Throne Speech Debate (26 October 2023)

 

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Lumsden-Morse.

Mr. B. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to speak to all of my colleagues in this House today and to deliver my maiden speech, as it is often dubbed. The member from Saskatoon Eastview has already given me a gracious introduction, and I will be sure the next time a low object appears in my path that I will duck at the appropriate time. Thank you, member from Saskatoon Eastview . . . [inaudible interjection] . . . Southeast, sorry, Southeast. Thank you so much. Helpful people all around me.

I stand here today as the newly elected MLA from Lumsden-Morse, and I’m feeling very thankful, tremendously grateful, and abundantly blessed. Mr. Speaker, being elected on August 10th of this year, I’m now the green and fresh MLA from Lumsden-Morse with many things to learn. I may not look green and fresh on the outside — grey hair has a habit of doing that — but I still feel like I am on the inside, green and fresh.

I’m a husband, a brother, a dad, a papa, an uncle, and a hard-working dairy farmer who decided it’s time, it’s high time to have a voice from the inside right here in this revered Chamber. That’s just one small voice, one of 61 members, only 1.64 per cent of the entire voice of this legislature, Mr. Speaker. But it’s a voice that I trust will represent my constituents well and will bring some positive changes within the continued good work of our government.

Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a few words regarding the former Lumsden-Morse MLA, the Hon. Lyle Stewart. I know as I speak in regards to the Hon. Lyle Stewart, I know he’s watching and I wish him well. I wish him well. He has been a friend and a mentor for many years, and I would like to acknowledge his faithful service to the province of Saskatchewan for twenty-three and a half years.

When Lyle decided to retire for some very obvious health reasons on March 10th of this year, I thought long and hard about filling those shoes. Who could possibly do that? I’ve committed many years to political engagement and often helped with events and elections throughout our constituency. But in the last eight months, I gained a new appreciation and understanding of the importance, the commitment, and the very hard work that this role requires. Although we all sit in this room, and some of us on the opposite side, I know that we can agree on a few things, Mr. Speaker: we all want what is best for this great province of Saskatchewan that we call home, we want what’s best for our families, and we all want what’s best for our future.

And speaking of wanting what’s best for the future, I am confident that my grandfather had that in mind as he headed west in the early 1900s. John Isaac McLeod never realized completely what his journey from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, would eventually establish. Born the seventh son of a Scottish immigrant, he and his brother Bill eventually arrived and settled in the Welwyn district where my grandpa worked for an established farmer. In time he married the farmer’s daughter and saved enough to buy a half section of land. He later purchased another quarter of land for the exorbitant price of $200. Wow, I wish I could buy that land.

Tragedy struck this young family and his first wife died, leaving him with three young daughters. The call for a nanny went out and Elsie May Hussey arrived, answering that call. A recent new immigrant from England herself, she came to help from Selkirk, Manitoba. Fate would have it that she would never leave. And together she and John McLeod would raise their own family of 11 — nine boys, two girls — my father, Bob, being the first-born. Clearly they listened when they said “be fruitful and multiply.”

Life was not easy, Mr. Speaker, but they persevered with the confidence that hard work and sacrifice would bring its own rewards. In an 18-by-30-foot log house with a soddie addition, this young family left their mark on the young province of Saskatchewan.

My Uncle Bruce, second born in the family who at age 90 still helps us on our dairy farm, remarked recently that he marvelled at how my grandma was able to keep them all fed. He never recalls being hungry, and was quick to say that there was always room at their table for any guest who may have been in need. They were all taught to work hard, take responsibility for your own actions, and do your part to ensure those around you are also cared for. Mr. Speaker, isn’t that the Saskatchewan way?

[11:30]

A very inhospitable land, which was first inhabited by our First Nations people, who innately understood that strong communities is the only way to survive. And then a wave of immigrants who recognized the value of hard work, personal responsibility, and the knowledge that together they could accomplish much more than they could separately.

