1. What do you feel are your qualifications for federal office?
Before serving as Member of Parliament since 2015, I was the mayor of La Loche for 12 years and also served on the RCMP civilian advisory board in Saskatoon. I’ve always cared about public service and worked on building houses and playgrounds, investing in education and keeping our communities safe.
2. What is your plan for the future of Flin Flon’s economy?
What role will industry/mining play in that plan? People in northern Saskatchewan rely on the resource and mining industry. Without bigger investments in other job opportunities in the north, working in oil and gas is a reality for northerners and we can’t just take that away from them. In transitioning to a greener economy, though, we need to ensure that job training, investments in green technology and new economic opportunities are resourced while energy workers are still supported.
3. What have been the main issues you’ve heard from people in this riding?
People in my riding are concerned about their healthcare, protecting the environment and the housing crisis. Fewer and fewer doctors are available and since STC closed more people can’t get the care they need. We also are seeing more fires and flooding and our forests and waterways are being damaged. We need to protect them. Many are living in unsafe and crowded houses because there aren’t enough investments in housing.
4. What measures to benefit northern Saskatchewan and Flin Flon would you wish to add to a federal budget?
For Flin Flon and the north, I’m working with Niki Ashton to support maternal health care and re-open the clinic in Flin Flon. I know that people who give birth in communities like Denare Beach, Creighton and Flin Flon really relied on that clinic for help and we will make specific help to provide people with the care they
need in those communities.
5. What is your plan regarding northern health care, specifically with local health care? What role can the federal government play in health issues?
Improving healthcare in northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba is a priority for New Democrats. We believe the federal government can step and play a greater role in making healthcare affordable and accessible, especially for First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. I’m committed to making prescriptions free, dental care free and
investing in mental health and addictions treatment services.
6. What are your main concerns regarding environmental conservation? Do you support a carbon tax?
Protecting the Saskatchewan Delta is a priority for me – not only is it a huge tourism attraction to northern Saskatchewan, but it’s also important for local communities to protect. I’m very concerned about deforestation and increases in pollution that are destroying the environment.
I support a price on carbon, including the individual rebates. The carbon tax must be implemented fairly and hold the largest corporate polluters accountable as well.
7. Where do you stand on immigration to Canada? What impact do you think immigration could have for the north?
Canada’s immigration system needs to be reformed to focus on family reunification and protect temporary foreign workers.
8. What is your stance on electoral reform? Would changing Canada’s electoral system be a priority for you?
I believe in electoral reform and making every vote count. It’s time to make our voting system fair for everyone and implement mixed-member proportionality – a system that balances our geographic needs with the number of people who voted.
9. What measures would you propose to help remote Indigenous communities?
Many of the communities in my riding are remote municipalities and reserves operated by First Nations and Métis people. Their concerns are the same as many other non-Indigenous communities, but they do face issues as well. We’ll invest more resources in repairing roads, houses and healthcare systems so that people can get the help they need.
10. How do you feel about negative campaigning? Would you consider you and/or your party to be running a clean campaign? What about your opponents?
The NDP are running a positive campaign that focuses on the real concerns that people are facing – because people want a government that understands them and will fight for them.
11. What policy or practice do you disagree with your party on and why? Would you consider breaking rank with the party on that issue?
If there are disagreements between my party and I, usually they are issues on policies that need specific measures for northern communities. All parties tend to think that our northern communities are the same as Ottawa or Toronto, but we have unique needs because of our climate and cultures. I have the ability to speak up in my party and the NDP listens and acts.
12. In 30 words or less - What is your elevator pitch for undecided voters?
Georgina Jolibois is on your side – I’ve been a strong voice in Parliament to protect the environment, build more houses and improve mental and health care.
13. What question do you wish we would have asked?
I wished you would have asked me what keeps me going during the campaign! Everywhere I go, I meet with young people, elders, seniors and folks who are glad to know that I’m in this election for them. I love hearing stories and sharing experiences and I’m really excited to bring them back to Ottawa October 21.
