Bill Sveinson facts for kids

William Martin Sveinson (born July 7, 1946, died December 17, 2020) was a Canadian politician. He was also a professional poker player. Mr. Sveinson served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Saskatchewan. An MLA is someone elected to represent people in a specific area. He was first elected in 1982. He represented the area of Regina North West for the Progressive Conservatives.

Bill Sveinson's Political Journey

Changing Parties

In 1983, Mr. Sveinson changed political parties. This is called 'crossing the floor.' He joined the Saskatchewan Liberal Party. For a while, he was the only MLA for the Liberal Party in Saskatchewan.

However, in 1985, he left the Liberal Party. This happened because of disagreements with Ralph Goodale. Mr. Goodale was the leader of the Saskatchewan Liberal Party at the time. Their disagreements were about how to ask questions in the legislature.

Question Period Tactics

MLAs use 'oral questions' during 'question period.' This is a time when members of the opposition parties can ask the government questions. Mr. Sveinson used a special rule. This rule allowed him to keep asking questions for a very long time. It stopped the normal work of the legislature.

His goal was to make the government deal with people's problems. These were people who had been promised money by the government but had not received it.

Joining the Western Canada Concept Party

After leaving the Liberals, Mr. Sveinson became an independent MLA. This means he did not belong to any political party. In 1986, he joined the Western Canada Concept Party of Saskatchewan.

At that time, the Western Canada Concept (WCC) Party had no members in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. The WCC Party wanted the four western provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) to separate from Canada.

Gaining Official Party Status

Mr. Sveinson then convinced another MLA, Lloyd Hampton, to join the WCC Party. This gave the WCC Party two seats in the legislature. Having two members meant they could become an 'official party.'

Being an official party was important. It meant they would receive money from the legislature for research. This funding helped them do a better job as an opposition party. Later, the rules were changed to prevent this tactic from being used again.

However, the WCC Party itself was divided about accepting Mr. Sveinson and Mr. Hampton. The party leader wanted them to join, but the party president did not. After a few months, both Mr. Sveinson and Mr. Hampton were asked to leave the party.

End of Political Career

Mr. Sveinson's time as an MLA ended with the 1986 provincial election. He passed away on December 17, 2020.