Joanne Crofford

Who is Joanne Crofford?

Joanne Sharon Crofford is a former MLA for Regina Rosemont, Saskatchewan, and a member of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party.

She was born Joanne Sharon Elkin in Regina, the daughter of Hubert Elkin and Elsie Lillian Kozen. Crofford has lived and worked throughout Saskatchewan, including the North. She graduated from the University of Regina, majoring in Social Studies and Communications.

Crofford’s 12 years of work in La Ronge included Assistant Director of Personnel with the Department of Northern Saskatchewan, representative to the provincial Environment Impact Assessment Secretariat and Business Manager of the Kikinahk Indian and Métis Friendship Centre. On her return to Regina, Crofford was Program Co-ordinator at the Rainbow Youth Centre and Research Co-ordinator at the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Regina.

Crofford was first elected in October 1991 as the MLA for Regina Lake Centre, and subsequently re-elected for Regina Centre and Regina Rosemont. Since her appointment to Cabinet in February 1995, Crofford has served in a wide variety of portfolios, including Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, Minister Responsible for the Indian and Métis Affairs Secretariat, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Communications Network, Minister of Labour, Minister of Culture, Youth and Recreation, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission, as well as for the Wascana Centre Authority and the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation.