Kevin Janvier after a public meeting in La Loche in August. Photo by Chelsea Laskowski
Municipal elections are coming up across Saskatchewan, and many eyes will be on the northern community of La Loche on Oct. 5.
Acting Mayor Kevin Janvier was at the helm after the mass shootings on Jan. 22 and he’s seeking to keep his position.
Janvier was scrutinized by news agencies internationally as he stood as a representative of La Loche in a time of crisis. He was also brought to the table with provincial and federal meetings with the premier and prime minister.
All that attention didn’t scare him off from wanting to run for mayor for the first time. Janvier was appointed not elected to replace Georgina Jolibois after she was elected as a Member of Parliament. He was a councillor for 10 years, four of those as deputy mayor.
Any doubts Janvier had, were eliminated after the events of Jan. 22.
“It’s really important I continue the work we have already established with the government. We can’t afford to go backwards. I have a good working relationship with the government now,” he said.
First-time runner Robert St. Pierre agrees that the role of mayor has a whole new meaning now, and said he wants to guide La Loche at such a pivotal time for its people.
Robert St. Pierre. Photo submitted.
His biggest focus is transparency and advocating for the needed improvements in La Loche.
“We’re seeking answers, we’re seeking some solutions and we need leadership that’s willing to listen, that’s willing to be open, that’s willing to discuss with our health facilities, with our justice, with all facets of the community, not just a select few. We need to involve everyone,” St. Pierre said.
He said he had a proven record of leadership through his roles on the Northern Lights School Division Board and the Metis local.
However, not all mayor candidates in La Loche this year are addressing the shootings that took four lives.
Daniel Skip Montgrand said instead, he’s focused on making sure dealings with the mayor’s office and industry are made public.
“We have to protect the land that we have up north from the industry and the people in the office, they don’t come out with the stuff that we need to know in public,” he said.
He’s not a first-time candidate, saying he’s been in politics for 30 years.
The final mayor candidate is Ida Lemaigre, who teaches in the community.
Ida Lemaigre. Photo courtesy Facebook
There are 22 councillor candidates, among them the community school’s principal Stephen King.
The La Loche election is on Oct. 5.