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Provincial government meets with northern community reps.

Nov 17, 2018 | 11:13 AM

The Government of Saskatchewan listened to concerns and engaged with leaders from northern communities Friday afternoon.

Warren Qaeding met with members of New North, an umbrella organization which represents communities in the north of the province.

Kaeding, who serves as minister for Government Relations, and First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs spoke to and heard the concerns of community leaders during a meeting at the Coronet Hotel.

The minister has been visiting communities across the northern region as the provincial government works to engage with stake holder groups.

“We have toured right from Buffalo Narrows, Ile-a-La-Crosse, La Loche, Uranium City, Fond du Lac, Black Lake, Wollaston Lake, those are a few,” he said.

Kaeding estimated he had visited between 15 to 16 communities in the north and said he had plans to visit more.

After speaking to the group of municipal leaders the floor was opened up for questions and comments.

One representative asked the minister to reach out to SaskPower about regulations surrounding large scale solar power projects, because it holds back communities from doing larger projects.

A delegate from Pelican Narrows brought up the need for improvements for the community’s airport, as flights in and out of the community at times have to be cancelled due to poor weather conditions. The airport would be able to accommodate aircraft in harsher weather if it had more up-to-date technology.  

Another delegate from La Ronge took the minister to task over the decision to close STC and how private operators have not been able to step in to fill the public transport void.  

For his part, Kaeding said the Government of Saskatchewan does see areas where they are prepared to act.

“Certainly infrastructure, right, I think most of our municipalities have infrastructure deficits, some probably greater than others, so infrastructure in certainly one area that we need to focus on and that’s why we’re pleased to finally be able to get an agreement with the federal government,” he said.

Along with more money for infrastructure, Kaeding explained he sees places where the provincial government can help northern communities when it comes to economic development.

“Access to markets, we understand there’s a significant fishing industry in the north, commercial fishing industry, we need to make sure we can get that product to market in an affordable way, so that’s going to involve a multitude of things, from improved freight, roadways, whatever,” he said.

The official opposition’s critic for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs was also in attendance at the meeting. Doyle Vermette gave credit to the minister for coming and engaging with northern communities, but preferred to take a wait and see approach when looking at specific policies.  

“Let’s see at the end of the day if they are committed as a government to the wants and the needs that leadership here knows their community members need,” he said.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn