Roy Romanow

Roy Romanow
Name	Roy Romanow
Caption	Romanow in 1997
Birth date	June 5, 1939
Birth place	Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Nationality	Canadian
Alma mater	University of Saskatchewan; Osgoode Hall Law School
Occupation	Politician; Lawyer
Office	12th Premier of Saskatchewan
Term start	November 1, 1991
Term end	February 8, 2001
Predecessor	Grant Devine
Successor	Lorne Calvert
Party	Saskatchewan New Democratic Party

Roy Romanow (born June 5, 1939) is a Canadian politician and lawyer who served as the 12th Premier of Saskatchewan from 1991 to 2001. He led the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party to government during a period of fiscal retrenchment and health care debate, later chairing a federal commission on Canada's public health care system. Romanow's career spans provincial cabinet posts, legal practice, and high-profile public inquiries involving figures such as Jean Chrétien and institutions like Health Canada.

Early life and education

Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Romanow was raised in a family of Ukrainian Canadians and Romanian Canadians heritage. He attended local schools in Saskatoon before studying arts and law at the University of Saskatchewan, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws. He later pursued postgraduate legal education at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, aligning with contemporaries from institutions such as McGill University and Queen's University. During his formative years he was influenced by provincial figures like Tommy Douglas and national leaders including Lester B. Pearson and Pierre Trudeau.

Legal and early political career

After being called to the bar, Romanow practised law in Saskatoon and served as a legal advisor to union and community organizations connected to the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour and municipal bodies such as the City of Saskatoon. He entered provincial politics as a member of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party, winning a legislative seat and serving in cabinet under Premiers including Allan Blakeney. In cabinet he held portfolios tied to finance and intergovernmental affairs, interacting with federal counterparts like Brian Mulroney and bureaucrats from departments such as Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. His early legislative work intersected with public institutions including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on regional policing issues and with Crown corporations such as Saskatchewan Government Insurance.

Premier of Saskatchewan (1991–2001)

Romanow became Premier after the 1991 provincial election, succeeding a government led by Grant Devine. His administration confronted fiscal challenges similar to those faced by premiers like Bob Rae in Ontario and Ralph Klein in Alberta, necessitating interactions with federal leaders including Jean Chrétien over transfer payments and fiscal arrangements such as the Canada Health Transfer. During his tenure he engaged with national bodies like the Canadian Labour Congress and provincial counterparts including Roy McMurtry and Gary Filmon on interprovincial initiatives. He led his party through two majority mandates and worked with institutions including the Saskatchewan Legislative Building and the provincial civil service.

Policy initiatives and governance

Romanow's government implemented fiscal consolidation measures, restructuring public finances in ways comparable to policy shifts in provinces such as Newfoundland and Labrador and British Columbia. His administration reformed public services, negotiated with unions including the Public Service Alliance of Canada on labour settlements, and managed Crown corporations like SaskEnergy and SaskTel. Health policy during his premiership involved cooperation and dispute with federal agencies including Health Canada and advocacy groups such as the Canadian Medical Association. On Indigenous relations he engaged with organizations like the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and federal departments such as Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada over land, education, and social services. Economic development initiatives saw collaboration with companies like Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan and institutions such as the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Research Council.

Post-premiership roles and public service

After leaving provincial office, Romanow chaired the Royal Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada, reporting to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and producing recommendations debated by politicians including Paul Martin and organizations like the Canadian Nurses Association. He served on boards and commissions that connected him to institutions such as Health Canada, the Canadian Institute for Health Information, and academic centres at Queen's University and University of Toronto. Romanow also provided counsel in national dialogues alongside figures like Michael Kirby and Allan Rock, and participated in public forums hosted by think tanks such as the Conference Board of Canada and the Institute for Research on Public Policy.

Personal life and legacy

Romanow is married and has family ties in Saskatoon and the broader Saskatchewan community, maintaining associations with cultural institutions such as the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. His legacy is frequently cited in discussions alongside leaders like Tommy Douglas and Lorne Calvert for contributions to provincial fiscal policy and national health-care debate. He has received honours from institutions including the Order of Canada and academic recognitions from universities such as the University of Saskatchewan. Commentators from media outlets like the Globe and Mail and the Regina Leader-Post continue to reference his role in shaping late 20th-century Canadian provincial politics.

Category:Premiers of Saskatchewan Category:Canadian lawyers Category:Members of the Order of Canada