Portrait of the premier as a young man: Brad Wall and friends remember political beginnings

Bruce Craven vividly remembers the first time he met Brad Wall, even though it was nearly 35 years ago.

In early September 1983 Craven was hauling a box up a flight of stairs to his new dormitory at the University of Saskatchewan. Another student was lugging his own boxes to a room across the hall. Craven said "hi."

The fellow 18-year-old said his name was Brad Wall. He told Craven he was from Swift Current and was in his first year of political studies.

"Political studies? What are you going to do with a political studies degree?" Craven asked.

Wall paused briefly before replying, "I want to be in politics and be the premier."

They both laughed at the audacious declaration, but Craven would soon see it was no joke.

Future leader

Wall became the MLA for Swift Current in 1999, leader of the Saskatchewan Party opposition in 2004, and premier in 2007.

Wall announced his retirement from politics last week after leading the province for nearly a decade. Wall said he'll officially step down when a new party leader is chosen, likely several months from now.

In an interview with CBC News, Wall joked he's been interested in politics "for a disturbingly long time, some would say."

Wall's passion for politics was ignited by the obscure board game Poleconomy and his Grade 6 teacher David Spencer, who remains a good friend. He also participated in youth politics in high school.

"By the time I met Bruce, I was aspiring to serve," Wall said.

It was at the U of S Wall met longtime friends like Craven, cabinet minister Ken Cheveldayoff and Wall's senior advisor Reg Downs. But he said there were many, many others who opened his mind to opposing arguments and beliefs.

"They counter your viewpoint and make it a little harder to be quite so opinionated," Wall said. "Over time, your views are informed or changed by those friendships."

Deep roots

After that first meeting in the dorm hall, Wall and Craven became close friends. They'd often head out to the common outdoor area known as The Bowl to play "500."

That first fall, campus was deserted as most students headed home for Thanksgiving. Craven was from Abbotsford, B.C., so had nowhere to go.

Wall insisted Craven come home with him to Swift Current. On the drive, they talked mostly about one of Wall's favourite subjects, the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Up until I got elected, there were only 13 other people that got to be premier.- Premier Brad Wall

"It was pretty nice to be welcomed as part of his family. He's always been well-rooted in Swift Current," Craven said.

The admiration is mutual. Craven has also reached the top of his profession as a physiotherapist. Craven and his wife, Karen have worked with dozens of Olympians and Paralympians out of their Saskatoon clinic, and Craven is a leading voice in Canadian sports science.

"He's just a great guy," Wall said.

"I remember that day we were moving in. He is one of those guys that laughs easily. It was one of those fast friendships you make. I'm glad it's lasted all those years."

Long shot

Wall knew for a very, very long time he wanted the province's top job. That doesn't mean he didn't have doubts.

Craven remembers another conversation with Wall at the Saskatchewan legislature. Wall was an MLA but not yet the party's leader. Craven was there for a ceremony with a delegation of national team athletes.

They chatted about their families and jobs. The subject of Wall becoming premier came up again.

"He was concerned about being too young to be the premier. But he (eventually) pursued it. He had a path."

Craven said he admired the balance Wall struck between ambition and humility.

As for Wall, he agreed his goal seemed like a long shot at times.

"Up until I got elected, there were only 13 other people that got to be premier," Wall said. "You might verbalize that aspiration, but believe in your heart it's probably not going to happen."