Belanger Named NDP’s New Northern Affairs Critic
Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 14:33
The NDP’s new Northern Affairs critic says it was “unfortunate” that a former colleague recently decided to abandon her seat in the legislature for a stab at federal politics.
Athabasca MLA Buckley Belanger takes over the critic role from Joan Beatty, who left the NDP to run for the federal Liberals in the coming by-election in Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River.
Belanger also says it was “nothing he encouraged her to do” and is “sorry it happened” — but he wishes her well.
He is also confident the NDP will hang on to the Cumberland riding when a provincial by-election is called.
As for his new role, Belanger says duty to consult and resource sharing are issues key to northern Saskatchewan.
He also says the resource wealth in the region means there should not be inadequate housing, roads, or employment.