Patricia Atkinson born September 27, 1952 in the town of Biggar to farmer and farm activist Roy Atkinson. She received a Bachelor in Arts degree and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.

She ran for Saskatoon constituencies under the New Democratic banner and was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 1986, 1991, 1995, 199, and 2003. She was appointed to various portfolios during her term in office. Atkinson was first Minister of Seniors for a term of about one year, followed by Minister of Social Services, before becoming Minister of Education, Training and Employment between September 20, 1993 and November 22, 1995. This title was changed to Minister of Education which she held between November 22, 1995 and September 21, 1998. Following this Atkinson was Minister of Health until February 8, 2001 and then stepped into the portfolio of Minister of Highways and Transportation then Minister of Rural Revitalization. Atkinson was Minister of the Crown Management Board (previously the Crown Investments Corporation) between November 21, 2003 and February 3, 2006. She briefly served as Minister of Advanced Education and Employment. In 2007 for half the year Atkinson was Minister of Finance which had been the office of the Provincial Treasurer previously.

Atkinson has been involved with Radius Community Education Centre and the Saskatoon Community clinic board of directors. She was presented with the Canadian Association of Community Education award as well as the Saskatchewan School Library Association Award of Recognition.

Atkinson's mother was Edna Bertha (Bette) Atkinson nee Aylward (December 16, 1924-July 29, 2006) who was born in Lydden Saskatchewan but attended Biggar high school. Bette Atkinson was noted for athletic ability and following high school she received her teaching certificate from the Saskatoon Normal School and began teaching high school.

Atkinson's father was Robert Roy Atkinson who married Bette November 17, 1951. Bette and Roy farmed near Springwater, Saskatchewan and raised Pat, Leta, Bob, Wenda, and Mike. Roy Atkinson, born February 17, 1924, was president of the Saskatchewan Farmer's Union, president of the National Farmer's Union NFU. Roy was inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1990, received the member Order of Canada C.M. in 2002. The University of Saskatchewan awards the Roy Atkinson Scholarship in Sociology with the support of the National Farmers Union.

Bibliography

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de Clercy, Christine (June 3, 2006). "Saskatchewan Women Cabinet Minis". Department of Political Studies University of Saskatchewan. Legislative Assembly Government of Saskatchewan. http://www.legassembly.sk.ca/LegLibrary/library/libwomencab.htm. Retrieved 2009-11-02.


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"Salute to Canadian Farmers". Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame. 2006. http://www.sahf.ca/profile.php?id=5. Retrieved 2009-11-02.