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Sturgeon County strikes COVID-19 recovery task force

Six public members and four councillors
Sturgeon County Centre
FILE PHOTO/St. Albert Gazette

Ten people have formed a council task force to lead Sturgeon County into the post-pandemic world.

County council voted 6-1 May 12 to create a COVID-19 recovery task force (Coun. Karen Shaw opposed).

Governments across Alberta have formed similar groups to address the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Corporate services director Jesse Sopko said this task force would consult with residents, businesses and non-profits in Sturgeon to determine how the pandemic has harmed them and make recommendations to council on how the county could assist them. Task force members would also serve as ambassadors to de-stigmatize the use of support programs, champion local businesses and highlight examples of resilience and adaptation.

Sopko said the task force would not have any budget beyond the typical compensation received by people who serve on council committees. Mayor Alanna Hnatiw noted Strathcona County recently struck three recovery task forces for economics, community and governance, each with a $50,000 budget.

Sopko said the committee would consist of four councillors (Wayne Bokenfohr, Neal Comeau, Patrick Tighe, and Kristin Toms) and up to six members of the public. Councillors discussed their picks for public members in a closed session and had not released their decisions when this story went to press.

Shaw said council should hold a public call for volunteers to sit on this board, but Toms said this board is meant to respond to an emergency, and it is important to get it running fast.

“There is a time for process and a time when we need to respond quickly,” she said.

“Our residents do require our support as soon as possible.”

The task force’s first meeting will be scheduled once its membership is confirmed.


Kevin Ma

About the Author: Kevin Ma

Kevin Ma joined the St. Albert Gazette in 2006. He writes about Sturgeon County, education, the environment, agriculture, science and aboriginal affairs. He also contributes features, photographs and video.
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