Mayor Colin Ratushniak (left) and Mayor Julie Baschuk. (Colin Ratushniak/Facebook)(Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

upcoming election

Mayors react to federal election call, speak out about top priorities

Aug 18, 2021 | 1:46 PM

Tri-community mayors have made it clear what priorities should be for local candidates this federal election.

“The biggest thing for us that’s going to start coming down the pipework here is the infrastructure for our sewer and wastewater,” said La Ronge Mayor Colin Ratushniak. “We’re in an immediate situation where we need to look at our wastewater treatment plant. That’s very on its last legs, which then filters into our aging sewage system and pipe systems that are throughout La Ronge.”

Ratushniak also explained local leadership will likely need to turn to the federal government for assistance this fall in housing the community’s homeless population. He said the province doesn’t seem willing to help, noting a meeting was held Monday to find a solution to the issue.

The meeting was large with 25 people and consisted of tri-community and provincial leadership, community members and agencies such as Children North, North Sask Special Needs and Piwapan Women’s Centre. A donor willing to donate $1 million to the cause was also present.

“We need to put some pressure federally, as well, looking at funding options,” Ratushniak said.

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Conservative MP Gary Vidal held a meet and greet last week in La Ronge and Ratushniak said one major concern with residents who attended was the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted people want to know what recovery plans are for the economy, travel and more.

Ratushniak believes it’s a good timing for an election as it will be a good indicator of what people want as Canadians begin to move into a post-pandemic world.

“I kind of think it’s quite a power move and interesting to see an election be called 18, 20 months since the last election,” he said.

Baschuk calls for affordable housing, reconciliation

Air Ronge Mayor Julie Baschuk wrote a statement to larongeNOW explaining the village relies on federal government programs that financially support infrastructure upgrades, such as the Canada Community Building Fund. These funds, for example, assist the village in having the capacity to do paving and community space enhancements.

Baschuk added it is also crucial for the feds to acknowledge, explore and address housing in communities, particularly in Northern Saskatchewan.

“Overall community health, wellbeing and sustainability suffers from inadequate and in-affordable housing options for all community members,” she wrote.

Baschuk also stated much work remains in the continuation in strengthening partnerships, opportunities and reconciliation with Indigenous People’s needs to be high on the federal government’s priority list.

The 2021 federal election will be held Sept. 20.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno