Flags are flying half-mast at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building in memory of political figure Ken Krawetz. Krawetz was first elected to the Saskatchewan legislature in 1995 and became a founding member of the Saskatchewan Party in 1997. He retired as an MLA in 2016. Members from both sides of the legislature have paid tribute. “We had some strong debates on different files but a level of warm conversation and respect for one another and — certainly got to know how deeply he cared about his family as well through that period of time,” NDP MLA Trent Wotherspoon said. “He really will be missed and we send our deepest condolences to Gail and the entire family and all that loved him.” Jeremy Harrison also offered his condolences. “It’s very sad. It’s very sad and words that I can provide really, I don’t think, do service to how grateful we are to Ken number one and number two how much we are going to miss him,” said Saskatchewan Party MLA Jeremy Harrison. Premier Scott Moe took to social media offering his condolences saying “Ken was always the guy who brought logic, integrity, compassion and common sense to arrive at the right decision.” Krawetz was also very active in the Ukrainian community, helping enact legislation recognizing the Holodomor and supported the creation of a memorial on the grounds of the legislative building. “The importance of it to him both personally and professionally is quite profound and something that we will always be grateful to him for, establishing that Act here in the province of Saskatchewan, which was the first place in North America to officially recognize the Holodomor as genocide,” said Elena Krueger, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. The public can sign a book of condolences at the legislative building as plans are made for a memorial service.
