McPhail campaigning for council code of ethics, Ruiz Arcand calls for more community programming

If given a second term, McPhail would like to introduce a council code of conduct that can be municipally enforced and carry sanctions for council members who go against it within town boundaries.

McPhail would also like to do more work involving regional partners the creation of an economic development plan and boosting tourism. He said common themes should be found between partners to complete projects like celebrating Indigenous culture.

“I feel like I really hit my stride on the final year-and-a-half to two years,” McPhail said. “I wanted to try make sure I could push for progress on the current council and the projects we’ve been going at.”

McPhail is a customer service technician with SaskTel and is the Alternate Northern Director for the Municipalities of Saskatchewan board. He was born and raised in La Ronge.

Ruiz Arcand passionate about community programming

Viviana Ruiz Arcand, who has been a resident of La Ronge for 20 years, wants to focus on community programming if elected as a La Ronge councillor.

Throughout her time as a resident, Ruiz Arcand explained she has witnessed periods of growth and decline that continue on an ongoing cycle. She noted there’s also be a decline in community programming as she remembers more events that would bring residents together.

“I’m not saying we’re not trying and we’re not doing, but I think we can do more,” Ruiz Arcand said. “When I first moved here, I remember there would be summer festivals, main street would be shut down and there would be all sorts of exciting things happening.”

Ruiz Arcand also doesn’t know why council can’t keep a community programmer hired as she believes it’s a pivotal and key position. She mentioned that employee is responsible for the well-bring of community members and particularly engages youth, families and senior citizens.

Ruiz Arcand would like to make the community programmer position a sustainable one and pointed back to the positive work done during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. She added the recreation budget also currently has a surplus for potential activities.

Ruiz Arcand is currently employed as a consultant with Northern Lights School Division and she holds a Bachelor of Education, as well as a Masters of Education in Curriculum Instruction. She currently sits on the La Ronge Children’s Festival committee, La Ronge Native Women’s Council and Indigenous Spirits.

“I’m aware of the resources that are available for a resolution to some of those issues that affect us in La Ronge and our surrounding communities,” Ruiz Arcand said. “I just want them (voters) to know I believe together we can do more. It’s not just about me, it’s about us.”

The La Ronge municipal election is Nov. 9.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno

by Derek Cornet

McPhail campaigning for council code of ethics, Ruiz Arcand calls for more community programming

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