Representative Equity: Women in Politics

SHERI BENSON

For 25 years, Sheri Benson has brought people together to tackle some of the most pressing issues in Saskatoon

As CEO for the local United Way since 2009, Sheri worked with community, labour and business groups to launch Saskatoon’s first-ever Plan to End Homelessness.

Sheri was elected to Canada’s House of Commons in 2015 serving for 4 years as the Member of Parliament for Saskatoon West.

As a Member of Parliament, Sheri served as the NDP Critic for Labour, Deputy Critic for LGBTQ2+ issues, NDP Critic for Housing and Vice-chair of the Special Committee on Pay Equity.

 

DR. LILLIAN DYCK

lLillian is well-known for her extensive work in the senate on Missing & Murdered Aboriginal Women. She was the first female First Nations senator and first Canadian born Chinese senator. She earned her Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science in Biochemistry, and aPh.D. in Biological Psychiatry from the University of Saskatchewan. She was conferred a Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa by Cape Breton University in 2007. Senator Dyck was a Full Professor in the Neuropsychiatry Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Associate Dean, College of Graduate Studies & Research at the University of Saskatchewan.

 

NICOLE SARAUER

Nicole is the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the opposition critic for Justice, Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, SaskGaming, Corrections and Policing, and the Provincial Capital Commission. Nicole grew up in Regina and practiced law at a private firm until 2011, when she moved to practice at a provincial charity which provides free legal repre- sentation to those who need access to the justice system. Nicole was elected in 2012 as a Trustee of the Regina Catholic School Board. She has served as a volunteer and board member with groups such as the Regina Sexual Assault Centre, Regina’s chapter of Amnesty International, and the YWCA Big Sisters program.

DIANE BOYKO

Diane is a strong advocate of Catholic education within the educational landscape of Saskatchewan.she was elected to the Board of GSCS in 2003 and has served in the capacity of Chair for the past 12 years.

She works diligently building partnerships with numerous agencies, service and community groups to ensure education is at the forefront of community conversations.

She has co-chaired the JUNO Music Awards, served on the committees of the CCMA Awards, provided mentorship with Leadership Saskatoon. and involves herself with many Tourism Saskatoon initiatives.

 

 

SANDRA MASTERS

Sandra was in sworn in as Regina’s 35th mayor and first elected female mayor on November 23rd, 2020. Proudly Saskatchewan, Mayor Masters grew up in the prairies and has called Regina home for more than 20 years.Prior to being elected, she was employed in the agriculture sector. Her professional career has included com- mercial real estate, banking and financing. A corporate and community leader who has volunteered her time, energy and passion to organizations such as Regina Exhibition Association Limited, Hockey Regina, Lakeview Elementary School, coaching \and volunteering with youth sports.