(Submitted photo/Office of MLA Joe Hargrave)

By Derek Craddock

THE ROAD AHEAD

‘The finish line is there’: Local MLA talks about the road ahead in 2022

Jan 7, 2022 | 12:00 PM

With 2021 now a memory, one of Prince Albert’s MLAs is looking forward to what the new year could bring.

Prince Albert—Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave spoke to paNOW about his goals for the riding in 2022.

Some of the biggest items he mentioned included local health care initiatives.

“To see the hospice pretty much come to finalization and have that, if not up and running, close to up and running, the new major tower for the hospital, that would be wonderful. I am pushing hard on that and that’s a goal of mine to see that start this year.”

Aside from that, Hargrave talked about the future progress for the city’s new arena and recreation centre and upcoming projects for the forestry industry, including the start of construction for the One Sky OSB plant.

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“Those are all going to create jobs which creates more jobs in the city,” said Hargrave. “Economic development is something that we need in the whole province but especially in my city of Prince Albert.”

The city’s homelessness situation, access to cold weather beds and the future addition of mental health beds for the YWCA are other topics Hargrave mentioned.

Despite the calendar turning to a new year, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be front of mind for thousands in Prince Albert, with many wondering what the government will do next and when we can see an end to measures and mandates.

Hargrave acknowledged the frustration many people are expressing but encouraged them to continue to do the right things to help overcome the pandemic this year.

“Let’s follow the rules, get our shots, wear our mask, do all the proper distancing. I encourage everyone to do that. I hope to see the new normal or back to normal sometime during this year.”

“Will COVID-19 totally go away? From what I understand and what I have read, no, it’s not totally going to go away. If we take all the precautions, if we’re all vaccinated and we all have our boosters and the kids are getting theirs, that’s going to help considerably with the number of people that are getting extremely sick and plugging up ICUs especially.”

Hargrave added he is seeing more people getting their shots every day and encourages those who haven’t done yet to get them

“For everybody’s sake; the kids’ sake, mental health of people and the kids, I just want to see it put in the rearview mirror. Just keep it up, the finish line is there.”

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @pa_craddock