Minister of Aboriginal Affairs resigns

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On Jan. 21, Chris Axworthy, provincial minister of Aboriginal Affairs, announced his resignation from the portfolio, as well as from the portfolios of Justice, and Intergovernmental Affairs. He also announced that he will not be seeking re-election as MLA for the Saskatoon-Fairview riding, which he has represented since June 1999.

Axworthy began his political career at the federal level in 1988, when he was elected as the NDP MP for Saskatoon-Clark's Crossing. He was re-elected for a second term in 1993, and then for a third term in 1997, this time as MP for the Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar riding, formed when riding boundaries were redrawn in 1996.

He resigned from federal politics in June 1999, and was elected as MLA for Saskatoon-Fairview in a by-election that same month, He was re-elected in the next general election in Sept. 1999.

Axworthy was appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General on Sept. 30, 1999, and as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs on Oct. 12, 2001. He also held the portfolio of Intergovernmental Affairs from Feb. 8, 2001 to March 26, 2002.

"I have found my years in public life extremely valuable and rewarding. It has been a great privilege to serve the people of this province," Axworthy said.

"I am currently exploring career opportunities in private life, including teaching law and work with an established Saskatchewan law firm."

Before beginning his political career, Axworthy taught law at the University of New Brunswick, Dalhousie law school, and the University of Saskatchewan.

Minister of Government Relations Ron Osika will assume the role of Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs on an interim basis, while Minister of Health John Nilson will be the acting Minister of Justice.