Sask. NDP remembers former MLA Kim Thorson

Kim Thorson, the last living member of the Douglas government, passed away. He served as Minister of Industry and Commerce in the 1970s. Wayne Mantyka has more.

The Saskatchewan New Democrats are remembering the life and legacy of former MLA Kim Thorson, reflecting on his contributions to provincial politics and public service.

Staff and party members gathered at NDP headquarters to honour Thorson, who was first elected at the age of 24, making him the youngest MLA in Saskatchewan at the time.

“Young Kim enjoyed politics he was the youngest member elected,” said Tim Williams, provincial secretary for the Saskatchewan New Democrats. “He was just 24 years old when he was first elected.”

Thorson served one term in the Douglas government during a pivotal period in Saskatchewan history, when plans for Medicare were taking shape. In a 2019 interview, Thorson said his interest in politics was sparked early in life.

“Some of my earliest memories are going to political meetings with Tommy Douglas speaking, and I guess that was the main inspiration,” Thorson said.

NDP MLA Meara Conway said Thorson and his colleagues played a key role in shaping Canada’s healthcare system.

“That was the government that delivered on the dream and vision of Medicare,” Conway said. “They changed our country and they changed our healthcare forever. Kim and his incredible colleagues will not be forgotten.”

After a decade away from politics, Thorson was re-elected in 1971 and served as minister of industry and commerce in the Blakeney government.

Williams said Thorson’s legacy extended beyond his time in office.

“A real loss in terms of a legacy and a connection to a whole bunch of history about governments that made Saskatchewan a better place for everyone,” he said.

Former premier Lorne Calvert said Thorson continued to offer guidance long after leaving elected office.

“As premier — and the same could be said of Roy Romanow — we counted on Kim’s counsel for the years that we were in government,” Calvert said.

Thorson spent much of his professional life working as a lawyer in Estevan, Regina and Weyburn. He was also a longtime member of the Rotary Club and served on numerous boards. He is being remembered as someone deeply committed to his community.