By battlefordsNOW

Wotherspoon stresses education, mental health funding in N.B. stop

Nov 19, 2017 | 11:07 AM

Saskatchewan NDP leadership hopefull Trent Wotherspoon made his way to North Battleford late last week to rub shoulders with local leaders.

The Regina-Rosemont MLA met with North Battleford Mayor Ryan Bater and Sweet Grass First Nation Chief Lori Whitecalf during his visit. He is up against Saskatoon – Meewasin MLA Ryan Meili in the hunt for the party’s top spot. 

Topping his list of concerns are recent provincial cuts to education and rollbacks impacting the “most vulnerable among us.”  He said it’s critical for people to “fight back” and “build a province that works for everyone.”

Some of Wotherspoon’s extensive policy positions include the introduction of universal coverage for mental health and addictions services alongside $15-a-day universal child-care.

Investing in classrooms “that are under such stress right now” is further a top priority for the former high school teacher who also spent time in a mentorship program that helped youth reintegrate after spending time in custody.

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He said he draws on those experiences for motivation, and as a reminder “why we need to fight for change.”  

“I’ve always said: I’ve learned the most in my life from those with the least.”

He tied part of the issue of rising crime in the province to mental health and education cuts, highlighting a necessity to ensure their protection.

“Right now we have devastating cuts by the Sask Party,” he said. “Certainly, this community and the schools within it know the consequences of that all too well.”     

Party faithful will select a new leader at the party’s March 3 convention in Regina. 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow