Wanner’s portrait enshrined at legislature

By JEREMY APPEL on December 10, 2019.

jappel@medicinehatnews.com@MHNJeremyAppel

The official portrait of former Medicine Hat MLA and speaker of the legislature Robert Wanner was unveiled in Edmonton Monday morning, along with a local twist.

The portrait was painted by Joe Versikaitis, a former Hatter who trained locally and now lives in Calgary.

Wanner describes the experience of being inscribed in the legislature’s history as “surreal,” an “honour” and “privilege.”

“It’s difficult to find the words to explain the sense of humility I feel,” he said.

Wanner was elected in 2015, serving a single term that balanced his role as an elected representative for the NDP with his referee role as speaker.

“I measured my comments and didn’t engage in any critical debate with other members about provincial policy matters, and tried to use a positive tone with other MLAs, as well as other elected officials,” he reflected. “It was different than most MLA experiences, but an opportunity as well.”

Wanner says his connections with the cabinet of the day allowed him to effectively advocate for Medicine Hat and southeastern Alberta in his relatively brief time as MLA, citing more than 50 ministerial visits, as well as several renewable energy projects.

“I certainly let ministers know on a regular basis what the needs, wants and opportunities of our city and region were,” said Wanner. “I always took the position that I didn’t want more than any other city, but a fair share.”

Each of Alberta’s 13 former speakers were honoured following their tenure with a portrait that hangs in the legislature rotunda, and Wanner’s was unveiled Monday by current Speaker Nathan Cooper in a ceremony attended by Leader of Opposition Rachel Notley, Transportation Minister Ric McIver on behalf of the government and members of Wanner’s family.

“With his meaningful work in social services and his personal dedication to community development, speaker Wanner was able to bring a unique perspective to the role of speaker,” said Cooper. “His insight enabled him to perform the role admirably.”

Wanner was the third speaker with a connection to Medicine Hat area.

Redcliff MLA Charles Pingle served as speaker for 16 months beginning in 1920.

David Carter, who was raised in Medicine Hat and retired to the Cypress Hills, represented a Calgary riding in the legislature as an MLA and served as speaker from 1986 to 1993.

The portrait shows Wanner leaning in front of the speaker’s chair with his hand resting on a podium that holds an eagle feather and Métis sash.

Versikaitis is best known for his portraits of athletes. His work has been exhibited at the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

He and Wanner met when they both worked with Canadians Reaching Out in the Hat.

Versikaitis told the News Wanner commissioned him to paint the portrait, an opportunity he appreciates for being outside his comfort zone.

He says he started painting in March and spent about 475 hours on the project before wrapping up at the end of June.

“It was so unique. My goodness, I’m overwhelmed,” said Versikaitis.

— with files from Collin Gallant

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