New Battlefords MLA Herb Cox made reference to the long and winding road he took towards the legislature during his opening address in the Legislature.
His inaugural address as a Saskatchewan Party MLA, delivered the evening of Dec. 6 in the legislature, was in response to the government's speech from the throne delivered the previous day by Lieutenant-Governor Gordon Barnhart.
Cox spoke in support of the throne speech and against a tacked-on NDP amendment opposing it.
According to the Hansard transcript of the speech, Cox noted the long journey it took for him to obtain the seat in the legislature, a journey he says will make him a better MLA.
"My journey to become the legislative representative for the Battlefords began quite some time ago," said Cox. "As one colleague quipped on election night, 'you kind of took the scenic route.' Well we both chuckled at first, but then I realized that the scenic route has prepared me to be a more effective representative for my constituents. My first campaign experience was a manager for the 2003 election. Then I ran unsuccessfully in 2007.
"But, Mr. Speaker, I believe the past four years have given me an honest appreciation of the work and dedication exhibited by the members of this assembly. The scenic route has allowed me to carefully observe and learn what is involved in becoming the best representative I can possibly be. It has allowed me to accept invitations to functions such as an elders' round dance at the Sweetgrass First Nation, numerous chamber of commerce events, and participate in many worthwhile fundraising projects. Along with this I have been able, on a personal level, to assist fellow citizens with questions or concerns with various government departments."
Cox voiced support for the policies of the Brad Wall government as outlined in the throne speech. As well, he touched on the many projects going on in the Battlefords, including the construction of the SaskPower and Northland Power plants, construction of the Credit Union CUPlex and the commitment to replace Saskatchewan Hospital.
He also made reference to the historical role of the town of Battleford as the territorial capital in the 19th century. He talked about Battleford being the location of the original Land Titles Building for the Northwest Territories, the oldest brick building in Saskatchewan, noting the restoration efforts for that structure. He also spoke of the old Government House, which was destroyed by fire in 2003.
"Mr. Speaker, I, like so many other residents of the Battlefords, was devastated the day our beloved Government House burned to the ground," said Cox. "In my former profession as a realtor and many years before that fire, I was requested to conduct a full evaluation of Government House for insurance purposes. Allow me to say that, although not as grand as this chamber, the Government House in Battleford was a beautifully appointed building with amazing architecture and remarkable furnishings. We truly lost a treasured piece of our history that day, and I feel so fortunate to have a very clear and profound memory of that historically grand structure.
" our Government House was truly a major attraction to the Battlefords and a deep source of pride for all of our constituents. Anyone who has visited the Battlefords knows what a rich history we have in our community. A quick tour would include a visit to our town hall, with its unique opera theatre on the top floor, then a stop at our historic Fort Battleford, followed by a stroll through Colonel Otter Park where today you can still see the trenches from battle preparations from years gone by."
Cox made sure to thank his supporters and his family during his speech.
"My greatest supporter through all of this has been my wife, Linda. I will never be able to thank her enough for her strength, her encouragement, her support, guidance and her great insight into things that I, on occasion, missed. Along with Linda's support came the unwavering and loyal support of our three children, they and their partners. They make us proud every day.
"So many people provided such strong support and influence to all of my steps on this great journey. I certainly cannot name them all here today, so to each and every one of you I say a heartfelt thank you. I will never forget all of your efforts. To the residents of the Battlefords constituency who have put their confidence in my ability to represent them, I thank them for their trust. I will work every day to continue to be worthy of their trust by honestly and faithfully representing them in this assembly."
