A new Council was sworn in by Judge Jonathan Hutchison in Quesnel on Tuesday (November 4) night.
New Mayor Coralee Oakes took the oath of office along with returning Councillors Tony Goulet, Mitch Vik, Laurey-Anne Roodenburg and Scott Elliott and newcomers Jeremy Drew and Ryan Adams.
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Oakes, in her initial address, said that they have heard the concerns of residents, that they take those concerns seriously, and that a strong community must be a safe community.
“That is why Council will be focused over the next hundred days on public safety. During this time public safety will be a priority for elected officials and for staff. We will look beyond on our own community for best practices and learn from the experiences of other communities facing similar challenges. We will work alongside local agencies, the RCMP, bylaw enforcement and all front line service providers to identify practical solutions and address the concerns that residents have brought forward.”
We recognize that many of these challenges are complex and will require support from senior levels of government, but we also recognize that there is important work that we can do here at home.
Oakes went on to say that many of these challenges are complex and would require support from senior levels of government.
Fighting back tears, she also talked about the court system.
“Tonight I want to honour and recognize Tara Marshall for the important work that she is doing on Kennedy’s Law, a framework to bring meaningful accountability for serious drug trafficking and for the harm it causes our families and our communities. Tara reminds us that we are not powerless. Our court system may not have caught up to the realities of what is happening in our communities and to our people, but we do not have to accept the status quo. Change can happen, but only if we all work together. Our residents deserve to know that their concerns are heard, that their safety matters, and that we are committed to taking action.”
Oakes encouraged everyone in the room to work together over the next four years to build a mix of housing, address homelessness, to support those struggling with mental health and addiction, and to advocate together, in one voice, for treatment and recovery options in the community.
She also talked about the economy.
“We live in uncertain times and communities like ours are not immune to the changes and challenges happening around us. As a resource rich region, we know that shifts in trade and global markets can have a real impact on our local businesses, our workers, and our families. Major projects in the region bring both economic opportunities but social pressures that we must prepare for. I am confident that with the leadership gathered here this evening and through the partnerships that we build together. The decision that this Council makes to ensure our financial sustainability will require careful judgement and a clear understanding of the needs of our residents. Our responsibility is to make sound decisions while protecting our ability to serve the community well into the future. I have confidence in our very capable staff and know that they will play an important role in this work helping us ensure the responsible use of your tax dollars. Together, through careful planning, cooperation, and steady progress, we can navigate these challenging times and build a stronger foundation for the future.”
Oakes also talked about her vision of a community where young people can imagine their future close to home, where families can put down routes and find homes that they can afford.
“The decisions we make today will shape the opportunities available to them tomorrow. The future is not simply something we hope for, it is something we build through the care we show, the choices we make, and the work we do together. I very much look forward to working with all of you as we take on this important work
She also recognized the presence of Lhtako Dene Nation Chief Clifford Lebrun, Nazko Chief Leah Stump, Esdilagh First Nation Chief Troy Baptiste, and Lhoosk’uz Dene Nation Chief Jeudi Etherington, and vowed to work together with them.
Oakes acknowledged outgoing Quesnel Mayor Ron Paull and outgoing Councillors Debra McKelvie and Martin Runge for the work they did, as well as outgoing Wells Mayor Ed Coleman, and outgoing CRD Directors Barb Bachmeier and John Massier
Finally, Oakes encouraged everyone on Council to reflect and honour the mentors that have helped guide them to where they are today, noting that for her it was former Mayor, the late Mayor Mary Sjostrom.
