Local MLA optimistic about fall session

Jurgens said she also maintains a focus on housing.

“Over the first two terms of the Saskatchewan Party Government in Prince Albert alone we have over 300 housing units built or in the middle of renovations,” said Jurgens. “When you put them together that’s about eight sq. city blocks.”

Jurgens said that has a fairly significant impact on families seeking a safe place to live.

Heading into the fall session, Jurgens expects her party will be focusing on the strengths of Saskatchewan.

“I would expect the tone coming from our side of the house to be positive, upbeat. We have a thriving economy, we have a growing population – both of those are key statistics to show how the future will continue to look.”

When asked what local issues are important heading into the fall session, Jurgens made mention of plans for Prince Albert’s second bridge.

“The Premier himself came to P.A. last year and announced that we would commit, we as the government would commit, to getting that second bridge built,” said Jurgens.

She was optimistic about conversations surrounding the use of a Public Private Partnership model to fund the bridge.

Jurgens said the Saskatchewan Party is already experienced with P3s, citing the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford, and the Swift Current long term care facility.

“We’ve already done our due diligence,” said Jurgens. “It’s exciting to see all the stakeholders involved for getting a second bridge for our area are getting involved as well.”

However, Prince Albert mayor Greg Dionne voiced concerns over the use of a P3 model to fund the bridge last year.

“At the end of the day if we were to go to a P3 [with the bridge] we might have to, as a city, put in $20, $30 million,” said Dionne. “And then if you go ahead with the funding of a hospital, our levy could be unbelievable. And I said so, we can’t make a decision on the bridge. It’s got to be tied to the hospital.”

The NDP, too, has questioned whether privatization is fair to the Prince Albert community so it’s likely to be an issue of debate during the fall sitting.

Jurgens said work on projects, like a second bridge, are an example of work she does in the background that comes to the foreground later on.

“Sometimes people are looking for a big flashy announcement,” said Jurgens. “But in the meantime I do a whole lot of work behind the scenes working with housing units, with childcare centres opening up.

“All of those things that impact our people in a positive way so that we have a brighter future for our community, for our families and for the future of Saskatchewan.”

With files from Alex Soloducha

jsperling@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jnsperling

by Jill Sperling

Local MLA optimistic about fall session

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