And so, Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today in this greatly revered and honoured Chamber knowing that a firm foundation has been laid by all of our ancestors. We have only begun to fulfill the vision of our forefathers, and I hope to have a small part in continuing the great work that is Saskatchewan, a province blessed with abundant natural resources, many which are unmatched in the world, 40 per cent of Canada’s arable land mass, and a population of resourceful and hard-working people.

I commit to the building of Canada’s greatest province and protecting the investment — some of which was made with blood, sweat, and tears — protecting the investment of those who came before us.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take some time to thank those who have made this journey possible. First of all I want to thank my family. Though my mom and dad, Bob and Ruth McLeod, are both gone, I acknowledge the godly upbringing that grounded me with a strong personal faith in God. Our home was one where responsibility was required at a very young age, and by example my parents instilled in me the necessity of working hard to find my place in the world.

Growing up with six sisters and one brother meant there were always many healthy competitions in our household. One of the sisters is in the gallery opposite. Thank you for being here, Carol. Fortitude, compromise, the art of persuasion, and enduring love for each other were all great lessons that we learned in our large family, but the most important lesson, Mr. Speaker, was make sure you get up early in the morning so you really get to use the bathroom when you need to.

My greatest joy in life comes from my wife and family. God has blessed us with three children — two sons, Michael and Mark, and a daughter, Jessica — and 10 grandchildren. They are indeed my first calling in life. They know and understand first-hand the interesting family dynamics that exist. They all see the best in me but they’ve also seen the worst. They know my thoughts, my body language, my heart, and they keep me grounded. And I am assured of their unfailing love.

My thanks go out today to my dearest Marlie Beth, my wife of 42 years. And the member from Saskatoon Eastview. I actually remembered that statistic.

Some Hon. Members: — Southeast.

Mr. B. McLeod: — Southeast. Goodness sakes, I’ll get it right.

My wife of 42 years could stand here today and deliver this speech because together we have lived the words I have written. She’s my best friend, my confidant, the only woman who has known my deepest love and will always have first place in my life. Marlie Beth, I could simply not do life without you.

Our kids, they certainly asked some hard questions when it came to seeking this position. Let’s face it. Not only do you elect an MLA, but his or her family are also put under the microscope.

Our children have taught us lessons, many lessons, many life lessons. Perhaps the biggest is how to put others first. As we entered the years of parenthood, our focus naturally moved to their needs, and so putting others first becomes a natural occurrence. My life was no longer just about me but me representing them, standing up for them when needed, bringing correction when needed, and eating the occasional piece of humble pie, even though I would have preferred my wife’s homemade peach pie — nothing better.

I think I can rate all of that to my new role as the MLA from Lumsden-Morse. This role isn’t about me. It’s about humbly representing the people of my constituency and, by extension, the province of Saskatchewan. It’s about standing up for what they need, serving faithfully, and occasionally, yes, eating some humble pie. Right up front I recognize and acknowledge that no one is perfect, and if I ever think I am, I have indeed lost my way.

Mr. Speaker, I repeat the words that I first spoke at my nomination meeting. If I were to summarize my life’s motto, it would come from the Bible, where the greatest command is given to us in the Gospel of Matthew:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: love your neighbour as yourself.

My wife and I have practised that in our lives and have always sought ways to help anyone around us who is in need. I will take that attitude and mindset to this very legislature and will be that person who is ready and willing to serve and meet the needs of all who reach out. Maybe not always successfully, but always with an open door, a listening ear, and a caring heart.

Mr. Speaker, I now want to acknowledge and thank the efforts of an amazing team that helped me win the seat that I stand in front of today. Let me start with my campaign Chair, and now constituency assistant, Brandy Magnus. Brandy is a busy wife and mom of four boys under 13, a partner in a local business, and actively involved in community events. I remain in awe of her capacity to keep things organized and on track.

And to Kelly Hinderager, who will also assist in running our office, Kelly, your attention to detail and especially the financial aspects of our constituency administration is greatly appreciated. I look forward to working with both of you and continuing to develop a strong friendship.

To those that helped with signs — Dan, Greg, Bruce, Carson, Glynn, Jim, and Cody — thanks for your excellent efforts.

