Biography

June Draude grew up on the family farm in the Spalding area, the second of six children. She credits her rural upbringing for the basis of her personal values - work ethic, common sense, and the importance of family and community. She believes that respect, responsibility, and pride in accomplishment are not only the words for individuals to live by, but government as well.

Ms. Draude worked as a Nurse's Aide in the rural hospital of Spalding, assistant to the R.M. Secretary, as well as Secretary/Treasurer for a number of Conservation and Development Areas for 24 years. She married Martin Draude in 1967 and together they raised their five children. They operated a mixed farming corporation and later owned and operated a playground manufacturing business with more than 50 employees. They were also instrumental in starting Rose Bush Acres Bed and Breakfast.

Before her election in 1995, Ms. Draude served as President of the Spalding Legion, President of the Watson Chamber of Commerce, Director of the Watson Economic Development Committee and Watson Economic and Diversification Co-operative. She was also the Vice-Chair of the Saskatchewan Research Council.

Ms. Draude was one of the eight MLAs who founded the Saskatchewan Party. During her terms in opposition, she served as the Critic for Social Services, Youth, Culture and Recreation, Women's Issues, and First Nations and Métis Affairs. She also served as chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and was a member of the Special Committee to Prevent the Sexual Abuse of Children through the Sex Trade. Ms. Draude was re-elected in 1999, 2003 and 2007.

The awareness, prevention and diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder are extremely important to Ms. Draude. She has also been credited for her work to bring the scourge of crystal meth and youth addictions to light. A law passed recently in Saskatchewan that gives families the right to involuntarily place youth into treatment centers was fashioned after a bill she introduced in the legislature as a private members' bill. For these efforts she was awarded the 2005 Woman of Influence Award. In 2007, Ms. Draude was honoured when the Yellow Quill Saulteaux First Nations bestowed on her the title of Honorary Elder for her work with First Nations