By Patrick Book

Former premier Allan Blakeney recognized at Saskatchewan Legislature

Apr 18, 2011 | 5:16 PM

The passing of former Saskatchewan premier Allan Blakeney was recognized at the legislature in a special statement before Question Period Monday afternoon.

“On behalf of a grateful province, thank you, sir. Rest in peace,” said Premier Brad Wall.

Wall called Blakeney the province's “steady hand” during the tumultuous 1970s. That's when the harmful National Energy Program was created in Ottawa and when Blakeney created Crown corporations to mine for potash, oil and gas.

NDP leader Dwain Lingenfelter insists that's when Blakeney's brilliant mind and determination where at their most forceful.

“He was willing to take on not only the potash companies, but also Ottawa, in the struggle over who controlled that resource and who should benefit from the then rising price of potash,” Lingenfelter said.

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Wall acknowledged that his ideology clashes with Blakeney's, but said Blakeney would've appreciated a good political debate.

Blakeney was Saskatchewan's tenth premier from 1971 to 1982. He passed away Saturday at the age of 85 after a short battle with cancer.

The province has scheduled a memorial service for Blakeney at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 7.

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