On Wednesday, October 30, 2024 the Heritage Community Association sent out the following questions via email to the candidates who are running to represent the Heritage Community in the upcoming municipal election, on November 13, 2024.

Questions for Prospective Councillors

1. Why do you feel you should represent Ward 6, including the Heritage community?
2. What do you consider the most pressing challenges for the Heritage community, and for Ward 6 at large?
3. How are you going to improve local democracy?  What are your thoughts on ideas such as participatory budgeting and decision making powers to community councils?
4. Have you taken a stroll in the Heritage community?  What did you see & how did it make you feel?
5. If you are elected, what will you do to ensure that every resident in Heritage can realize their human rights and live with dignity?

Ward 6 Council Candidates

• Corey Liebrecht
• David Whitrow
• Fawaz Adegoke
• Glenn Douglas
• Julian Levy
• Victoria Flores

You can find more information on these candidates, on the City of Regina’s website here.

Questions for Prospective Trustees

1.  Why are you running for trustee in Subdivision Two?
2. What do you consider the most pressing challenges schools, including our very own Thomson Community School, face within Subdivision Two?
3. What role should school fundraising play in supporting our schools?
4. What role should the community play in supporting the education of children?
5. What impresses you the most about the only school located within the Heritage community, Thomson Community School?

Subdivision 2 Trustee Candidates

• Carla Taylor-Brown
• Jason Agar
• Kale MacLellan
• Tracey McMurchy (incumbent)

You can find more information on these candidates, on the City of Regina’s website here.

Answers

Below are the answers, verbatim, from the candidates who responded:

Council: Corey Liebrecht

1. “I believe the acquired knowledge and life experience I have gained and understanding of the Heritage area and Ward 6 allow me the unique ability to work with residents who have concerns on all levels. I’ll work closely with community organizations, businesses and developers, council, city administration and different levels of government. To find innovative solutions that value residence. Create sustainable opportunities that reflect the needs of the community and project our neighbourhood in a positive image.”

2. “The Heritage area has so much potential for revitalization but has its challenges in reaching this goal. Homelessness, crime, abandoned houses, gangs, and drug houses protary an image of certain parts of the Heritage area as undesirable and unsafe to live in and do business. Residents of the Ward have also mentioned the lack of proper maintenance of roads, sidewalks and water main infrastructure. Along with the cities increased spending as other issues they have concern with.”

3. “We are elected democratically to represent the community as a whole. To ensure that as elected officials. Local policies reflect the needs and preference of residence. I believe we have to listen closely to the voices in the community to effectively facilitate public services, reduce crime and improve safety, strengthen community involvement on all levels, facilitate the improvement of affordable housing, and continue with long term plans for sustainable development in our community and city.”

4. “I’ve had many opportunities to be out in the different parts of the Heritage neighborhood. Some of which are definitely facing challenges. As disheartened I am by what I see. At the same time it only strengthens my resolve to be a positive influence on the community and advocate for change.”

5. “I believe that it’s important to first recognize as a city that there are residents of our community that are struggling and they are in fact members of our community. The dignity and respect this reflects is sometimes lost in the dialogue. Beyond that, I believe we have a social responsibility and obligation to members of our community regardless of their economic position, gender or race. If elected, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to foster new dialog and bring forth new innovative solutions with the community to provide assistance on a municipal level.”

Council: Victoria Flores

1. “I love the diversity and energy across all the neighborhoods in Ward 6, especially here in the Heritage community. I see so much potential to improve our public spaces and the quality of life within our ward. As a long-time resident and volunteer on the Heritage Community Association board, I’ve had the chance to witness both the amazing strengths of this neighbourhood and the challenges we face. Building relationships and truly understanding the needs of these communities gives me a unique perspective, one that I believe would help me represent Ward 6 effectively on City Council.”

