Former Rider weighs in on Labour Day Classic

The Labour Day long weekend is finally here and for many in Saskatchewan, it means one thing: the Labour Day Classic between the Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Gene Makowsky, MLA for Regina Dewdney, said as a former Rider he’s really excited for the game, as both teams are looking good right now.

“It’s a big time series, back to back, for the standings,” he said.

This will be the first Labour Day Classic at the new Mosaic Stadium and Makowsky said he’s looking forward to seeing how loud the stadium gets, as there’s always a rivalry between Rider fans and Bomber fans as to who is the loudest stadium.

Makowsky also received some new responsibility this week. Following a provincial cabinet shuffle, Makowsky is now the Minister for Parks, Culture and Sport.

“There’s more responsibilities (as a minister), as all MLA’s, we’re always out and about, listening to folks and attending events and learning what people are saying out there. It’s an opportunity to serve the people of Saskatchewan,” he said.

As a minister, Makowsky’s responsibilities will expand as he’ll have new areas he’s responsible for and needs to be an expert in.

“That’s what I’ve spent the last couple of days trying to get familiar with the file and learn as much as I can, and there’s certainly a lot to learn so in that respect there’s more responsibility on myself as a minister,” Makowsky said.

He said it felt like the first few days of school, learning about all his new responsibilities.

Being a former athlete, it gives Makowsky some experience in the area. He said it was a natural fit as he’s coached many sports teams for many years in Regina.

“I know how important youth sports is and to have a say in how that goes and funding for that is great, it’s important. I know it from my own sons and the kids I coach how important youth sports is and for a variety of reasons,” he said.

Makowsky said Saskatchewan has a great system for supporting youth sports with Sask Sport and Saskatchewan Lotteries helping to fund youth sports.

“We have great funding for over 1,200 parks, culture and recreation folks out there, so it touches a lot of folks out there, it’s important. It’s exciting for me and I do have a bit of prior knowledge in that area,” Makowsky said.