Robert St. Pierre. Photo submitted.
Residents of La Loche have decided not to re-elect the man who led them through the aftermath of January’s mass shooting.
Instead, Robert St. Pierre has emerged as La Loche’s new mayor following Wednesday’s municipal election.
St. Pierre received 473 votes, while former acting mayor Kevin Janvier finished second with 330.
St. Pierre is a self-employed driver instructor as well as safe food and First Aid instructor.
Previous to the election, he touted himself as an open leader who is able to push ahead with provincial and local changes that have come after January’s mass shooting in La Loche.
“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,” St. Pierre said.
Ida Lemaigre and Daniel “Skip” Montgrand were also in the running for mayor.
Janvier had been serving in the capacity ever since former mayor Georigina Jolibois became northern Saskatchewan’s MP.
He was also thrust into the international spotlight in the aftermath of the mass shootings.
Six people were elected to the La Loche village council: Randy Herman, Justina Kilfoyl, Stephen King, J.J. Janvier, Keith Shewchuk and Marina Janvier.
Randy Herman had the most votes of the councillors.