2. “For Ward 6 overall, I’d say aging infrastructure, poorly maintained roads, lead pipes, and community safety are recurring concerns that I keep hearing about while talking with residents. In the Heritage neighbourhood, we face those same issues but also grapple with more visible challenges around homelessness, addictions, mental health, and food security. What’s frustrating is that our community has the knowledge and drive to address many of these issues, but our local organizations are underfunded and don’t have the resources to respond in a way that I know they have the potential to. These issues impact everyone – residents who don’t feel safe, businesses struggling to stay open, and a general sense that things aren’t getting better. I believe that by tackling these issues affecting our most vulnerable neighbours, we’ll see a positive ripple effect throughout the community.”

3. “I think it’s crucial for all councillors and the mayor to actively listen to different communities across Regina. When it comes to making decisions, we need to involve those affected at various points in the process, not just at the final vote. This way, there’s a more accessible path for residents to have their voices heard, as speaking directly before City Council isn’t always feasible for everyone. When it comes to participatory budgeting and community-led decision-making, I see potential for these approaches, especially for neighbourhood-specific issues. Empowering local voices helps ensure decisions align with what residents value most in their own communities.”

4. “Yes, absolutely. I used to live in the neighbourhood, and even now, I’m just a few blocks away. I’m always around – whether I’m picking up groceries from Ukrainian Co-op, grabbing lunch at Italian Star Deli, Hampton Hub, hanging out with friends at Malty National, or attending meetings and events at the Mitakuyé Owâs’ā Centre. Every time I walk through, I feel a mix of emotions. I’m energized by the neighbourhood’s spirit and vibrancy, but there’s also a sense of sadness and frustration about the social challenges here. These issues affect our most vulnerable residents and, in turn, the sense of safety for everyone. It’s a reminder that we still have a lot of work to do together.”

5. “If elected, I’ll continue collaborating with organizations like the Heritage Community Association and other community-based groups that are already working hard to address these issues. I believe that in this role, I’ll be in a better position to advocate for the resources they need to make a lasting impact. Supporting our most vulnerable neighbours helps all of us, and I’m committed to being an active part of that work.”

Trustee: Carla Taylor-Brown

1. “I am running for Public School Board Trustee in Subdivision 2 because our school division is facing significant challenges and I want to help find solutions. Students in school today will one day be our doctors, bus drivers, mechanics, therapists, farmers, business owners and more: I care about how they are doing in school and I care about their teachers, too. I have a 15 month old grandson whose future education is also a motivator.”

2. “My team and I have already knocked on thousands of doors in Subdivision 2, and we will continue working hard to earn your trust and your neighbours’ trust right up until election day. The most pressing challenges we hear about are a lack of focus on academic achievement, too much focus on social and political issues, large classroom sizes, a lack of classroom space and a lack of Educational Assistant help.”

3. “I think school fundraising should cover only wants, not needs, and should not be the job of school staff.”

4. “The community’s role in education is vital, especially parents. Consultation and communication with parents is extremely important. The local business community and post-secondary institutions also have a vested interest in student success. These three groups are conspicuously absent in the list of eight focus groups which informed the RPS Strategic Plan 2023-2027. I think their input should be sought.”

5. “I have not yet had the pleasure of visiting Thomson Community School, but it is a beautiful heritage building from the outside. I have been able to speak with many  parents of Thomson students during my door knocking and I am impressed with how they love their children and want the best education possible for them.”

Trustee: Jason Agar

1. “I am running for Regina Public School Board in subdivision two, to provide a classroom teacher perspective at the school board level and continue to teach for the Regina Catholic School Division. I am a teacher of 11 years and plan to remain a teacher for the rest of my career. I want to help improve education. I want to improve the communication channels between educators and trustees. Enhancing communication will lead to better policies that directly benefit students.

I am also running to advocate for education. Saskatchewan schools have felt the funding cuts for too long. I want to use the communication channels at the school board level to improve funding for education.”

