He was born in Drumheller, Alberta and was educated at the University of Manitoba and the University of Regina. Before entering politics, Hagel worked as a counsellor, educator and coordinator for a number of organizations. He married Karen Gifco and they have two daughters, Kristin and Meredith, and two granddaughters, Juliet and Nora.[1]
Hagel served in the Saskatchewan cabinet as Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training, from 1999 to 2001, as Minister of Social Services from 2001 to 2003, as Minister of Gaming from 2002 to 2003 and from 2006 to 2007, as Minister of Community Resources and Employment in 2003, as Provincial Secretary from 2006 to 2007 and as Minister of Culture, Youth and Recreation from 2006 to 2007.[4]
Provincially, Hagel's career ended after being defeated by the Saskatchewan Party's Warren Michelson.[5] Hagel is widely seen as losing his seat in the legislature due to a cover-up in the NDP caucus.[6]