LLRIB Chief Tammy Cook-Searson will run for the Liberals in the next election. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

candidate acclaimed

LLRIB chief officially becomes Liberal candidate in upcoming election

May 1, 2019 | 12:00 PM

Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) Chief Tammy Cook-Searson is the official Liberal candidate for the Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River riding in the upcoming general election.

The announcement was made Tuesday at a special event held at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre. With the room packed with Cook-Searson’s family and supporters, she spoke about the 22 years she spent as a LLRIB chief or councillor, and how one of the most important traits she learned during that time was being available to the public. By attending events and gatherings in various communities, Cook-Searson said it keeps her informed of the issues constituents are faced with.

“I want to build on the gains of the last four years of the Liberal government,” she said. “For example, we have seen a government who is not afraid to tackle climate change, while supporting resource development. There has been increased funding for First Nations education. There has been money for infrastructure such as airports in La Ronge and Fond du Lac. I am committed to running in the riding to raise awareness of the challenges we face.”

Cook-Searson also spoke of her track record working with federal, provincial, municipal and other forms of government. She noted the $16 million announcement for a new wellness treatment centre back in February took a considerable amount of work, adding the Liberals contributed $11.6 million and the province granted $2.5 million.

Twist on a classic

Regina board game designer puts new spin on crokinole

5h ago

Spring in Saskatchewan

Calm, dry weather expected across much of Saskatchewan over Easter weekend

5h ago

Tribute projects

Progress on Humboldt Broncos memorial continues eight years after tragic crash

5h ago

As the president of Kitaski Management Development Corporation, Cook-Searson stated she has a record of creating jobs and economic development in northern Saskatchewan.

“I can promise I will be a strong voice in Ottawa and I will work hard,” she said.

It was a tight race in the riding during the 2016 election with the Liberal’s Lawrence Joseph losing to the NDP’s Georgina Jolibois by only 82 votes. Jolibois will once again be representing the NDP in this year’s election, while Gary Vidal, who recently stepped down as Meadow Lake mayor to focus on the election, is the official Conservative candidate. When it comes to running against those two political heavyweights, Cook-Searson said the Liberals have shown constituents during the past four years they care.

“The prime minister has responded whenever we’ve had a crisis in the community or if there is a state of emergency,” she said. “The Liberal government has responded and they’ve been able to pull through. I’m really proud of that.”

The federal election is scheduled for Oct. 21, 2019.

–

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno