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Mayor Scott reviews first 90 days in office

PHOTO. Mayor Don Scott discusses first 90 days in office. Nathalia Cordeau-Hilliard. Reporter

Monday marked the first 90 days in office for Mayor Don Scott.

In his 90 day platform update Scott spoke of the importance of the newly developed Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation. 

He said the project is committed to the long-term economic success of the region, including attracting new businesses.

“Let’s not wait for people to come to us. Let’s go out and try to get businesses to come here.”

The project will also support existing businesses and investment while developing a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Council has also been working with the Wood Buffalo Steering Group to build a relationship with industry and hopes to focus on fly-in, fly-out employment and rotational workforce practices in the oil sands.

Discussion with industry will be in the near future to discuss the Bill 21 transition plan, that will assist the RMWB with lowering the tax ratio to 5:1.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada has also been contacted by Scott in order to sort out insurance issues related to the wildfire.

“Those who have outstanding insurance issues have options. Both with the Insurance Bureau of Canada and with law firms if necessary.”

The newly elected mayor says he won’t be fully satisfied until there is more progress with the rebuild, saying those who have been relocated should have the opportunity to return home.

Scott would also like to see all levels of governments, including mayors of other regions, visiting Wood Buffalo to help develop a strategic plan for the future and to become ambassadors for the region.

The five point plan that was put together in the mayor’s first 90 days brought forward plenty of challenges, but Scott says it’s not more than what he expected.

He says while building relationships with Indigenous leaders and rural communities many outstanding issues have come forward.

“There’s many, many challenges, some of which I’m just being made aware of as we go forward. I think I know all the issues and then suddenly another one arises.”

Overall, Scott says his first 90 days in office have been a positive experience and that he’s confident in his team of Councillors.