By Nigel Maxwell

PBCN chief hoping for another term

Mar 31, 2015 | 7:18 AM

Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) Chief Peter A. Beatty is seeking a second term and says he feels has some leftover business.

“One of the things that we started and we were almost [able] to conclude was a new housing initiative,” said Beatty.

That initiative will see the construction of 52 housing units in its first phase. Beatty said there is a huge housing shortage in their communities and council was doing its best to respond.

“We couldn’t wait on AANDC (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada),” he said.

Beatty said the funding that they do get in terms of housing has been capped at two per cent since 1989.

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Beatty would also like to see a compensation agreement with Sask Power regarding the Island Falls and Whitesand Dams go forward.

The issue has been around since the late 1980s. The band claims there was significant damage to the territory as a result of the construction of the dams.

“We’re hoping to get something people can look at in terms of a draft agreement to be either decided or rejected upon in a referendum,” said Beatty.

The other two candidates for chief are former Chief Darrell McCallum, and Karen Bird from Southend.

“You know I wish them the best and safe travels,” said Beatty.

All the candidates have a lot to territory to cover on the campaign trail, as Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation encompasses almost 52,000 square kilometres (km). By comparison, Prince Albert is 65.68 square km.

In the last election in 2013, Beatty won by a margin of 400 votes, defeating Harold Linklater. 

McCallum had opted not to seek re-election after three consecutive terms.

PBCN also has 14 elected councillors serving in its communities.

The band election will be held on April 14.

paNOW will have interviews with the other candidates this week.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell