Sinclair Harrison recognized in Legislature
Harrison presented with King Charles Coronation Medal
December 10, 2024, 1:46 pm
Sinclair Harrison was invited to the Saskatchewan Legislature Wednesday by Moosomin-Montmartre MLA Kevin Weedmark.
Weedmark did a member statement in the Legislative Assembly about Sinclair.
"Mr. Speaker, I’d like to join with the Premier, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Highways in introducing my friend Sinclair Harrison and his family in the Speaker’s gallery this afternoon," said Weedmark.
"Sinc has contributed greatly to this province over the years. He’s had so many honours over the years, including being inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame. And he’s going to be receiving another honour this afternoon.
"I met Sinc when I first moved to Moosomin. And I first knew him as the very outspoken reeve of the RM of Moosomin. And over the years he took that role, he took his role as the long-time president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities and did so much for the province over the years.
"And he’s never been afraid to get his hands dirty, never been afraid to do the real work, literally. I remember one time that when the Red Lily Wind Farm was in the planning stages . . . It was one of the first wind farms in Saskatchewan, and before it was built there had to be a tower go up to do some wind tests. And Sinclair and Mark Bateman and Samit Sharma from Gaia Power were out in the field, literally putting up the tower themselves to get that done.
"So I think that speaks volumes about Sinc. He was instrumental in getting that whole project off the ground, and he was out there in the field literally, literally doing the work.
"So with Sinc in the Speaker’s gallery today are his friend and colleague Mark Bateman, who was the long-time reeve of the RM of Martin; his daughter Tami Moffatt and her husband, Terry Weber; grandson Kyle Moffatt and daughter Bailey; Paula Potter, her husband, Carlin, and their son Zachary and grandson Mark.
"And I ask everyone to join me in welcoming Sinc and his family to their Legislative Assembly."
Municipal leader leaves a legacy of service to Saskatchewan
Weedmark continued, "Mr. Speaker, Sinclair Harrison is someone who has contributed greatly to this province. To his family, Sinc is a man of compassion, integrity, and generosity. To his friends, Sinc is a loyal, lifelong friend. And to the province, Sinc is someone who made a difference.
“He was elected to the RM of Moosomin council in 1974, became reeve two years later, and served the RM for 30 years. He was elected to the SARM board in 1986, became president in 1994, serving eight years as SARM president. He was a strong, unwavering voice for rural Saskatchewan and a tireless defender of rural interests. He’s most proud of his role in stopping the forced amalgamation of municipalities that the former government had attempted. His advocacy for rural Saskatchewan in that role will never be forgotten.
"He made a historic contribution to this province in his work on SARM’s land claims committee, helping pave the way for land purchases for both treaty land entitlement and specific land claims. He was involved in bringing one of the first wind farms to Saskatchewan, forming the Farmer Rail Car Coalition, served on the action committee on the rural economy, chaired the Hudson Bay Route Association, ensured the Trans Canada Trail was completed across Saskatchewan, and did so much more. Through those roles Sinc has made absolutely incredible contributions to this province.
"Mr. Speaker, Sinc Harrison has led a life of service and made a tremendous contribution to this province, and I want to recognize and thank him for his contributions. Thank you."