Sask. cabinet minister takes top job with oil and gas lobby group
by The Canadian Press
Tim McMillan resigning from provincial politics to take over as president of CAPP beginning Oct. 1
REGINA—A Saskatchewan cabinet minister is resigning to take the job of president of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP).
Tim McMillan announced this week that he is stepping down immediately as the minister in charge of rural and remote health.
He said he plans to resign as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Lloydminster at the end of the month.
His new job with the oil industry lobby group starts Oct. 1.
McMillan said in a release that he understands he cannot legally lobby the provincial government for one year after leaving cabinet, a provision set in the Saskatchewan Lobbyists Act.
First elected in 2007, McMillan has held several other cabinet portfolios, including energy and resources.
Glen Scott, the chair of the board of governors of CAPP, said in a statement that McMillan has had “a strong connection to the energy industry over many years, including ownership of an oilfield services company.
“He is well-positioned to lead CAPP’s activities in the policy and regulatory area, and in communications, both of which are extremely important to the continued success of our industry.”
Scott said the chief executive officer of CAPP, Dave Collyer, will help with McMillan’s transition until Collyer’s planned retirement at the end of the year.
At that time, McMillan will become both president and CEO of the lobby group.
McMillan said he is excited about the change, especially at such “an important time for the oil and gas sector” in Canada.
“I look forward to the opportunity to contribute directly to the success of an industry which is of importance to all Canadians,” McMillan said.
Premier Brad Wall said McMillan will be missed and wished him the best in his new career.
“Tim has been a great MLA and minister and I will miss his unique perspective at the cabinet table,” Wall said in a statement. “As president of CAPP, I know Tim will continue working hard to develop our resource industry in Western Canada, including here in Saskatchewan.”
Wall said Health Minister Dustin Duncan will temporarily take over rural and remote health until he can appoint a new minister to the post.
Wall must call a byelection to fill McMillan’s seat by the end of March.
