Cody Docken and Bruce Skilliter are two of four candidates in the upcoming La Ronge by-election. (Submitted photos)

By Derek Cornet

candidates

Docken, Skilliter highlight homelessness as a priority in election campaigns

Sep 25, 2025 | 1:29 PM

Homelessness is a top priority for at least two men running in the Town of La Ronge by-election in October.

Bruce Skilliter first moved to La Ronge in 1977, then his career as a power line technician with SaskPower took him to Uranium City and finally Kindersley before he moved back to La Ronge in 2011. He retired from SaskPower in 2014 and he now operates a consulting business, which includes safety training and a Powerline Fundamentals course offered at Northlands College.

“I have a vested interest in La Ronge. We have called it home for 45 years. Even though we didn’t live here somewhat, we came back every summer,” Skilliter explained.

“To us, it was home and La Ronge used to be such a beautiful, vibrant community and an awful lot of that is gone and not here anymore, and I hope I can offer some different views and maybe initiate some change to make it a better community than what it is today.”

If elected, Skilliter would like to increase the number of businesses and houses in La Ronge, as well as work to address homelessness. He noted other communities have been successful at addressing homelessness and he believes if residents come together on that issue, a solution for La Ronge can be possible too.

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“I think I am an open-minded person. I would be open for people to talk to me. I spent 45-plus years as an official on the ice with junior hockey and that. I hope I can help bring some positive changes to our community,” Skilliter added.

Skilliter is a board member with Grassroot Officiating and is involved with the Saskatchewan Officiating Development Model for advanced referees.

Cody Docken, who also highlighted homelessness as a priority in his campaign, has lived in La Ronge steady for about five years but resided in the community on and off since 2010. He said he was asked by a couple people to run for council as they witnessed the work he was already doing and thought he might make a good fit.

“My main goals are to bring some housing and relief,” Docken remarked.

“I think we are all aware of our houseless population and how intense it is. I just think being part of council would help. That’s what I am currently doing career-wise is trying to alleviate that issue and some housing issues, but being part of council would just help everything go smoother.”

Docken was recently the manager for the La Ronge Regional Housing Authority, but he stepped down in July to take over as executive director for Tri-Community Housing Strategy. He’s also the office manager for an electrical company in Beauval. Docken also holds a certificate in small business and entrepreneurship and has some education in plumbing and pipefitting.

In addition, Docken currently sits on the Men of the North board and is involved with Jim Brady Métis Local.

“Good luck to all the candidates. I believe any one of us would be a good choice. I think we all identified the issues, it’s just how are plans to solve these issues is what changes us,” he said.

Docken has a criminal record for driving under the influence, which occurred about 15 years ago. When asked about it, he said sometimes people make mistakes and he’s been trying to do better every day.

Other residents running in the by-election include former councillor Glen Watchel and small business owner Ken Beaven. By-election day is set for Oct. 8.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com