By Tyler Marr

Dionne makes pitch for amalgamated health board in P.A.

May 2, 2017 | 12:02 PM

Mayor Greg Dionne is making the case that Prince Albert should be the new home of the provinces’ amalgamated health region board.

Speaking last week with Health Minister Jim Reiter, Dionne pitched the idea, citing the city’s centralized location and its current status of health care hub for Northern Saskatchewan as prime reasons to station the board in P.A. after the health regions are amalgamated by the end of the year.

“It is not only going to create jobs but put us at the table,” Dionne said, noting Moose Jaw was the only other city, so far, who expressed interested. “We also have a beautiful provincial building located right across from City Hall that would be suited for the new offices.”

The idea originally arose on the back of the provincial budget when the province eliminated grants-in-lieu of taxes for crown corporations. Dionne thought since Regina needed government assistance after its funding was cut, Prince Albert might be considered as a base.

“I thought, this is a great opportunity. If that is causing a hardship I’ll take the jobs,’” the mayor said. “I have no problem getting in line to get more jobs.”

Court proceedings

Guilty pleas entered by man involved in robbery of young volleyball player

1h ago

Helping hand

Royal Purple Elks mark Speech and Hearing Month with donation to Princess Margaret School

1h ago

PERMANENT SHELTER

City of P.A. asking property and land owners for help in finding new shelter location

3h ago

Dionne felt, if one board was established over the local representative model, the odds of P.A. securing the headquarters was about 50-50.

“I think they are finalizing the model but even if they have representatives by region, I want to make sure those regional people are located in Prince Albert,” he said.

“Whether we get it or not… I want the public to know that we are in there and in their face, and that any opportunity we have to bring employment to the city of P.A. we are going to put our hand out.”

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr