Stan Hagen

Stanley Brian Hagen (March 11, 1940 – January 20, 2009) was a Canadian politician who served in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia on two separate occasions. He was the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the riding of Comox from 1986 to 1991 as part of the British Columbia Social Credit Party (Socred), and MLA for the riding of Comox Valley as part of the British Columbia Liberal Party from 2001 until his death. During his political career, he served as minister for 10 different ministries; After graduating from Pacific Lutheran University in 1963, Stan Hagen married Judith Robins in 1967, with whom he had five children. From 1972 to 1978 he served as a trustee with the Comox Valley School District.

Politics Social Credit Party Running for the Social Credit Party, Hagen was first elected to the provincial legislature in 1986 to represent the riding of Comox. He resigned from the post in July 1987 amidst allegations of conflict of interest involving his ready-mix company, but was re-instated that August. He lost his seat in the 1991 election when all but seven Socred MLAs were defeated.

Liberal Party He worked at a paving company as general manager until his return to politics in 2001, when he ran for the BC Liberals in the riding of Comox Valley in that year's provincial election, defeating incumbent New Democratic Party candidate Evelyn Gillespie. He was re-assigned as Minister of Human Resources in January 2004, then replaced the outgoing Christy Clark as Minister of Children and Family Development that September. He served as Minister of Agriculture and Lands from June 2008 until January 20, 2009, when he died of a massive heart attack at the age of 68.

Honours He received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Simon Fraser University in June 1998. Stan Hagen Nature Park and Stan Hagen Theatre, both in the city of Courtenay, were named in his honour.

While still in office, he was honoured by the K'omoks First Nation with the name "Ti’ axwsam" (Red Cod).