Morris P. Bodnar

Morris Peter Bodnar, a dedicated Canadian politician and distinguished criminal defence lawyer, passed away on January 16, 2026, at the age of 77. A respected public servant, Bodnar was known for his commitment to his constituents and his five decades of legal practice in Saskatoon. His death marked the end of a life devoted to justice and parliamentary service.

Born in Saskatoon on September 4, 1948, to Millie and Peter Bodnar, Morris was raised in Prud'homme, Saskatchewan. He pursued his higher education at the University of Saskatchewan, where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws degree. Following his graduation, he embarked on a distinguished legal career, practicing criminal defence law for five decades until his retirement in 2022.

Bodnar's passion for public service led him to federal politics. In the 1993 federal election, he successfully ran as a Liberal candidate, securing the seat for Saskatoon—Dundurn and entering the House of Commons. During his term, he established himself as a diligent representative, advocating for the needs of his constituents. In February 1996, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Minister of Industry, and the Minister of Western Economic Diversification, roles he held until June 1997.

He was defeated by Reform party candidate Allan Kerpan in the Blackstrap electoral district in the 1997 federal election. Bodnar was also unsuccessful in the 2000 federal election when he attempted to return to Parliament in the Saskatoon—Humboldt riding. After his time in politics, he returned to his legal practice full-time.

One of Bodnar's final high-profile cases was the Greg Fertuck murder trial in Saskatoon. He represented Fertuck before being dismissed from the case. Fellow lawyers remembered him as one of the best jury trial lawyers in Saskatchewan history. He was married to his wife Joyce for 53 years and raised three children. Morris Bodnar will be remembered as a committed public servant and brilliant legal mind who consistently strived to make a positive difference for his community.