Mayors from across Northern Saskatchewan are in Prince Albert this week for New North’s annual general meeting.
Elections for executive positions took place yesterday.
The newly-elected board includes La Loche mayor Georgina Jolibois, who will serve as chairperson, Stony Rapids councilor Al Sayne, Mayor Calvin Roy of Green Lake, Cumberland House mayor Val Deschambault and Gordon Stomp of Air Ronge.
She says great ideas are coming forward from the people in attendance.
Jolibois says it’s an interesting time in her own community as Oilsands Quest, a company that had been looking for oil north of La Loche, was recently purchased by another company.
She says talks are already underway:
“Yes the new company that acquired Oilsands is Cenovus and I am pleased to say that open discussions and open dialogue is already occurring with Cenovus and I’m only hoping for positive working relationships.”
Meantime the mayor of Ile A’La Crosse, Dwayne Favel, is welcoming the new mayors who were elected this fall.
He feels New North will benefit from some fresh blood.
At the same time he says New North must make sure its mandate is clearly defined so the executive can move forward:
“That’s been part of the problem. I think that reorganizing ourselves and trying to figure out how we get the most impact as an organization. Re-strengthening the voice of the organization seems to be a priority here today.”
Later today New North will hear presentations about community police boards, dog control and government relations.