Clay Serby commented on the hot, crowded room as he took his place before reporters’ microphones at Government House in Regina July 10.
That prompted Saskatchewan premier Roy Romanow to remark that it’s going to get hotter.
Serby had just been appointed Saskatchewan agriculture minister. He takes over from Dwain Lingenfelter, who resigned last week.
Jack Hillson, Liberal MLA from North Battleford, assumes Serby’s municipal affairs portfolio, in addition to his intergovernmental affairs file.
Serby is no stranger to the heat in rural Saskatchewan. The Yorkton MLA is a social worker and was health minister when the government closed Regina’s Plains Hospital.
Read Also
Agriculture ministers agree to AgriStability changes
federal government proposed several months ago to increase the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and double the maximum payment from $3 million to $6 million
He has also been minister of highways, education, Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation and the liquor and gaming authority.
For the past nine months, he’s had to face an often angry public over municipal restructuring.
“It’s an issue and I know people will raise it with me,” he said.
But he said he will take a conciliatory approach to his new portfolio. He wants to continue the practice of reaching consensus among farm groups on various issues.
Serby, 50, said one priority is to study the safety net agreement signed last week in Fredericton. Another is to build the relationship between rural and urban Saskatchewan.
“There is a strong disconnect,” he said, “one that’s perpetuated through the political system.”
Farm groups were not surprised Serby got the job, given that he still has a hand in a farm at Theodore.
“I get my nails dirty on a regular basis out at my farm,” he said.
“I know the kinds of issues that we’re faced with.”
Some concerns
Sinclair Harrison, president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, said that likely gave him the edge over others said to be in the running.
“Certainly we’ve been through some troubled waters in municipal affairs with Mr. Serby,” he said. “It appears he has changed his ways and we will work with him as we’ve worked with all ag ministers.”
Harrison was concerned, however, that Hillson has two portfolios. He said municipal affairs deserves a full-time minister.
Saskatchewan Party MLA Dan D’Autremont panned both appointments. He said Serby does not have a good track record in rural areas and Hillson has not come out strongly enough against forced municipal amalgamation.
“This is not a happy moment for both urban and rural Saskatchewan,” he said.
Saskatchewan Wheat Pool president Marvin Wiens said Serby’s background in municipal affairs is an asset.
He said Serby has an understanding of things like infrastructure and transportation, which are closely linked to agriculture.
Wiens added Lingenfelter’s resignation came as a shock to him.
“He was a senior cabinet minister who brought some profile to the position, profile that was needed during a difficult time,” Wiens said.
“Hopefully Mr. Serby will be able to fill his shoes.”
