Lynda M. Haverstock

Haverstock, Lynda M.

Lynda M. Haverstock, psychologist, politician, author, lieutenant-governor of SASKATCHEWAN (b at Swift Current, Sask 16 Sept 1948). Raised in Swift Current, Lynda M. Haverstock left high school prematurely and returned to complete grades 11 and 12 as an adult. She later earned Bachelor of Education and Master of Education degrees in the Education of Exceptional Children, and a PhD in clinical psychology. Lynda Haverstock taught at the university level in both Saskatchewan and New Brunswick. In 1987, she received the Triple "E" Award of Excellence for her work as a practising psychologist. She has served on numerous professional committees, as well as being active in community organizations.

Haverstock is highly regarded for having established innovative programs for disabled students, chronically truant adolescents, and farm families in crisis. She has given hundreds of seminars and workshops for professionals, and has contributed to publications such as the handbook Fighting the Farm Crisis, and a book entitled Safety and Health in Agriculture.

Lynda Haverstock's concern for the quality of life in Saskatchewan led her to enter public life. In 1989 she became the first woman to be elected leader of a political party in Saskatchewan when she became the leader of the Liberal Party. The Liberals made significant gains under Haverstock's leadership, winning as much as one third of the popular vote and 11 seats in the 1995 election. However, Haverstock's leadership was challenged by some who thought she was too moderate and that her policies were too closely aligned with those of the federal Liberals. She was replaced by Jim Melenchuk following a caucus revolt, but she remained an independent MLA until her retirement from provincial politics in 1999. She worked briefly as a radio show host until 2000.

Haverstock was sworn into office on 21 February 2000 as Saskatchewan's 19th lieutenant governor. An avid supporter of the arts community and second-language instruction in the province, she continued her support through her role as honorary patron to many arts organizations, including the Lieutenant Governor's Saskatchewan Arts Awards Program and the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts.

Although her tenure as lieutenant-governor was up in 2005, she was immensely popular and was asked to remain in office for an additional year. She was succeeded by Gordon BARNHART on 1 August 2006.