From left: Dennis Nowoselsky, Darryl Hickie, Josh Morrow, incumbent Greg Dionne. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Campaign Trail

Mayoral candidates talk seniors issues

Oct 15, 2020 | 6:32 PM

Prince Albert mayoral candidates sat down to talk seniors’ issues at a forum hosted by the Seniors Advocacy Centre Thursday.

The first formal meeting between the four men was exceedingly cordial. Candidates were given ample time to answer a variety of questions and expand on their own ideas. None interrupted each other during the nearly two and half hour forum, in fact, some candidates raised their hands to ask permission before speaking.

Incumbent Greg Dionne highlighted his record on consulting with seniors and bringing in new services and supports for them like the free dental clinic at the University of Saskatchewan and accessible transit buses. If elected, Dionne said his goal for the next four years would be to continue to enhance services to seniors.

“I would like to see more funding for seniors’ recreation because if you keep them out and active, they’re healthy,” he said.

Meanwhile Dennis Nowoselsky pointed to his history as a councillor of advocating for seniors’ issues like lower bus fares. He also cited his involvement as a proponent of city beautification through programs like the Golden Spade Awards for well landscaped yards. He said he’d like to see council consider freezing property tax rates for seniors below a certain income level.

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“We gotta keep taxes low so seniors can afford to live here,” he said.

Darryl Hickie spoke at length about plans to address crime, homelessness and addiction during the forum. He promised to consult with various groups on the issue, including seniors through the creation of a Senior’s Advisory Committee.

“I’ve had some seniors on the campaign trail tell me they can’t walk on the riverbank or the rotary trail because they get accosted,” he said. “So we’ll be looking at additional police resources to support downtown safety.”

Josh Morrow emphasized his desire to listen and learn from seniors throughout the debate. He said if elected, he would donate 25 per cent of his salary during his first year in office to an initiative chosen by a panel of seniors. He also had an idea aimed at providing older residents with additional companionship.

“I’ll reach out to the SPCA and set up a program that will allow seniors to request visits from compassionate and loving pets,” he said.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom