The Reminder sent questionnaires to all candidates running in the upcoming Creighton council election. All answers are listed by candidate in alphabetical order. Views represented are the views of the candidates and do not reflect the opinions of The Reminder.
NEAL ANDRUSIAK
1. Why are you running for council? What are your qualifications? Do you have experience with public office?
I’m running for council because I feel that I have more to contribute to the decision making process that involves the community my family has always been a part of. I have been on council for two terms.
2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the community?
Economic development is very important right now. Seniors’ housing, health care and community safety are also areas that should be focused on.
3. What would you wish to address with local government if elected?
I believe all the topics previously mentioned should be brought to the attention of local government. Their importance is because they effect every one of our towns citizens.
4. What are your policies on local finances and taxation?
Taxes should be kept as low as possible to not over stretch our tax payers finances. Accountability and transparency is extremely important when it comes to spending the taxpayers money.
5. What do you believe should be local government’s priorities on infrastructure?
Keeping up with regular maintenance, updating systems when possible and making improvements when able, are all important to keep everything running smoothly
6. Hudbay is currently planning to shut down most of its operations within Flin Flon within the next two years. As a candidate, how does this affect your platform and what plan do you have regarding the Hudbay closure?
Bringing new business and new ideas to our region will be important to have people want to come and settle or stay and raise their families here and keep our region strong.
7. What is your plan for Creighton’s future?
I would like to see Creighton’s population grow and for our area to become an area where people want to come and raise their families
8. How do you plan on working with nearby communities and councils?
Working together with nearby communities and councils is very important. This allows us to bring different views and new ideas together to make our area strong.
9. What are your thoughts on your opponents?
I believe all opponents that are running in this election care about our community’s and will do their best to better our region.
10. In 25 words or less - what is your elevator pitch for undecided voters?
I have been on council for the past two terms and would like to continue to learn and work toward a stronger future for our community.
11. What question do you wish we would have asked?
I would like to just say that I have enjoyed my time on council. I have learned a lot and have grown as a community member and appreciate the processes that are in place to make change happen. I love our town. Thank you.
MARTYN DE DECKER
1. Why are you running for council? What are your qualifications? Do you have experience with public office?
I have always wanted to be involved in our town and now that I’m retired I have the time needed to be a council member. As for experience in public office, I have none but that is of no concern as I believe a person’s reputation and character supercedes experience. To prove this point, look at some political leaders who have experience but lack good judgment or common sense.
2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the community?
I would say the biggest issue would be the downsizing of HudBay, which will mean less revenue in the taxes for our town of Creighton.
3. What would you wish to address with local government if elected?
Foremost of my mind would be health-related issues and services for our senior citizens. These are an ongoing issue with governments and nothing new.
4. What are your policies on local finances and taxation?
Creighton has done wonderfully on its finances and taxation. I think the town has done a great job at keeping taxes in line and providing outstanding services.
5. What do you believe should be local government’s priorities on infrastructure?
I would like to see more interest and incentives put towards the mining sector and other ways to attract investments in our area.
6. Hudbay is currently planning to shut down most of its operations within Flin Flon within the next two years. As a candidate, how does this affect your platform and what plan do you have regarding the Hudbay closure?
Financially I believe Creighton has been very responsible with the revenue they receive from their taxes. That being said, I don’t see any changes in the way the town would balance its books. Don’t spend money which you do not have is an excellent way for a town to manage their finances. Revenue lost due to HudBay would be handled with the same approach I would think.
7. What is your plan for Creighton’s future?
I could answer with a grandiose vision but the reality is that with government cutbacks, mounting debt and revenues from the province down, we can’t count on anyone but ourselves. I would be happy if Creighton can maintain the level where we are now in these challenging times, that would be my honest answer.
8. How do you plan on working with nearby communities and councils?
With positive encouragement, meaningful discussions and to listen with an open mind and to find solutions but to balance that with voicing our own community’s concerns.
9. What are your thoughts on your opponents?
My thoughts on my opponents would be that they have my respect and well wishes and I hope everyone gets out and casts their votes for the candidates that are running.
10. In 25 words or less - what is your elevator pitch for undecided voters?
A change can be a good thing. Experience is an asset but so is good judgment, common sense and pride in a job that has your reputation behind it.
11.What question do you wish we would have asked?
I think you covered it all.
KORY EASTMAN
1. Why are you running for council? What are your qualifications? Do you have experience with public office?
I believe I can help bring my ideas, imagination, past four years of town council experience and past 15 years of various committee, club and chamber experiences to the table. I want to work with others in delivering on the strategic plan the community has developed.
2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the community?
The closure of most Flin Flon based operations by Hudbay in 2022 is by far our biggest issue upcoming.
3. What would you wish to address with local government if elected?
Further promotion and investment in secondary industries (like tourism), working with provincial governments to find innovative solutions to our current lack of adequate access to full health care services and encouraging the development of further seniors’ housing in our community.
4. What are your policies on local finances and taxation?
I believe Creighton currently has reasonably low property tax in comparison with other northern Saskatchewan communities and I believe that can and should be maintained. It is a competitive advantage for our community.
5. What do you believe should be local government’s priorities on infrastructure?
Significant work has been done on local infrastructure in Creighton over the past few years. We may want to continue to investigate federal and provincial grants available to invest in renewable energy projects for Town-owned buildings and resources for long-term cost benefits.
6. Hudbay is currently planning to shut down most of its operations within Flin Flon within the next two years. As a candidate, how does this affect your platform and what plan do you have regarding the Hudbay closure?
Hard to put this into a short answer. The Town and Council have been preparing for this change. We have created a plan with the help of the community members and with experts in economic development. Tourism, creating an “investment-ready” community for business, increasing health care options, servicing outlying communities and providing for seniors will be how we will ultimately find success.
7. What is your plan for Creighton’s future?
To deliver on what the community asked us to provide through the recent engagement process; a safe, healthy, sustainable, economically stable community in a region we can all be proud of.
8. How do you plan on working with nearby communities and councils?
I think it is important to think regionally as we look to the future but only where it makes sense. Any shared services would have to come with shared input, control and benefits and just putting things together does not guarantee that. I believe we have positive relationships with other councils and regional partners and I would look forward to discussing how working together could potentially improve things for Creighton residents.
9. What are your thoughts on your opponents?
I see a strong list of community minded people willing to put their time into their Town and I would look forward to working with any of them if I am lucky enough to again have the chance.
10. In 25 words or less - what is your elevator pitch for undecided voters?
I believe I bring useful experiences, energy and a strong understanding of our community’s strengths and issues to the council table. I ask for your support.
11. What question do you wish we would have asked?
None I can think of.
DARREN GRANT
1. Why are you running for council? What are your qualifications? Do you have experience with public office?
As a Creighton resident with 11 years experience on town council, I want to see our community and surrounding area thrive and grow.
2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the community?
Currently, the biggest issue facing our town and region is our economic future.
3. What would you wish to address with local government if elected?
That we need to continue working with our surrounding communities in finding ways to attract opportunities.
4. What are your policies on local finances and taxation?
Past town councils have placed Creighton in a great financial position by being fiscally responsible and I strongly believe by continuing this path, we can keep our town an affordable community to live in.
5. What do believe should be local government’s priorities on infrastructure?
To continue to be proactive regarding infrastructure by having a forward vision with regards to maintenance, replacement and future needs.
6. Hudbay is currently planning to shut down most of its operations within Flin Flon within the next two years. As a candidate, how does this affect your platform and what plan do you have regarding the Hudbay closure?
With the current plan from Hudbay regarding downsizing, as I have stated prior, we need to work more with our surrounding communities. We need to continue to seek and attract opportunities, pool our resources and ideas as well as investigate overlapping services for cost saving measures.
7. What is your plan for Creighton’s future?
My vision for Creighton is the same as I stated in the last election - a community and surrounding area that has opportunities, employment, infrastructure and services that are sustainable, which would be necessary to create a place where people would like to move to, live and retire in.
8. How do you plan on working with nearby communities and councils?
As stated before in question 3, we need to continue working with our surrounding communities and councils in finding ways to attract opportunities for our region.
9. What are your thoughts on your opponents?
I know they all would be a great asset to town council.
10. In 25 words or less - what is your elevator pitch for undecided voters?
All I ask is for residents to go out and vote!
11. What question do you wish we would have asked?
(editor’s note: Grant did not supply an answer for this question.)
DAN HLADY
1. Why are you running for council? What are your qualifications? Do you have experience with public office?
Running for council has always been to bring the residents of Creighton views, beliefs and ideas to the table for the benefit of the community. Being on Creighton town council for one term, I believe being a business owner and entrepreneur will help give the Town a good representative in council.
2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the community?
