The mayor of La Ronge says he wants to try and maximize the benefits of the uranium industry for Northern Saskatchewan.
On Friday Thomas Sierzycki met with Green Party leader Victor Lau.
The mayor says he welcomes the chance to talk with political leaders so he can hear their thoughts about how the north can benefit from economic projects — like uranium development.
A recent study by the three northern health regions determined that while the industry is a major economic driver in the north, many of its financial benefits are flowing outside of its borders and down to places like Prince Albert and Saskatoon.
The mayor says northern communities need to find ways they can keep that money within their area:
“People have a tendency to go south where there are additional businesses and we want to encourage people to shop locally. But as well, we as a community need to come up with creative ways to make sure that we get business investment dollars.”
Green Party leader Victor Lau agrees saying recent research shows many of the benefits of the industry are realized outside of Northern Saskatchewan.
“Like it doesn’t stay in the local community, it tends to drift off to the larger centres, PA, Saskatoon that type of thing.”
The mayor says he’s glad so many political leaders have been visiting his community as of late, and he’s looking forward to future visits from cabinet ministers.
