Marv Friesen

Marv Friesen is a lifelong entrepreneur, community advocate, and former Member of the Legislative Assembly with a deep passion for connecting with people and driving change at the grassroots level. With over 35 years of experience working with youth, small businesses, and underserved communities, Marv brings a unique combination of business savvy, lived experience, and heart to everything he does.

Key Attributes​

• Entrepreneur at Heart: Marv’s entrepreneurial journey began at just eight years old when he took over his brother’s paper route — and promptly outperformed him. That drive continued throughout his career, including building and running Marv’s Place Auto Repair Ltd. for 25 years. Marv’s business success is rooted in relationships, integrity, and a deep understanding of the people he serves.

• Community Connector: Whether it's through mentoring youth, volunteering in local schools, or launching community initiatives like Rides by Marv, Marv has spent decades focused on lifting others up. His ability to connect with people — and truly listen — has been the foundation of his work in and out of government.

• Driven Public Servant: After meeting former Premier Brad Wall in 2013, Marv was inspired to run for office. He served as the MLA for Saskatoon Riversdale from 2020 to 2024, where he became known as a collaborative, practical leader who fought for better mental health and addictions services, affordable transportation for low-income families, and stronger representation for underserved communities.

• Hands-On Policy Leader: During his time in government, Marv served on Public Accounts, Caucus Management, the Human Services Committee, and as Legislative Secretary for Parks, Culture and Sport. He also chaired the Governance Board of the Meewasin Valley Authority. He helped shape key policies on vehicle noise and vintage vehicle regulation and was a key voice in securing 500 additional addictions recovery spaces for Saskatchewan.

 

Significant Contributions

• Business & Community Leadership: Marv built a successful business and transitioned it to two of his best employees in 2018 — a testament to his mentorship and leadership style. He’s known for bringing people together, solving problems collaboratively, and always showing up when his community needs him.

• Legacy of Giving Back: Through Rides by Marv, over 500 bikes were collected, fixed, and donated in 2024 alone —
  offering children, newcomers, and low-income families access to transportation and freedom. For Marv, it’s not about credit. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and making people feel seen and supported.

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Marv Friesen’s leadership journey — from shop floor to the legislature — is grounded in empathy, action, and a deep belief in the power of community. Whether it’s fixing a bike or helping craft provincial policy, Marv leads with heart and purpose.