Saskatchewan

On the Ledge: Minister grows mullet in memory of his son

This week On the Ledge speaks with Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit about why he is sporting a marvellous mullet.

On the Ledge podcast with Minister Greg Ottenbreit

Minister of Rural and Remote Health Greg Ottenbreit shows off his soon to be clipped 'skullet.' (Adam Hunter/CBC)

Elected officials usually don't like talking about cuts, but Greg Ottenbreit has an exception.

This week On the Ledge speaks with the Rural and Remote Health Minister about why he is sporting a marvellous mullet.

"I've actually referred to it as more a skullet because it's not in its glorious 80s and 90s form," Ottenbreit said. 

Ottenbreit lost his son Brayden to cancer in 2000. He and his wife Leone have held Brayden's Close Cuts for Cancer since 1998. The annual head shaving event happens in late May.

"It's both heartwarming and sometimes hard to think about because you realize it's great for people getting involved but the reason why so many people are getting involved is there are a lot of people that are impacted," he said. 

Ottenbreit also discussed the origins of the fundraiser, his own battle with cancer and the gentle ribbing he gets from colleagues over his "business in the front, party in the back" hairstyle.

About On the Ledge

On the Ledge is a weekly CBC podcast that makes Saskatchewan politics personal.

Each week, host Adam Hunter will look at the people behind the stories at the Saskatchewan legislature. 

You can download episodes of On the Ledge at CBC podcasts, on iTunes or the podcast app of your choice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Adam Hunter

Journalist

Adam Hunter is the provincial affairs reporter at CBC Saskatchewan, based in Regina. He has been with CBC for more than 18 years. Contact him: adam.hunter@cbc.ca