More than a dozen people came out to take part in a discussion Thursday afternoon about sustainable development. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Sustainable Development

P.A. residents make opinions known

Apr 25, 2019 | 6:10 PM

The Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation (SCIC) was in town Thursday conducting consultations on behalf of the federal government around sustainable development, ranging from ending poverty to combatting climate change.

Denise MacDonald led the session on behalf of SCIC, a non-governmentmental organization that works toward global sustainability. MacDonald said the first roundtable Thursday afternoon was productive.

“I felt like I learned about issues that are affecting people in Prince Albert and in the north, so there was issues like the lack of transportation, affordable housing and poverty,” she said.

The federal government adopted a list of 17 goals from the United Nations. The aim is to accomplish much of the work around global sustainability by 2030.

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MacDonald said people she has been speaking with have been receptive to the plan’s objectives. Some people did suggest ideas at the session for dealing with issues, such as a universal basic income to alleviate poverty.

“People are really embracing them, because it’s working at both a local and a global level because often the things that impact us here at home are also impacting people overseas,” she said. “We need a world in which everyone has their basic needs met and it’s important that citizens are able to have all the rights they deserve.”

John Fryters with Prince Albert Seniors Advocacy Centre, which hosted the discussion, said it is important to host meetings talking about such issues.

“Many of these developmental goals are applicable to the City of Prince Albert and what’s happening in this community,” he said. “I think people were speaking up, without any repercussions or anything like that, they were very frank in their discussions.”

Looking forward, Fryters said that from what he was hearing, it is clear there needs to be work done close to the source of the issues.

“What’s needed is some action at the grassroots level,” he said.

The SCIC and the seniors’ advocacy centre are set to hold another roundtable Thursday evening. Once the consultations are finished, MacDonald will compile a report to be submitted to Employment and Social Development Canada.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn