced.
Schofield has a long history of community involvement including business, the arts and crime prevention.
Although she is perhaps not as well known as previous holders of the office, those in military circles say she holds a high profile there.
Corrections minister Yogi Huyghebaert, a former Snowbird pilot, said her work as chair of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council and other military activities is highly regarded.
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“She’s a very hardworking individual,” he told reporters.
“I think she’ll be a great ambassador for the people of the province and she’ll just do good work travelling the province and working with the people of the province, especially the young people.”
Schofield is an honorary lieutenant-colonel of 38 Saskatchewan Service Battalion.
In Ottawa, Harper and Saskatchewan Liberal MP Ralph Goodale noted Schofield’s military support.
The liaison council helps forces members and reservists find jobs and services once their service time ends.
“This was a program started by (former lieutenant-governor) Jack Wiebe and when he left, he passed it off to the business community,” Goodale said. “Vaughn has been a leader in that effort.”
He said she has also been involved in organizing the military families’ gala in Regina and a Canadian Forces tribute at Saskatchewan Roughriders games.
“I think most people will know her for her support of the military and her community work,” Goodale said. “She’s got a very long and prestigious resume and a real sense of community service.”
Saskatchewan interim NDP leader John Nilson said he knew Schofield through her involvement in the arts.
“I don’t know her well, but I do know her from many activities here in Regina, and I actually knew her father, who was a prominent person in Saskatchewan life over many years,” he said.
Schofield is president of the Western Group of Companies, which has business real estate interests throughout Western Canada.
She taught English at schools in Montreal and Toronto but has dedicated much of her time to volunteer interests. She was chair of the board for Crime Watch, wrote and hosted a crime prevention talk show in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has served on boards of many other organizations. She is fluent in Spanish.
She received the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 2009.
Schofield has not been overtly politically partisan.
“I’m very honoured to do this,” Saskatchewan’s 21st vice-regal representative said.
“I’m looking very much forward to serving the people of the province and working with the government in support of the monarchy.”
Schofield is married to Gordon. Their daughter, Whitney, is a pediatric dentist and son George is mayor of Regina Beach.
Premier Brad Wall congratulated Schofield on her appointment and praised retiring Barnhart and his wife, Naomi, for their contribution.
“They have touched so many people with their warmth and generous spirit, but none more than the youth of our province through the lieutenant-governor’s leadership forum.”
