Former Sask. RCMP officer looks forward to new venture as MLA

By Nigel Maxwell

The newly elected MLA for the Athabasca constituency said Wednesday his phone had been ringing off the hook all day.

Jim Lemaigre, who has a background in policing, won Tuesday’s byelection by more than 200 votes. After all 37 ballot boxes were counted, Lemaigre had 1,146 votes and the NDP’s Georgina Jolibois received 900.

“It was exciting. My message to the constituents this entire campaign was to put a voice on the side of government and I think enough people heard that message,” Lemaigre said.

Lemaigre’s victory marks the first time the Saskatchewan Party has been elected in Athabasca. The governing Sask. Party now has 48 MLAs, the NDP has 12 and there’s one independent.

Prior to running for the federal Liberals in last fall’s election, Buckley Belanger had for more than 20 years represented the large constituency as an NDP MLA.

Lemaigre attributed the change to the fact the byelection was held at a time when people knew who the government was.

“One elder put it quite nicely. He said, ‘You know, we’ve been on the outside of government for so long, so why would we put ourselves back there again?’ ” Lemaigre said.

Premier Scott Moe called it a historic victory.

“The Saskatchewan Party has been fortunate in having the opportunity to serve as government and to represent constituencies from across the province. Now we truly do represent constituencies from border to border to border to border across this province,” Moe said during a media conference. “It’s a historic change.”

Moe said the byelection highlights the different approaches political parties are taking across the province and country.

“You’re seeing parties that are putting forward very divisive policies, in particular over the past month or two,” Moe said.

Moe said the Sask. Party has been putting in policies aimed at bringing people back together to try and achieve opportunities in the province.

Over the course of his campaign, which involved travelling hundreds of kilometres, Lemaigre noted there were a number of common concerns he heard including the state of Highway 155, the need for long-term care for elders, enhanced supports for addictions and mental health, job opportunities, and opportunities for youth.

Lemaigre also noted his background in policing and as a program manager for the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety taught him his strength as a leader will only be as strong as the partnerships he builds with the various community leaders.

“I’m quite excited about that and so collectively we can address some of these issues and have fair representation for all communities,” he said.

In addition to thanking the constituents who came out to vote, Lemaigre also expressed gratitude to his team and his family for their support and guidance during the election campaign.

larongeNOW was unable to reach Jolibois about the byelection, but she did post a statement on her personal Facebook page.

“Like Kevin Costner said the sun will rise again. Thank you for many who supported me and still believe in hope,” she said.

Jolibois now returns to her duties as La Loche’s mayor.

“I am proud of my record as the longest-serving mayor of La Loche. Again, thank you to many who believe in my style of leadership,” she said.

In a media release issued Wednesday, NDP Leader Ryan Meili thanked Jolibois and her team for a hard-fought campaign.

“We made strong connections and spoke with thousands of northerners about the kind of change they need to see in their communities,” he said. “These issues will drive our advocacy moving forward. The Saskatchewan NDP will continue to stand with northerners and fight for the investments and services northerners deserve.”

Meili also congratulated Lemaigre on his win and wanted him to know how important his new position will be.

“Whether it’s lack of cell coverage, lack of available health services, or crumbling roads, northerners need a strong advocate in the legislature to bring their voice to Regina, and that will require (Lemaigre) to be a dissenting voice within his own government,” Meili said.

— With files from Derek Cornet and 980 CJME’s Britton Gray