Harvard Media News reached out to each candidate running for office to ask a set of questions about the office for which they are running. The following is our Q&A with Fort McMurray Mayoral Candidate, Ron Quintal. All responses are from the candidate or their agent and are unedited by Harvard Media News.
Harvard: Why are you running/what is your motivation?
I am running so that I can bring attention to the rural & indigenous communities in Wood Buffalo. These communities have been here since time and memorial, however, have historically continued to be under serviced. Our region has become an economic engine of the Canada & Alberta, where over 90% of the regions tax revenue come directly from the Oilsands and the traditional territory of these indigenous communities.
My motivation comes forcing a conversation and tabling a motion to consult and meet with each of our indigenous communities to form a leadership round table of Mayor & Council, every indigenous community Chiefs & Presidents, the Ministers of Municipal Affairs, and Indigenous relations and the senior executives of each major Oilsands proponent. With Bill C-5 slated to affect this region, and the separation discussion. This Council will need to walk as partners in prosperity with the First Peoples of this region. This is the Only way that we will find success in mitigation of the “Nation Building” discussion.
Harvard: What qualifications make you suited for office?
I have worked in Fort McKay as Metis President for 18 years and worked directly with the RMWB on its failures and successes. I was also a volunteer fire fighter for 18 years, and I understand the need for improved service. I’m not here to do a job and then leave when it’s time to retire. I live here, I will retire here, my children will have careers and lives here. My qualifications are born out of a history of knowing this region and its people.
Harvard: What three issues will you bring before Council that are of key interest to you?
1)With in the first 60 days in office, I will table a motion to begin outreach and consultation with indigenous communities to begin our discussions on reconciliation.
2) I will table a motion to improve emergency services to the Rural Communities, pushing for full-time first responders based at the new fire halls. This will increase response times, as well as create local employment for members to protect their traditional communities.
3) Force a review of current Bylaws & ordinances that restrict economic growth and opportunity. Force a dual conversation about bringing this region into the future with applicable services to other major urban centres, as well as identify events and areas significant to the historic residents of wood buffalo. The Fort McMurray of today is not the same Fort McMurray I grew up around. We have lost events and access to locations that were significant for generations. We have tried too hard to promote and recruit people from around the world by forcing major changes to the historic fabric of the region. We have cut off our nose to spite our face, and we dare not continue down this path without a serious conversation with the entire region, and not just Fort McMurray.
Harvard: How familiar are you with the Municipal Government Act?
I am familiar enough to know that MGA as drafted to govern municipality’s, is an archaic document that’s in need of reform. In many circumstances, the MGA gets in Municipal councils’ way to do what’s right or to properly govern their region or county.
With the major political and economic shifts ongoing within our country and province, the Government of Alberta must be prepared to consider reform and amendments. I hope to be a lightning rod to this conversation.
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