To those that helped with knocking doors — Brandy, Linda, Carol, Kathy, Chris, Lilly, Theo, Lori, Brad, and Glynn — I’m pretty sure I missed one or two in there, but forgive me. I can’t thank you enough for your faithful service during some of the hottest days of the year. Absolute scorchers.

To those who took the time to drive me around and make introductions in our rural communities — Jim, Dale, Carson, Gary, Randy, and Verne; Carson is here today with my sister, my brother-in-law — your time spent with me during the busy farming season was amazing. Somehow we made it work.

To our dedicated phone volunteers, thank you so much. And a special thank you to my mother-in-law — my favourite mother-in-law absolutely, and my only mother-in-law, just so you know. Just to clarify, Peg, you’ve done an amazing job for me and I thank you so much.

And all those who contributed financially, amazing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It truly does take a dedicated team to be successful.

Mr. Speaker, the campaign to win this seat has taught me a lot. Every door has a name, and the people inside may hold different values than the next. Some have bigger needs than others. Some have been living in the constituency for a few short years. Some have lived here for decades. Some are farmers or ranchers and were born and raised here. Some are teachers. Some are health care workers. Some need jobs, while others feel overworked. All the conversations, all the conversations added value to the experience of running for office. And I want to thank my constituents for opening their doors this summer and taking the time to talk.

And, Mr. Speaker, all the voices are important — The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, to quote a title from a Clint Eastwood movie. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me and for giving me this chance to represent you. And I will see all of you again in October of 2024.

I would be remiss to not thank the efforts of our party office staff, a great team of individuals, and especially to Patrick and Dylan. Your leadership and consistent conference calls during the election kept us all on track.

Several of my colleagues in this House also joined in and helped our campaign — the member from The Battlefords, Regina Pasqua, Melfort, Moose Jaw North, and Arm River. You all gave of your time, your advice, and your encouragement, and many of you as well sent notes of encouragement. I appreciated it all.

But a special thanks to the member from Moose Jaw North for graciously letting us co-exist in a shared constituency office. Though we share a surname, I am here to say that we are not related, other than having great Scottish roots together. And a personal thanks to the Moose Jaw North constituency administrator Jacqui for the hands-on mentorship that she has provided to myself and my office staff. Together on this journey, my staff and I are learning a new language and we are so grateful for all the help.

Mr. Speaker, I have been graciously welcomed to our caucus with lots of helpful advice and offers of support: advice on when to stand, when to sit, how much time I have to speak. Some of the best advice I was given reflects my own upbringing. I’ve often heard from my parents that you have two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you speak. Great advice.

I’m truly grateful for all the advice I’ve been given. Actually I need to correct that statement. I’m grateful for most of the advice. And I need to set this up a little bit by saying that I’m a dairy farmer. And if you know anything about dairy farming, its consistency and attention to the detail are super important. Every cow has their place. Every cow has a social standing, and if you mess that up you are in real trouble. It’s not going to go well for you.

So when looking for a place at a recent caucus meeting — not my first one, but my second or third, and I don’t recall exactly when — but the chairs were just a little bit different. And I thought, okay, where do I sit? It was pointed out that there was an empty spot by our caucus Chair and I should try sitting there. Thankfully I didn’t take that advice since the Premier had yet to take his place. Good-natured fun. I think I will be good friends with the member from Saskatoon Riversdale.

And so, Mr. Speaker, as I put my hand to the plow, to borrow an agricultural axiom, I will continue to look forward to the opportunities to build and protect the investments made in this great province. And when I do look back it is going to be to acknowledge the sacrifices made by all of our forefathers, knowing that our best days are yet to come. The world needs more of Saskatchewan, and so I commit to making that happen, to helping to make that happen.

Mr. Speaker, our province is experiencing tremendous population growth, the largest growth in more than a century. Continued investments in infrastructure and human resources are vital to sustain that population. Strong economic growth will continue to allow our government to invest in Saskatchewan and all of its people. Let us commit today to leaving no one behind.

With that said, I’m very pleased, honoured, and grateful to second the motion in support of the Speech from the Throne. Thank you.