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Herb Cox in cabinet as Min. of Advanced Education

Battlefords MLA Herb Cox has re-entered the cabinet as Minister of Advanced Education. The announcement was made Monday in a news release from the government.
Herb Cox
Battlefords MLA Herb Cox

Battlefords MLA Herb Cox has re-entered the cabinet as Minister of Advanced Education.

The announcement was made Monday in a news release from the government. Cox is taking over from Kevin Doherty, who announced Monday he is resigning effective immediately.

The reason for Doherty’s resignation is to “focus on family issues that have arisen recently,” according to the news release. He is remaining MLA for Regina Northeast. In a statement, Premier Brad Wall thanked Doherty for his service as a minister in cabinet.

Speaking to the News-Optimist on Tuesday, Cox was enthusiastic about being back in the cabinet again.

“It was a very exciting day,” said Cox about being called in to be offered the cabinet role by Premier Brad Wall. “I’m just excited he’s shown the confidence in me again to put me back in cabinet."

Cox had previously served as minister of environment before stepping aside last summer to undergo his second stem cell transplant as part of his ongoing cancer treatment. Cox says he is now able to return to a demanding role in the government.

“I had a great summer,” said Cox. “I’ve got my energy back and I’m absolutely looking forward to the task. You know, that’s one of the questions the premier asked me and I said yeah, my health is not going to be an issue.”    

Cox admits that Doherty’s resignation was “a surprise to everyone. We never have forewarning about these things until you’re called.”

However, Cox believes the ministry he is taking on is in good shape.

“Moving into this ministry, I’m very pleased with the ministers that have gone before me and have done such a great job. I think everything’s in great shape as far as Advanced Ed is concerned.”     

Cox takes over a ministry that will be responsible for post-secondary education in the province, including the two universities, Sask Polytechnic, and the regional colleges.

“That’s a very, very important part of Saskatchewan is post-secondary education, and preparing our young people to go on in life, whether they go into post-graduate or whether they go into the workforce,” said Cox.

Cox indicated his first job will be to get up to speed on the advanced education file and meet with the ministry staff.

He expects issues such as the budget will be important going forward, as will dealing with increasing enrolments due to an increasing population. “We’re seeing increased enrolment all around,” said Cox.

However, Cox did not have any specifics to share about the issues facing the advanced education ministry, as he expects to delve into those in greater detail in the coming weeks.  

With the legislature now back in session, Cox is pleased with the initiatives outlined in what he calls an “ambitious” Throne Speech. He particularly pointed to highlights such as individualized funding for the autism spectrum disorder of $4,000 per child per year, as well as the repeal of Bill 40 as well as continued opposition to the Carbon Tax.     

Before his return to cabinet, Cox had headed up the caucus committee on crime that recently presented recommendations to the province to address the crime issue.

“I was pleased with the response of the Ministry of Justice to that file,” said Cox. The response included creation of a rural crime task force involving 258 officers with powers to arrest and detain.

“I think that’s a step in the right direction,” said Cox.