Bob was an MLA for 10 years (1988-1998), which included serving as Minister of Social Services. He has also been the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon, as well as the CEO of the Saskatoon Food Bank, Cosmo Industries, and the Saskatoon Housing Coalition. In 2008, Bob co-chaired the province’s Task Force on Housing Affordability, gathering input and providing recommendations to the Government of Saskatchewan on policies to encourage greater housing affordability. Also in 2008, he was co-host and facilitator of the province’s CBO Summits, which were sponsored by the Ministry of Social Services. He has been on many community boards and committees, including the Saskatchewan and Canadian Association of Social Workers, the Canadian Association of Food Banks, and the Saskatoon Advisory Committee on Homelessness.  Bob has received many local, provincial and national awards for his advocacy work on behalf of children and families. He has Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Social Work, and spent 10 years working for the Department of Social Services.  Currently, Bob is a Saskatoon City Councilor, as well as a Human Services Consultant. Bob and his wife Tanya have three grown children and three grandchildren.

“I’m extremely pleased by the expertise and diversity that my panel colleagues bring to these consultations and to this review of child welfare in Saskatchewan,” Bob says. “We are united in our resolve to help ensure that this review lays the groundwork for significant, lasting change and better outcomes for vulnerable children and families across Saskatchewan.”

Howard is a member of the Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation and has lived in this community for the past 25 years. He is a former member of the RCMP, and was stationed in various parts of the province during his tenure.  He is presently employed at the Robin Cameron Education Complex as an Elder in residence. His first language is Cree and he has been the Ceremonial Keeper in his community since his appointment in 2000.  Howard is an active member in his community in various capacities, including many board and committee memberships. He received the Centennial Award of Merit from the Province of Saskatchewan in 2005, as well as a Minor Hockey Coaching Award from the Canadian Hockey Association in 2002. Howard is married to Norlain and together they have 13 children, 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“As a parent, grandparent and active community member, I strive to inspire children and youth to attain their goals and aspirations,” Howard says. “Through my participation in the Child Welfare Review, I hope to contribute to recommendations that bring lasting changes which will result in children, youth, families and communities being closer together.”

April is a 26-year-old mother of four daughters. Originally from Île-à-la-Crosse, a small Métis community in northern Saskatchewan, she has called Saskatoon her home for the past 12 years. April has been involved in and enjoys many sporting activities and is proud to have participated in the North American Indigenous Games in 1995.

“I hope to use my past experiences as a child and young person involved in the child welfare system to improve the future lives of other children and young persons in Saskatchewan,” April says.

Carol was born in Biggar, Saskatchewan, and was raised in Biggar and on the family farm in the Lizard Lake District. She attended Wilson Lake and Lizard Lake schools, and Biggar Composite High School. Carol married Noel Skelton and moved to the family farm at Harris. She and Noel have three grown children and five granddaughters. Carol was first elected to the House of Commons in 2000. In February 2006, she became the first elected female Minister for the province of Saskatchewan. She was appointed Minister of National Revenue, Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and Regional Minister for the Province of Saskatchewan. She did not seek re-election in the last federal election. Carol and Noel have retired to their home in Harris where they are keeping involved in the life of their community, province and country.

“When I was asked to participate in the child welfare review panel, I was honored and humbled,” Carol says. “There is no greater resource in our province than our children and youth. It is with this in mind that we as a province need to ensure that no child becomes a forgotten child. The welfare and security of our children is key to creating an environment where a child grows to become a productive and valued member of society. I look forward to participating on the panel and finding ways to making a better life for Saskatchewan children and youth.”