Grant Devine Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
Donald Grant Devine (born 1944) was the Progressive Conservative Premier of Saskatchewan from May 8, 1982 to November 1, 1991.A farmer, teacher and agricultural economist, Devine taught at the University of Saskatchewan in the 1970s before entering politics. Though losing a 1978 by-election, he was elected leader of the provincial Progressive Conservative Party in 1979. He lost a second by-election in 1980 but was finally elected to the legislature in 1982 in the same election that brought him to power as Premier, the first Tory premeir since James T.M. Anderson formed a government in 1929.
Devine's government privatized several crown corporations, introduced conservative reforms to labour law and welfare and attempted to attract foreign investment. His economic polices resulted in a large budget deficit (the province had had a balanced budget under the Saskatchewan NDP) and his government was defeated in 1991 after two terms with his party being reduced to ten seats in the legislature.
Grant Devine led what was arguably one of the most corrupt governments in modern Canadian history. Although Devine himself was never accused of criminal wrongdoing, several members of his Cabinet were sent to prison due to a kickback scandal that operated during Devine's second term from 1986-1991 . Due to these problems the Saskatchewan Progressive Conservative party was disbanded after his administration. Many former members and supporters now support the Saskatchewan Party.
In 2004, Devine announced his intention to return to politics and run for the federal Conservative Party of Canada but the party ruled he was an undesirable candidate and denied him the right to seek a nomination. On May 7, Devine announced his intention of running as an independent in the 2004 federal election for the riding of Souris-Moose Mountain. This action resulted in Devine being expelled from the party on June 8.
Despite his past record as premier and his Independent status, Devine managed to finish the election runner-up to Conservative candidate Ed Komarnicki, receiving 8399 votes (29.42%).
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Preceded by: Allan Blakeney | Premiers of Saskatchewan |
Succeeded by: Roy Romanow |
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