David Karwacki
David Karwacki (born May 30, 1965) is a Canadian politician, was Leader of the Saskatchewan Liberals between October 2001 and December 2007.
Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, Karwacki attended the University of Saskatchewan, graduating from the College of Commerce in 1989. He also has engaged in continuing business education at M.I.T. in Boston and more recently at Stanford in San Francisco.
In 1990, Karwacki and three business partners founded Star Produce, Ltd., an international fresh produce distribution company. Karwacki has served as Chief Operating Officer of the company, and as its CEO. The Star partners have grown the company to over 200 employees across North America with revenues of $100 million per year. His business has enabled him to connect with the global marketplace, and with agricultural producers around the world.
Karwacki has been an active member of the Saskatchewan community. During his university studies, he was a member of the University of Saskatchewan Huskie basketball team, which represented Saskatchewan at the national level, competing in the national championships. He has served as the President of the Huskie Basketball Alumni Association; was a founding board member of the University of Saskatchewan Athletic Endowment Fund; and participates as an active member of the St. Anne’s faith community.
Karwacki is married to Laurie Karwacki, an educator; they live in Saskatchewan, and raise their family of four children: Jonathan, Alix, Sarah and Lucus.
Karwacki ran in the constituency of Saskatoon Meewasin in the 2003 provincial election, finishing second to former Justice Minister Frank Quennell.
He ran in the 2006 Weyburn-Big Muddy by-election, held on June 19, placing second with 27% of the vote. Saskatchewan Party candidate Dustin Duncan won with 49% of the vote.[1]
In December 2006, Karwacki addressed the Liberal leadership convention in Montreal on the topic of Liberalism in Western Canada.
Karwacki ran in the Saskatoon Meewasin constituency in the 2007 Saskatchewan general election, placing third and receiving a lower percentage than in the 2003 general election. Karwacki is the first leader of the three main parties to run in two general elections and not win a seat. Karwacki resigned as Leader in December 2007.