(File photo/larongeNOW)

By Derek Craddock

GOING FORWARD

Healthcare and infrastructure big priorities for La Ronge mayor following federal election

Sep 22, 2021 | 2:36 PM

More reaction to Monday’s election results is coming in and the Mayor of La Ronge is offering his two cents.

Mayor Colin Ratushniak spoke to larongeNOW regarding the Liberals election win and the re-election of local MP Gary Vidal.

While many across the country are calling the election a waste of time and money, Ratushniak had a different approach believing the election was necessary because it showed how Canadians want to move forward with overcoming the pandemic.

“I think the divisive nature of politics is always frustrating and I think it’s exhausting at times but now this is where it’s more important for our MPs to really go to work for our area and really stop with the divisive nature of everything and really start looking at how we can turn our economy around, how we can still support our health care workers and really push for what Canada truly stands for.”

When it comes to issues specifically for the Town of La Ronge, Ratushniak said it’s hard to push for too much until they can see the end of the pandemic.

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In saying that though, he acknowledged healthcare needs to be a top priority.

“We’re seeing our healthcare workers going through a devastating moment. We’re potentially seeing people want to move away from the healthcare industry and that’s ultimately going to affect everyone, vaccination or not.”

Aside from health care, Ratushniak acknowledged there are several infrastructure needs for the town, especially with water and sewer lines. The town is also looking to replace its community centre which could cost around $24 million.

“So we’re going to be needing federal dollars for that,” added Ratushniak. “As most small communities across Canada can understand, a community centre is sort of the heart of the community.”

Ratushniak said he’s brought up these topics with MP Gary Vidal before and hopes to continue those conversations now that Vidal will return to the House of Commons.

Vidal reclaimed the riding of Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River in Monday’s election with almost 50 per cent of the vote, beating out former Saskatchewan MLA Buckley Belanger of the Liberals. The NDP’s Harmonie King came in third place.

On top of the requests for infrastructure and healthcare, Ratushniak is hopeful divisive politics can be put aside to help La Ronge and the rest of Canada through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Until we’re through the clear with this pandemic, this needs to be the main focus: working together with their fellow MPs.”

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Derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @PA_Craddock