2. “I believe the most pressing challenge is a lack of funding. Due to a lack of funding, schools are forced to make cost saving decisions, such as double bus routes, larger class sizes, and reduced classroom support. Advocating as a division for better funding will help support this challenge. Partnering with other school divisions in advocating such as organizing public forums and rallies for education will support better funding for education. Improving the communication channels between educators and senior administration/trustees will create better resource allocation with the funding and supports the school division does have.

Additionally, student mental wellbeing and a sense of belonging is decreasing. Emphasizing a health centered approach to education will support students with their physical and mental wellbeing. Adding courses on nutrition and mental health/wellness at the high school level will empower students and improve their wellness.”

3. “School fundraising plays a crucial role in providing students with essential opportunities such as field trips and upgraded recess equipment. It is unfortunate that fundraising is often necessary for these enhancements, but it can be effective when approached thoughtfully. Establishing strong communication channels among educators, administration, students and parents fosters productive dialogue, enabling schools to plan successful fundraising efforts that directly benefit students.”

4. “The role of the community in supporting education compares well to the saying “it takes a village to raise a child.” Parent engagement, community organizations/businesses, and local facilities all play a big role in supporting education. The more engaged and involved these stakeholders are with their local schools, the better the educational environment for students.”

5. “I am particularly impressed by the strong level of community involvement at Thompson School. Partnering with organizations to provide; land-based learning, home safety tips, fire safety and more is outstanding! This active engagement fosters a supportive environment for students!”

Trustee: Tracey McMurchy

1. “There are a number of reasons I am running for re-election, but one of the most important ones actually dates back to when I was a Kindergarten student at Thomson school.

It was in 1981. My family had escaped Vietnam following the war, and spent a year in a refugee camp, before we were sponsored to Canada. When I started Kindergarten, I couldn’t speak English.  My family didn’t have a lot of money, so there were times I came to school hungry, and I didn’t have all the school supplies or weather-appropriate clothing that I should have had.

But at Thomson, I made friends. I was given food and donated warm clothing. I was supported by teachers. It’s something that I will always remember. My family had to move around a lot in search of affordable housing, so I ended up going to seven different elementary schools in Regina — and I had mostly good experiences at them all — but I have such a soft spot in my heart for Thomson.   

I experienced challenges such as racism and poverty, but I am who I am today because I was taken care of by my schools, by my teachers. I felt safe. I was able to be myself, and so I was able to learn.

I want this for all kids at school, and as your Trustee, I will always work to ensure our schools are safe and inclusive places that take care of our kids.

Here are a few of the other reasons I ran in 2022 and am now running for re-election:

I’m a parent of two kids who attend Regina Public Schools. In the past, they have faced racism and harassment, and I didn’t think the school handled those situations appropriately. As a parent, I felt frustrated and a bit helpless. Rather than simply complain about the problem, I thought as a Trustee, I could be part of the solution, and I could be in a position to help other families who find themselves frustrated or let down. I work with them to navigate the situations and come to a sound resolution. 

The Board provides governance to the school division. I have a professional background and experience that is well suited to this serious leadership role. I’m a CPA and I’ve developed budgets, which is useful when the board has to review the division’s budget. I’ve led high performing teams, worked with stakeholders and dealt with challenging HR situations. I’ve previously worked for the Ministry of Education, so I understand policies, processes, roles, responsibilities and expectations. I’ve taught future teachers as a sessional instructor for the U of R.  

If you look at an election as an extended job interview, I believe my experience and qualifications make me the best candidate for the job.”

2. “Classroom size and complexity

Schools today are incredibly diverse places, with classrooms filled to the brim with students of varying backgrounds, and abilities. Schools need to be a safe, inclusive place where our children feel supported, welcomed and they are able to learn. 

Dealing with these issues takes proven, professional, competent and compassionate leadership. It takes someone willing and able to listen and collaborate. A Trustee needs to work alongside their Board colleagues, division officials, educators, families, and other stakeholders to provide serious guidance. 

