During the 2024 provincial election MBC News will be reaching out to all candidates in the northern ridings for individual interviews. The following is a transcript of the interview with independent candidate Nasser Dean Chalifoux who is running in the Cumberland constituency.
*Note – at the time of this publication, MBC News has reached out to all other candidates in the riding, but has not yet heard back from both the Sask Party candidate and the Green Party candidate on an interview request.
Audio of the entire interview can be found here.
(TOP PHOTO – Campaign photo for Nasser Dean Chalifoux. Courtesy of nasserdeanchalifoux.com)
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MBC News – We’re here with, Nasser Dean Chalifoux, independent candidate for the Cumberland constituency. We’re interviewing all of the northern candidates, for this upcoming provincial election. So to begin, Nasser, can you just tell us a bit about who you are and and why you decided to run-in this, 2024 provincial election?
Chalifoux – Yes. I’m my name is Nasser Dean Shalafu, and I live, an hour northeast of Prince Albert. And I’ve been involved in politics here for about 4 years in northeastern Saskatchewan because I believe we need better representation all in all. I’ve been sort of sitting back all these years kind of watching the inaction of, the major political parties, and, we’re not really seeing what we really need in terms of policies or,anything to help alleviate some of the issues we have going on in northeast Saskatchewan right now.
MBC News – One of the main concerns a lot of Northerners are talking about is the skyrocketing of the cost of living in recent years, especially in the north where prices were already high. So what would you do if elected to help northerners with the cost of living?
Chalifoux – Well, if elected, there’s probably a number of initiatives that could be taken to address the high cost of living in the north. For one, I support, tax benefits and rebates, like the carbon tax rebate, which could help put a little more money in the pockets of those who can use it. I also will lobby for a boost in support benefits issued by the Ministry of Social Services, especially for families with children. And, I would also support First Nations and Metis economic initiatives and self determination, which would be quintessential in my policies to ensure a more diverse and sustainable economic environment in the north.
MBC News – Education continues to be a top priority for many Northerners. If elected, how would you support education in the province, specifically in Northern Saskatchewan? And in additional to that question, what were your thoughts on last year’s teachers’ strike with the province?
Chalifoux – Well, our professionals in education already have the answers and the policies to make for a better working environment. It’s our politicians and our government that are mostly out of touch. I’m on the side of the educators and believe that they must have the resources to keep up with their demands. My only comment on the teacher strike is that the institution of education is a high priority, and issues with large groups in the public sector should be reconciled.
MBC News – For many Northerners, access to health care is also a major concern. How would you plan to support Northerners in their pursuit of health care, many of whom must travel 100 of kilometers, just to see their nearest service provider?
Chalifoux – Yes. Indeed. I know the feeling. I believe that there there needs to be accessible health care, whether it be small health clinics or mobile, so that people don’t have to leave their communities for the less serious issues. Funded health care to the needs of the First Nations and Metis communities will likely be more available when we get the United Nations Declaration of Rights for Indigenous People implemented in Saskatchewan. But in the meantime, we need a representee that’s dedicated to working with the communities in opening the doors to establish funding required for maintaining long term health care facilities.
MBC News – In recent years, indigenous groups have raised concerns over policies passed by the provincial government they say fail in the duty to consult and accommodate indigenous peoples. These include policies such as the sale of Crown Lands and the Saskatchewan First Act. What are your thoughts on these specific policies, and what would your plan be to prioritize duty to consult policies if elected?
Chalifoux – The Saskatchewan First Act passed in 2022 by the Sask party with the support of the NDP. This is an act that I personally disagree with, but as an independent, I would be able to move the community’s, policies or amendments related to reconciling the Saskatchewan Act faster through the legislative process.
MBC News – And would you yourself push to make the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th a statutory holiday in the province? Yes.
Chalifoux – It would be a a great gesture to honor truth and reconciliation amongst everyone in the province. It’s a day to remember those who should not be forgotten, and it’s for their legacy that’s given us the hope and the strength to carry on collectively, acknowledging the healing process of reconciliation.
MBC News – Moving now to infrastructure. Northern infrastructure continues to be a concern for many in the north. How would you lobby for Northerners to bring better roads and access to northern communities if elected?
Chalifoux – Well, being an independent, I’m nonpartisan, so I’d be able to work with the governing party. Unlike, the opposition, who’ve had a mediocre strategy in the past, I believe, you need to keep the heat on the issue of road maintenance and development where it’s needed most in Northeast Saskatchewan. The question of safety also needs to be brought into the mix as some of the roads leading into our communities are downright dangerous. So I would also make it an issue of public safety.
MBC News – Now many experts have said Saskatchewan is currently in a mental health and addiction crisis. What do you feel are the root causes for this crisis, and how would you aim to address these issues?
Chalifoux – Some he root causes, for the crisis, relate to the ongoing effects of trauma and abuse. There needs to be more avenues for those suffering from abuse and addiction, especially women and children, to go to find safety and support. After the pandemic, studies found that the rates of depression and anxiety amongst women and girls went up dramatically. We need more unity in the understanding that some of the current attitudes towards women and girls must change. I will also support all community initiatives for mental health and healing while lobbying for changes necessary for public funding to maintain their operations.
MBC News – Saskatchewan has also seen a massive rise in homelessness across the province in recent years. How would you work to address the housing crisis and make sure more people in this province have a safe place to live?
Chalifoux – There should be more public funding to ensure that there are shelters and resources in place to handle the needs for short term shelter for homeless and in the more populated areas especially. We also need an extended program through, the Ministry of Social Services to address the issues of homelessness by understanding individual circumstances that lead to being homeless and providing the needs required to maintain a safe place to live. There should also be a program and resources available to reclaim and renovate unused or derelict housing units.
MBC News – So as voters head to the polls this week for the Saskatchewan election, why those voting in the Cumberland constituency, why should they select you to represent them in the legislative assembly?
Chalifoux – I believe I got or I can bring the right energy and spirit. I think we also need a representative that understands the needs of the people and will act upon them. And, without that, we’re probably not really gonna find the change we need. It seems like a different world when you’re in Northern Saskatchewan compared to the rest of the province, and it’s not really being addressed. I have not seen it being addressed, and I just really believe I have the energy, and I understand the situation. I am the situation. I am I am the voice of the people for for a reason. I personally live that life too, so I believe that’s the sort of energy you need if you want to find change.