Buckley Belanger
- Born
- March 21, 1960
- Family
- Married to Rebecca Pederson, they have three adult daughters
- Career
- Mayor of Île-à-la-Crosse from 1988 to 1994, journalist and administrator for MBC Radio
- Political Experience
- MLA for Athabasca from 1995 to 2021, Secretary of State (Rural Development) since 2025
- Notable
- Of Métis descent
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering politics, Buckley Belanger reportedly worked as a broadcaster for the Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation. He also has reported work experience with Cameco, a major uranium mining company. His primary career for several decades was in provincial politics, where he served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Saskatchewan from 1995 until 2021. During his time as an MLA, he held several cabinet positions.
Key Relationships & Connections
For over 25 years, Belanger was a prominent member of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party, serving in the cabinets of former premiers Roy Romanow and Lorne Calvert. In 2021, he switched parties to run for the federal Liberal Party under leader Justin Trudeau. Belanger also has a notable family connection in politics; his daughter, Georgina Jolibois, has also served as a Member of Parliament for the federal NDP in the same riding and as a Saskatchewan NDP MLA.
Public Controversies
In August 2021, a public controversy emerged when Belanger announced he was resigning his seat as a long-serving Saskatchewan NDP MLA to seek the federal Liberal nomination in the riding of Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River. The decision was considered a surprise and drew criticism from his former provincial party. His resignation from the legislature triggered a provincial by-election for his seat, which the Saskatchewan NDP subsequently lost to the governing Saskatchewan Party.
Where Buckley falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
How does Buckley Belanger's voting record line up with your values?
Mr. Speaker, more Liberals from Saskatchewan are coming, so the cavalry is on its way. We will take no lessons from the Conservatives over there. Why? Because they did nothing for 10 long years. Since their absence from Saskatchewan to come over here and do nothing, what has happened back home? This headline reads, “Saskatchewan Value Added Agricultural Revenue Reaches Record $8.4 Billion”,
Minister of Finance Mr. Speaker, there is more good news, as thelikes to point out. The good news is that canola sales to China are happening. Uranium sales to India are happening. Canada is eliminating interprovincial barriers. We are building a great Canadian economy. The best news is that we are standing alongside Saskatchewan to continue building the Saskatchewan economy.
Prime Minister Mr. Speaker, we absolutely reject the premise of the Leader of the Opposition's argument. I want to quote what thesaid several days ago: “The government will always defend private property rights.” I will say it again: “The government will always defend private property rights. We immediately appealed the Cowichan decision. We have always defended private property rights; we
Prime Minister Mr. Speaker, the court system, not the House of Commons, should be dealing with this matter. All I am saying today, as a result of some of the discussions we are having, is to not misrepresent what thehas stated in the House of Commons. That is why I have read, very slowly, three or four times, his exact quote about private property rights. Prime Minister It is not fair for the
Mr. Speaker, I have the incredible pleasure of serving as MP for a northern Saskatchewan seat. As an indigenous person within the House of Commons, I feel compelled to make sure we correct the record, in terms of what the opposition motion is suggesting. Winnipeg North I want to point out I will be sharing my time with the member for. Before I get into my presentation, I want to say that
Mr. Speaker, we spoke about the value of Canada, and of course I spoke about my family's service to Canada in the Snowbird response. With my brother having been a flight engineer with the Royal Canadian Air Force for 26 years, I think we should never put any pilots or any of our service members in older aircraft that may not be safe. I would also dare say, with all the information that we have
Mr. Speaker, that is exactly the point. Why do the Conservatives bring up the issue in their effort to divide Canadians? I think it is more crucial at this time that we unite our country in as many ways as we possibly can. Somewhere along the line, somebody has to start talking about Canada's interests, and I notice, as an example, with the Alberta northern chiefs, that first nations leaders have