Unique needs of Community Schools

Subdivision 2 has two community schools plus one school that is not a community school however has similar needs driven by the socio-economic and cultural diversity of their student populations. More attention needs to directed to resources in these schools such as food programs (food security is a significant issue), weather appropriate clothing (affordability and sometimes understanding of the impact of weather conditions hinder this), supplies, etc. In addition, these schools need more specialized staff to accommodate the diverse learning abilities and language barriers, and support the teachers in classrooms.  

Anti-racism Education and Efforts

While anti-racism education and efforts are taking place and what we have been doing so far is impactful, we can always do more. More training, more education, more efforts to ensure children’s safety in schools, ensuring a sense of belonging at school. In addition, implementing culturally responsive education will help foster an inclusive environment. The Regina Public School Division established a DE&I Office to lead this work.

Indigenous Education and Land-based Learning

I think more focus and efforts should go into Indigenous Education, Land-based learning/education and Truth and Reconciliation. This is a learning process for everyone, and I think we are moving in the right direction.  

Learning Resources

From the educators I speak to, schools could always use more learning resources such as books, supplies and training materials to help students learn. I will continue to work closely with schools to increase support for learning resources and listen to what they need and communicate it to board office.

Mental Health

I want to see a sustained effort to address challenges with students’ mental health and well-being. The Division has developed a Mental Health and Wellness Strategy. It includes resources and initiatives, and is a good start, but I expect to see continued focus on this. Kids can’t learn if they aren’t healthy, and the right supports will help students better navigate the challenges they face.    

Graduation Rates

Graduation rates need to be improved overall. We need to improve the graduation rates of Indigenous students in particular and ensure that they have the resources and support that they need to succeed. We work to set students up for success, so we need to focus efforts very early on in their learning journey. I want this for all students.”

3. “Ideally, our school system and classrooms are adequately funded by government and fundraising should be for “extras.” It doesn’t always work that way, unfortunately. I work closely with the School Community Councils for all my schools, and there are a lot of conversations about fundraising. I have to say that the SCC’s are amazing… these are dedicated parents and community members that play an important role in making the school experience for students better. But not all schools have full and engaged SCCs and not all schools have the ability to fundraise.

I don’t want fundraising to ever be something that is onerous for families and the school community. My hope is that any school-related fundraising doesn’t ask more of families than they can comfortably give.”

4. “I think that one of our roles as Trustees is to work with the schools to build community. Reaching out and connecting with members of the community, and collaborating will build strong relationships within the community. There are mutual benefits to these relationships. The children get opportunities to connect with, interact with and learn about diverse members of the community (i.e. various ethnicities, ages, specializations, etc.) and the community members feel involved and invested in our children.

We should work together to look for opportunities for the community as a whole (whether individuals or organizations) to support our schools (e.g. volunteering time, financial contributions, donations) and so it is important to make those connections and build those lasting relationships.”

5. “I love Thomson school so much! It’s a beautiful landmark in the Heritage neighbourhood, and visiting it takes me back to when I was a student there. When the LeaderPost did a story on me in 2022 when I became a Trustee, I asked that the accompanying photo be taken in front of Thomson Community School. 

But a school is more than a building… what makes any building special is people within it. In my two years as Trustee, I have been privileged to spend a lot of time with the wonderful educators and students of Thomson school. I’ve been to school assemblies and performances, land-based learning presentations. I’ve seen the pride the students took in the garden they nurtured on school grounds (I was so inspired by them, I donated watering cans!).

Thomson is a remarkable place. The teachers and administration are amazing and do such an incredible job in making sure the learning that happens in the school is appropriate and relevant to the student population.

The educators are dedicated, engaged and care about the students – it is obvious they love what they do and they love the community. They focus a lot on the needs of the students and families. From teaching Cree language, to teaching various dances at lunch time, to engaging the community to come in and teach cooking and baking classes, to packaging food hampers for families, to checking in with families to encourage student attendance… Thomson cares and it shows.”