Prince Albert teacher and former provincial NDP candidate Troy Parenteau has announced plans to run in Ward 2 after Coun. Terra Lennox-Zepp announced she would not run again in the next election.
Parenteau has spent 20 years living in the ward doing volunteer work such as serving on the Prince Albert Historical Society board, the Prince Albert and Area Teachers Association board, and the Prince Albert Indian and Metis Friendship Centre board, among other things.
“Whether it’s municipally or provincially, I do think I’ve got a strong voice and a lot to add to the conversation,” said Pareanteau.
“Working with Indigenous people has given me an opportunity to understand the ways that people think about the needs of our city,” he added. “I think that these are all great assets that I’ll bring to the table.”
Parenteau previously ran as the NDP candidate in Prince Albert Carlton during the 2020 provincial election. He also sought the nomination for the 2024 provincial election, but lost to nurse Carolyn Brost Strom.
Parenteau said Lennox-Zepp was a good representative for Ward 2, and he didn’t consider running locally until he heard was not seeking re-election. He is the only candidate running in the ward so far.
In a press release announcing his candidacy, Parenteau said Prince Albert is seeing a “flurry of development”, but homelessness, poverty, and addictions are still rampant, creating a public health and safety crisis. He said those two things will be his main focus if he’s elected.
He said that means working with local partners, and holding the provincial government accountable for their role in healthcare, housing, and social services.
Lennox-Zepp is one of four current councillors who will not seek re-election this fall. Don Cody, Charlene Miller, and Dennis Ogrodnick have also stated they will not run again. Parenteau said the new councillors who replace them have to bring a diversity of experiences to the table.
“It is also important that they have a strong background in serving on committees and boards, which will give the candidate a solid foundation on working together with a group of people on common goals, while also having a sense of self and a unique perspective,” Parenteau said in the press release.
The nomination period for fall elections begins Sept. 13 and closes at 4:00 pm on Oct. 9. Election day is Nov. 13.
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