The official call for the Provincial election has been made for October 26. With that, I compose this Moose Jaw Express column as your retiring Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Constituency of Moose Jaw North. It is with gratitude, pride and fulfilment that I reflect on the past three terms working with and for the citizens of Moose Jaw, representing this great city in our Provincial Legislature.
The 2007 election was a positive change for economic progress, improved social programs, upgraded health facilities, record investment in education, and infrastructure renewal; improving our overall quality of life. The significate growth in our province has outpaced most jurisdictions in Canada as well as North America. Now as I step aside, it is encouraging to see Saskatchewan’s potential to continue growing.
The upgrades and improvements to schools in Moose Jaw, including the announced construction of a new school expected to open in the fall of 2023 is significant. The addition of 220 child daycare spaces in Moose Jaw is significant in providing support for families in need. Investments in our social housing has increased the number of family living spaces and replaced some older properties, providing better-quality homes.
Our government placed a priority on supporting municipalities by committing to revenue sharing; providing funds to cities, towns and rural municipalities. This funding has increased by 142 per cent since 2007. This assists maintenance, development of infrastructure, and provides tax relief across the province.
The construction of Mosaic Place and YaraCentre are a testament that the needs of the City of Moose Jaw were heard loud and clear by the Government of Saskatchewan. These two venues are pinnacles of pride for our community that have hosted several major concerts as well as sporting events such as the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and served as the practice field in 2013 for the Hamilton Tiger Cats as they prepared for the Grey Cup game against our Riders (Hamilton was defeated 45-23).
Additional improvements to highways entering Moose Jaw and safety enhancements of the 9th Ave / TransCanada intersection are among ongoing improvement considerations to assist in future development of our City.
The construction of the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital is the greatest improvement to health care in our community. Needed hospital upgrades had been a concern for almost a decade, and I’m proud that a new hospital was constructed; providing better health care, with up-to-date equipment and the ability to attract doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. Expanded services include the hyperbaric chamber and the first MRI machine outside our two major cities. Indeed, Moose Jaw has become an integral element of health care for south-central Saskatchewan.
The greatest attribute of Moose Jaw is the people who live and work here. I have great respect for the constituents, volunteers, businesses, workers and leaders of our notorious city. I’ve enjoyed talking and visiting with people of all beliefs and interests.
My constituency office was a hub for meetings, but just as significant were opportunities to meet with constituents in various ways in our community. These conversations occurred in coffee shops, and when I stopped in to chat with businesses owners. I appreciated attending the annual meetings of community-based organizations and our libraries, where I would be inspired by the amazing work these groups were doing. I enjoyed seeing the accomplishments of students at graduations and cadets at annual reviews. Many good memories were made at community celebrations like Sidewalk Days, the Hometown Fair Parade, Motif, the Sukanen Ship Museum Threshing Bee, the Air Show, the Right to Life banquet and the CP Holiday Train. I reflected and prayed with our veterans and cadets observing D-Day and with our whole community at Remembrance Day Ceremonies. I saw the generosity of our community at the Radiothons, the Walk for Life, the Terry Fox Runs, the annual food drive, the Festival of Trees and other worthwhile initiatives. In so many ways and in so many places, my gratitude for the people of our great city continues to grow.
I appreciate these events, the candor, and the opportunities granted to me over the past 13 years. It has been an honour to work on your behalf. Your support has always been very much appreciated.
On behalf of Debbie and our family; thank you. God Bless Moose Jaw! God Bless Saskatchewan!
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
