Buckley Belanger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Buckley Belanger
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Secretary of State (Rural Development) | |
Assumed office May 13, 2025 |
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Prime Minister | Mark Carney |
Preceded by | Kody Blois |
Member of Parliament for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River |
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Assumed office April 28, 2025 |
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Preceded by | Gary Vidal |
Member of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly for Athabasca |
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In office June 21, 1995 – August 15, 2021 |
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Preceded by | Frederick John Thompson |
Succeeded by | Jim Lemaigre |
Mayor of Île-à-la-Crosse | |
In office 1988–1994 |
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Personal details | |
Born | Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan, Canada |
March 21, 1960
Political party | Liberal |
Other political affiliations |
Saskatchewan New Democratic (1998–2021) Saskatchewan Liberal (until 1998) |
Spouse | Rebecca Pederson |
Residences | Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan |
Occupation | Journalist |
Harold "Buckley" Belanger (born March 21, 1960) is a Canadian politician. He is currently the Secretary of State for Rural Development, a role he started in May 2025. Belanger is a Member of Parliament (MP) for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River in Saskatchewan. He was elected to the House of Commons in the 2025 federal election.
Belanger is a member of the Métis people and belongs to the Liberal Party of Canada. Before becoming a federal MP, he was involved in provincial politics. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Athabasca from 1995 to 2021. He first joined the Saskatchewan Liberal Party and later switched to the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party (NDP) in 1998.
In 2021, Belanger left his provincial role to run for a federal seat as a Liberal. He did not win that election but ran again in 2025 and was successful. He is currently the only Liberal MP from Saskatchewan, a province where the Conservative Party is very strong.
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Buckley Belanger's Political Journey
Starting in Saskatchewan Politics
Buckley Belanger began his political career in Saskatchewan. He was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in the 1995 provincial election. At that time, he was a member of the Saskatchewan Liberal Party.
In 1998, he decided to join the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party (NDP). After changing parties, he ran in a special election (called a by-election) for his seat. He won by a very large margin, showing strong support from voters. After this, he quickly became a minister in the government led by Premier Roy Romanow. Belanger was re-elected in every provincial election until 2020.
During his time as an MLA, Belanger held important roles in the provincial government. He served as the minister for the Environment and Resource Management. He was also an associate minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs and the minister of Northern Affairs. These roles allowed him to work on important issues for Saskatchewan.
Before he became an MLA, Belanger was the mayor of Île-à-la-Crosse from 1988 to 1994. He also worked as a journalist and administrator for MBC Radio. In August 2021, he resigned from the provincial legislature to run in the federal election. He ran as a Liberal candidate but was not elected. He later served as mayor of Île-à-la-Crosse again in 2024.
Moving to Federal Politics
Buckley Belanger first ran in a federal election in 2021. He was the Liberal Party candidate for the riding of Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River. He was not successful in that election.
However, the Liberal Party chose him again to be their candidate for the same riding in the 2025 federal election. This time, he won the election. On May 13, 2025, he was appointed as the Secretary of State for Rural Development. This means he helps lead efforts to improve life in rural areas of Canada.
Buckley Belanger's Personal Life
Buckley Belanger is a proud member of the Métis community. He is married to Rebecca Pederson. They have three adult daughters.
Election Results
Buckley Belanger has participated in many elections throughout his career. Here are some of his recent results.
Federal Election Results
In the 2021 federal election for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, Buckley Belanger ran as a Liberal. He placed second in that election.
Provincial Election Results
Buckley Belanger won several provincial elections for the Athabasca riding.
In the 2020 provincial election, he won with 56.81% of the votes. In the 2016 provincial election, he won with 64.7% of the votes. In the 2011 provincial election, he won with 63.79% of the votes. In the 2007 provincial election, he won with 59.41% of the votes. In the 2003 provincial election, he won with 69.99% of the votes. In the 1999 provincial election, he won with 84.38% of the votes. In a special by-election in 1998, he won with 93.64% of the votes. In his first provincial election in 1995, he won with 45.59% of the votes.