Now, 11 years after that election victory and two others following it, Michelson is about to step aside as MLA for Moose Jaw North.
Michelson announced Jan. 21 that he wouldn't be seeking re-election in the 2020 Saskatchewan election, meaning his time representing citizens of Moose Jaw North is about to come to an end.
“Just with the time I've spent and looking at another four years, it seems like the right time,” Michelson said. “I have so many great memories of being in the community and the people I've met, it's hard to leave that kind of thing behind but I'm sure whoever comes after me will do a great job representing the party and the constituents.”
Michelson's time in office was characterized by a near constant community presence at events all over Moose Jaw, regardless of whether the times were the most positive for the Sask Party or not. That engagement is something he said he's going to miss.
“Being a part of the community is really important to me, so I don't think I'll be stepping back completely,” Michelson said. “There are so many great people and organizations in our city that deserve support, so I'll still try and get out there and be a part of it.”
Positive Changes
Moose Jaw in general has seen many changes and improvements in the last 11 years, many of which Michelson and his government played a role in bringing to fruition – Mosaic Place and YaraCentre, investment in public housing, child care facilities and improvements to schools. But the greatest advancement of all sits on the northeast edge of the city: the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital, which opened in 2016. It was something Michelson had campaigned on, and to see it come to fruition was a major moment.
“I think when I got the call that the Wigmore hospital was going ahead, that was pretty special,” Michelson said. “But just being a part of the community, that's something I'll always remember and always enjoyed being a part of.”
That kind of government and personal investment paid off for Michelson in subsequent elections after 2007. He increased his margin of victory in both 2011 and 2016, winning what would be his final election by over 60 per cent of the vote.
Warren has served on a variety of committees as an MLA, including vice chair of the Public Accounts committee, co-chairing the Saskatchewan Construction Panel, serving on the Red Tape Reduction Committee, the Committee on the Economy, Chair of the Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice committee, and Legislative Secretary to the Minister of the Economy in regards to Manufacturing in the Province and was the provincial delegate for the Pacific Northwest Economic Region.
As could be expected by that list alone, working as an MLA takes up a fair amount of one's time. So what are the current MLA's plans once he becomes a former MLA?
“I have a car I've been meaning to work on and there are some home improvements I'd like to get to, like putting up a new fence, so I'll be busy,” Michelson said with a laugh. “Then there are the grandkids, I'll be able to spend more time with them... but I'll still be in the community, too, so I imagine there will always be something to do.”