I would have to say that COVID-19 has taken the driver’s seat right now for the biggest issue facing the community. We have never seen anything like this and the changes that it has brought forward. I feel that we are facing an economic change in the area, but believe that we are a strong community and will thrive and develop for the future.
3. What would you wish to address with local government if elected?
Some of the items that I would like to address if elected is economic stability and growth, health care and senior care, as well as education and public safety.
4. What are your policies on local finances and taxation?
I believe that the Town of Creighton has some of the lowest taxes in the province of Saskatchewan and would like to see it stay this way.
5. What do you believe should be local government’s priorities on infrastructure?
I believe that the Town of Creighton should keep infrastructure at the top of the list, and believe that it has done so in the past with water and wastewater improvements, parks and recreation upgrades, as well as street upgrades and improvements.
6. Hudbay is currently planning to shut down most of its operations within Flin Flon within the next two years. As a candidate, how does this affect your platform and what plan do you have regarding the Hudbay closure?
Yes, Hudbay’s planned closure is in the near future and will have a great impact for this community as well as all of our neighbors. It will be a trying time for everyone. I feel that even though it might be a massive change in the local economy, I believe that we will continue to make Creighton home. I believe that there are other avenues of economy that have not been tapped into and am excited to see what the future has in store.
7. What is your plan for Creighton’s future?
What I would love to see in Creighton is a growth in tourism. We have an amazing opportunity in our back yards with the lakes, fishing and camping that I think has to develop in the future. Maybe this is an area for the biggest kayak tournament in Canada! I believe that we need to think outside the box at all times and look at issues from all perspectives to see a community like Creighton grow for the future.
8. How do you plan on working with nearby communities and councils?
If elected, I would like to continue being part of the already growing partnerships with the nearby communities and councils. I feel this is a very important partnership and working together on regional issues would make us a stronger region.
9. What are your thoughts on your opponents?
I have had a great opportunity working with the past mayor and council and look forward to working with any of my opponents, whether on town council or as a Creighton resident. I think that any of the candidates will be a great councillor and wish all of them luck.
10. In 25 words or less - what is your elevator pitch for undecided voters?
I have never been good at speeches and will keep it short. If reelected, I will continue my best to bring forward the concerns of the residents and I will try my best to keep the community safe.
11. What question do you wish we would have asked?
(editor’s note: Hlady did not answer this question.)
RICHARD MASSON
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Why are you running for council? What are your qualifications? Do you have experience with public office?
This is my first time running for public office. I am running for council because I would be a valuable asset during this critical juncture of the approaching closure of the 777 mine in the next two years. My knowledge of exploration and of the nearby McIlvenna Bay deposit and the key players involved could be key to Creighton and the region’s economic future.
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What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the community?
The biggest issue facing this community will be the loss of jobs with the closure of the 777 mine. I would support and encourage the development of the McIlvenna Bay deposit located in Saskatchewan owned by Foran Mining. This would have an immediate economic impact for the region and for the secondary businesses associated with mining.
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What would you wish to address with local government if elected?
Encourage the provincial government to continue to give economic incentives and subsidies for exploration and mining in the region, as well as a boost to Creighton’s health services so Creighton residents are not forced to travel to Prince Albert or Saskatoon for care that is presently not available in our community.
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What are your policies on local finances and taxation?
Creighton is very well run and I would continue to support and improve the measures already in place by the previous council. The low taxation in Creighton and the services provided are definitely a bonus for Creighton residents as compared to other communities.
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What do you believe should be local government’s priorities on infrastructure?
Development of land and buildings for future businesses and senior housing. Development of affordable housing and perhaps an apartment complex so that Creighton would be a draw for those wanting to call this community home. Development and enhancement of Phantom Lake as a local and tourist attraction.
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Hudbay is currently planning to shut down most of its operations within Flin Flon within the next two years. As a candidate, how does this affect your platform and what plan do you have regarding the Hudbay closure?
As previously mentioned, my plan regarding the Hudbay closure is to encourage many exploration companies to explore in this region but of much greater importance to convince any willing mining company to develop and mine the McIlvenna Bay deposit which would bring immediate economic benefit and prosperity to the region.
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What is your plan for Creighton’s future?
My plan for Creighton’s future is to make it a vibrant and prosperous community for my children to grow up in, a place to call home for those enjoying their retirement but above all, a community of neighbors that support one another and are proud pioneers in exploration, innovators in business and active participants in the leisure activities this community provides.
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How do you plan on working with nearby communities and councils?
