The NDP MLAs who were in La Ronge this week. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

representation

NDP MLAs visit La Ronge as part of northern tour

Feb 26, 2025 | 3:22 PM

A group of NDP MLAs were in La Ronge this week to hear from northern residents to ensure they are represented when the Saskatchewan Legislature re-opens on March 19.

The delegation of shadow ministers included Cumberland MLA Jordan McPhail (Northern Affairs), Regina Wascana Plains MLA Brent Blakley (Social Services), Saskatoon Westview MLA April ChiefCalf (Housing) and Saskatoon Southeast MLA Brittney Senger (Community-Based Organizations).

While in La Ronge, they met with representative from NorthSask Special Needs, Children North, Kikinahk Friendship Centre, Piwapan Wellness Centre, Gary Tinker Federation, Tri-Community Housing Strategy and the Kitsaki Overnight Shelter.

“A lot of folks are kind of saying the same thing, that they are given enough to survive, but not enough to necessarily thrive as an organization,” McPhail remarked.

“There’s lots of programs and services they wish they can deliver, but they just don’t have a government that’s providing them enough resources to provide that.”

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McPhail also noted an issue brought up repeatedly was the need for multi-year funding models. He added it is difficult for organizations to grow if they are uncertain on whether or not funding will be available to them on a year-to-year basis.

MLAs are seen during their visit at Kikinahk Friendship Centre. (Submitted photo/April Chiefcalf)

MLAs are seen during their visit with NorthSask Special Needs. (Submitted photo/April Chiefcalf)

“March 19 is when the province wants to move forward on a budget and we … as a region, don’t know whether or not they are going to have funding April 1,” McPhail said.

McPhail explained local residents are also concerned about the potential American tariffs that could be implemented next week.

“We have been talking to many organizations that are dealing with some of the North’s most vulnerable folks and the cost of living is top of mind for their clients, for their organizations, from the food and fuel they need to be able to get in and around Northern Saskatchewan to get their clients to services down south,” he said.

“If the cost of food and the cost of fuel goes up, all of that will have a direct effect on their clients and their organizations, so of course, folks are watching closely as our team is and we’re ready to advocate on behalf of northerners and organizations that serve northerners and anyone in Saskatchewan to the best of our ability to make sure we’re fighting back with what we can for the potential tariffs that are coming in next week.”

The tour of NDP MLAs in Northern Saskatchewan will continue next week with visits to Black Lake, Stony Rapids and Wollaston Lake, as well as Fond du Lac and Uranium City if time permits.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com