Page 4 - September 30, 2019
P. 4
PAGE 4 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
MLA Martin Long briefs County Council
by Cassie Kushniruk
West Yellowhead MLA Martin Long made an
appearance at Yellowhead County Council's
September 24 meeting in order to provide updates
about his work in the constituency and to listen to
concerns raised by Councillors.
During his previous few months working
throughout West Yellowhead, Long stated that
there is still a lot of red tape in play with regards
to industry. “That's part of my job; to work with
people who are experiencing this and try to get
them to the right avenues to cut the red tape,”
Long said. "The environment is a major concern,
but red tape delays investment, and our priority is
finding ways to remove as much red tape and West Yellowhead MLA Martin Long updated Yellowhead County Council on September 24 on his
obstacles as possible. We need to drastically activities in the riding. Cassie Kushniruk
increase investment and jobs in our province."
Following Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer's
cross-Alberta rural crime tour, which made a stop
in Whitecourt on September 12, Long mentioned
that he is in the works of adding another stop in
Edson soon.
Long stated that he continues to travel to as
many communities in the constituency as he can
in order to meet with residents and hear their
concerns. “I do believe that a large part of our role
as elected officials is to be seen and to be
accessible,” he said.“Our constituents will feel a
lot more inclined to approach us when they see
that and form those relationships. That's why you
see me out quite frequently.” Long's new MLA
office is located in Edson.
With a background in forestry, Long mentioned
that the Jasper and Hinton area are a major
concern with regards to Mountain Pine Beetle and
caribou. “Both the Pine Beetle and caribou are a
major concern in industry in this region and we
are trying to figure the best path forward,” he
said.“Personally, I believe the only way we get
through these issues is working hand in hand with
industry. I am reaching out to industry on a
regular basis to get more feedback.”
“Caribou specifically; we made submissions for
amendments to the caribou Section 11 draft up
until October 6,” Long added.“I've been
encouraging everyone to submit those online and
to also put them through my office so I can keep
track.”
Following Long's update, County Councillors
had the opportunity to voice any concerns they
had or have heard from residents in Yellowhead
County.
Councillor Lavone Olson said, “My big concern
is the limestone mine [near the Overlander Lodge
close to Jasper Park]. I just heard from another
resident and they're all concerned about blasting.”
“I think we're all aware that there are leases all
over the place; whether they're coal leases or
limestone leases, they're out there; we're just not
aware of them all,” Olson continued. “So when
the previous government re-approved this lease, it
came as a total surprise to Yellowhead County and
those of us on Council. We were kind of
blindsided when this happened. I would like to
have [the Minister of Energy] be aware of these
concerns and I would also like some assurance
that we are kept in the loop somehow.”
Long asked for specific details in writing that he
could take back to the Minister.
Councillor David Russell and other Councillors
agreed that removing red tape would be one of the
most important steps to aid local municipalities in
development and even maintenance along its
beaches.
Long closed, “When there are concerns, please
be specific. I understand that people are emotional
when their business is at stake or their tax dollars
are at stake. If there are actual specifics that we
could know of, that helps immensely.”
Interim Mayor Sandra Cherniawsky thanked the
MLA and expressed Council's appreciation for his With thanks to Trail Printing Ltd. and
time to offer the update. Greg Pasychny of MagnetSigns
for invaluable assistance.
MLA Martin Long briefs County Council
by Cassie Kushniruk
West Yellowhead MLA Martin Long made an
appearance at Yellowhead County Council's
September 24 meeting in order to provide updates
about his work in the constituency and to listen to
concerns raised by Councillors.
During his previous few months working
throughout West Yellowhead, Long stated that
there is still a lot of red tape in play with regards
to industry. “That's part of my job; to work with
people who are experiencing this and try to get
them to the right avenues to cut the red tape,”
Long said. "The environment is a major concern,
but red tape delays investment, and our priority is
finding ways to remove as much red tape and West Yellowhead MLA Martin Long updated Yellowhead County Council on September 24 on his
obstacles as possible. We need to drastically activities in the riding. Cassie Kushniruk
increase investment and jobs in our province."
Following Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer's
cross-Alberta rural crime tour, which made a stop
in Whitecourt on September 12, Long mentioned
that he is in the works of adding another stop in
Edson soon.
Long stated that he continues to travel to as
many communities in the constituency as he can
in order to meet with residents and hear their
concerns. “I do believe that a large part of our role
as elected officials is to be seen and to be
accessible,” he said.“Our constituents will feel a
lot more inclined to approach us when they see
that and form those relationships. That's why you
see me out quite frequently.” Long's new MLA
office is located in Edson.
With a background in forestry, Long mentioned
that the Jasper and Hinton area are a major
concern with regards to Mountain Pine Beetle and
caribou. “Both the Pine Beetle and caribou are a
major concern in industry in this region and we
are trying to figure the best path forward,” he
said.“Personally, I believe the only way we get
through these issues is working hand in hand with
industry. I am reaching out to industry on a
regular basis to get more feedback.”
“Caribou specifically; we made submissions for
amendments to the caribou Section 11 draft up
until October 6,” Long added.“I've been
encouraging everyone to submit those online and
to also put them through my office so I can keep
track.”
Following Long's update, County Councillors
had the opportunity to voice any concerns they
had or have heard from residents in Yellowhead
County.
Councillor Lavone Olson said, “My big concern
is the limestone mine [near the Overlander Lodge
close to Jasper Park]. I just heard from another
resident and they're all concerned about blasting.”
“I think we're all aware that there are leases all
over the place; whether they're coal leases or
limestone leases, they're out there; we're just not
aware of them all,” Olson continued. “So when
the previous government re-approved this lease, it
came as a total surprise to Yellowhead County and
those of us on Council. We were kind of
blindsided when this happened. I would like to
have [the Minister of Energy] be aware of these
concerns and I would also like some assurance
that we are kept in the loop somehow.”
Long asked for specific details in writing that he
could take back to the Minister.
Councillor David Russell and other Councillors
agreed that removing red tape would be one of the
most important steps to aid local municipalities in
development and even maintenance along its
beaches.
Long closed, “When there are concerns, please
be specific. I understand that people are emotional
when their business is at stake or their tax dollars
are at stake. If there are actual specifics that we
could know of, that helps immensely.”
Interim Mayor Sandra Cherniawsky thanked the
MLA and expressed Council's appreciation for his With thanks to Trail Printing Ltd. and
time to offer the update. Greg Pasychny of MagnetSigns
for invaluable assistance.