I plan on working closely with our nearby community and council of Flin Flon because we share common goals and interests in the north’s future. Even though we are in different provincial jurisdictions, I think if united in our goals and with provincial backing, our dreams of a vibrant north can be accomplished.
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What are your thoughts on your opponents?
I do not consider them my opponents but rather great teammates which would be a privilege for me to have the opportunity to work with. Previous council members have done a great job and my addition would be a strength to an already great and experienced group of people.
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In 25 words or less - what is your elevator pitch for undecided voters?
I would love the opportunity to enhance and build upon a great community and sincerely and passionately push for the opening of a new mine.
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What question do you wish we would have asked?
How do I plan as a council member to navigate these turbulent times while keeping Creighton economically strong, healthy and safe?
ANITA RAINVILLE
1. Why are you running for council? What are your qualifications? Do you have experience with public office?
I have served on town council for the past two years. In these two years, I have learned many things and I am still learning. I am a great listener and think I am a people person. I hope to continue learning and working with council and staff towards ensuring a brighter future for our community.
2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the community?
Other than the Hudbay closure, the biggest issues facing the community are the lack of health care, supports and services for individuals with disabilities, mental health, addictions and homelessness.
3. What would you like to address with local government if elected?
I would like to address the lack of services and supports for all the individuals in the community, especially the vulnerable. Also, the lack of cell service on our local highways is very important to me.
4. What are your policies on local finances and taxation?
It is mandatory that our community does not run at a deficit while at the same time keeping our taxes as low as possible.
5. What do you believe should be local government's priorities on infrastructure?
I believe the Town is keeping up with infrastructure and maintaining and upgrading where it is needed and when financially able to.
6. Hudbay is currently planning to shut down most of its operations within Flin Flon within the next two years. As a candidate, how does this affect your platform and what plan do you have regarding the Hudbay closure?
Hudbay is an important part of all our communities, many of our community members are commuting back and forth to outlying mines. I feel Creighton is a forward-thinking and attractive community to live in. Tourism is also a very large part of our community, there are many attractions that will bring tourists to our community, which will increase business for local store owners and businesses.
7. What is your plan for Creighton's future?
This may be a time to plan carefully, spend wisely and do all that we can for our taxpayers to continue to enjoy this great community that Creighton has become.
8. How do you plan on working with nearby communities and councils?
Especially during this difficult time I feel we have developed a good working relationship with our neighbours. I would like to acknowledge that we are located in Treaty 10 territory, alongside signatories of Treaty 6 and that we are all treaty people.
9. What are your thoughts on your opponents?
Each candidate has something to offer to the community! I wish all candidates the best.
10. In 25 words or less - what is your elevator pitch for undecided voters?
I believe my first two years on council were a learning experience and I am prepared to better help the taxpayers of Creighton. Thank you.
11. What question do you wish we would have asked?
What are some of our community’s accomplishments since the last election?
COLLEEN STALLARD
1. Why are you running for council? What are your qualifications? Do you have experience with public office?
I am running for council to give back to my community. I have served on council previously, so I have an understanding of town politics, and yes, I do have experience.
2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the community?
Downsizing and major changes to the local major employer.
3. What would you wish to address with local government if elected?
The urgency to create or improve employment opportunities.
4. What are your policies on local finances and taxation?
I would like to think that we should run an effective town on a budget that is not too frugal, and keep property taxes fair and reasonable for all.
5. What do you believe should be local government’s priorities on infrastructure?
Health care for our area and cellular service.
6. Hudbay is currently planning to shut down most of its operations within Flin Flon within the next two years. As a candidate, how does this affect your platform and what plan do you have regarding the Hudbay closure?
This does not affect my platform at all - it is a known fact that this is happening, I have no control over it. What I would like to have is a say on how to move forward with the changes for the Town.
7. What is your plan for Creighton’s future?
Hmmmm, I would like to see more new business in Creighton, new homes in our beautiful serviced lots and seniors’ housing.
8. How do you plan on working with nearby communities and councils?
We will have to sit down at the table and brainstorm - the border issue can be a real thorn but with good conversation between all councils and communities I think there are certain things we can do jointly.
9. What are your thoughts on your opponents?
LOL. All great people.
10. In 25 words or less - what is your elevator pitch for undecided voters?
I am who I am. I would be very humbled should I be elected to serve another term as a councilor. Please vote.
11. What question do you wish we would have asked?
(editor’s note: Stallard did not provide an answer to this question.)
