Reasons to Vote for
Solomon Okhifoh
Improved Healthcare System:
Access to Doctors, Mental Health, and Addiction Support
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Friends and neighbours, one of the most pressing concerns I hear repeatedly is the struggle to access timely and quality healthcare in Grande Prairie. Whether it's the alarming fact that zero family doctors are currently accepting new patients, the agonizing wait for mental health services, or the heartbreaking toll of addiction on families, our current system is simply not meeting the needs of our growing community. Our dedicated healthcare professionals are stretched thin, and too many of our citizens are left without the care they deserve.
My Proposed Solutions
Aggressive Doctor Recruitment & Retention:
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As your Councillor, I will advocate for doubling down on our city's doctor recruitment efforts. This means not just financial incentives, but also actively showcasing Grande Prairie as an exceptional place to live and practice. We need to be the most attractive city for new physicians, working closely with local healthcare providers and community groups to welcome them.
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I will push for dedicated city resources to assist new doctors with relocation, integration, and even spousal employment, making it as easy as possible for them to establish roots here.
Strengthening Mental Health and Addiction Services:
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We must recognize that mental health is health. I will advocate strongly to the Provincial Government and Alberta Health Services/Recovery Alberta for increased funding and expansion of local mental health and addiction resources, including more accessible outpatient programs, early intervention services for youth, and long-term recovery options.
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As your Councillor, I will explore how we can leverage city facilities and partnerships, such as Rising Above, to support community-led mental wellness initiatives and harm reduction strategies, ensuring our most vulnerable citizens have places of safety and support.
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We need to enhance our Police and Crisis Team (PACT) capacity and ensure its consistent availability to respond to mental health crises, diverting individuals from the emergency room when appropriate.
Advocating for Rural Medical Education Centre:
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I will actively support and lobby the province to accelerate the development of the Rural Medical Education Program Training Centre at Northwestern Polytechnic. Training doctors here means they are more likely to stay here, creating a sustainable supply of practitioners for our region.
Support for Healthcare Workers:
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Beyond doctors, we need to ensure we are supporting all healthcare professionals – nurses, paramedics, allied health – by advocating for better working conditions and resources to combat burnout.
Enhanced Community Safety:
Address Crime & Root Causes
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The perception and reality of crime continue to be a significant concern for many residents and businesses in Grande Prairie. From property theft to more serious incidents, feeling safe in our homes and public spaces is fundamental to our quality of life. We need a multi-faceted approach that not only addresses crime but also the underlying social issues that contribute to it.
My Proposed Solutions:
Support for Law Enforcement & Smart Policing:
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I will fully support the RCMP/Grande Prairie Police and enhance their capacity through adequate resourcing and strategic deployment, focusing on areas with high crime rates. This includes leveraging technology to enhance surveillance and response.
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I advocate for a community-policing model that strengthens relationships between officers and residents, fostering trust and intelligence gathering.
Addressing Nuisance and Disorder:
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We need to empower our Bylaw Services with the resources to effectively address issues like noise, public disturbances, and loitering that impact our neighbourhoods and downtown core. This includes clearer enforcement strategies and prompt response times.
Collaborative Approach to Social Issues:
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Safety is not just about enforcement; it's about prevention. I will champion partnerships with social agencies, mental health providers, and addiction services to address the root causes of crime – homelessness, addiction, and lack of opportunity. This could include exploring innovative programs that connect individuals in need with support services, reducing their reliance on criminal activities.
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Let's work together to create more positive community spaces and programs for youth and vulnerable populations, providing alternatives and pathways to success.
Advocating for Justice System Reform:
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I will work with our provincial counterparts to advocate for a justice system that is effective and holds repeat offenders accountable, ensuring that our community feels the benefit of law enforcement efforts.
Smart Growth and Sustainable Infrastructure:
Utilities Costs, and Transportation
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As a growing city, Grande Prairie needs infrastructure that supports our progress, not hinders it. We are disproportionately impacted by some of the highest electricity distribution costs in Alberta, which burdens every household and business. Furthermore, our transportation networks must be robust to support our vital industries and ensure our economic future. HIgh property tax is an issue that must be addressed too, to ensure Grande Prairie continues to be an affordable city.
My Proposed Solutions:
Fighting for Fair Electricity Rates:
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This is a critical issue that hits every pocketbook. As your Councillor, I will commit to relentless advocacy to the Provincial Government and the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to address the unfair electricity distribution costs in Grande Prairie. We need a level playing field compared to our urban counterparts.
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I will explore local energy efficiency programs and advocate for renewable energy initiatives that could potentially help reduce long-term energy costs for the municipality and residents.
Strategic Infrastructure Development:
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I will support continued investment in road upgrades and connectivity, particularly for key industrial areas and ensuring our supply chain remains efficient.
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We need to ensure that new developments are designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating efficient infrastructure and connectivity.
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I will advocate for continued provincial investment in critical regional infrastructure such as Highway 40 twinning, and the long-term development of our airport and rail services to support economic diversification.
Responsible Fiscal Management:
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As we invest in infrastructure, we must do so responsibly. I will ensure rigorous oversight of city budgets, maximizing value for taxpayer dollars and ensuring that our growth is sustainable without overburdening residents.
Affordability: Address the Higher than Average Property Tax in Grande Prairie
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Fellow citizens, I hear your concerns about the rising cost of living, and at the forefront of that discussion is the burden of property taxes. Grande Prairie currently ranks among the highest in Alberta for property tax rates, placing a significant strain on our homeowners, renters (through increased costs passed on by landlords), and businesses. This is not just a line item on a bill; it impacts our ability to save, invest, and attract new residents and businesses. We need a clear, responsible plan to address this issue and ensure Grande Prairie remains affordable and competitive
My Proposed Solutions:
Rigorous Fiscal Management & Expenditure Review:
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My top priority will be to conduct a comprehensive, top-to-bottom review of city spending. We need to ensure every dollar of taxpayer money is being used efficiently and effectively, identifying areas where we can find efficiencies and reduce unnecessary costs without compromising essential services.
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I will advocate for a zero-based budgeting approach for new initiatives where appropriate, requiring every department to justify their spending from scratch, rather than simply rolling over previous budgets.
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We must foster a culture of accountability and transparency within City Hall, making it easier for residents to understand where their tax dollars are going.
Strategic Economic Development & Tax Base Expansion:
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The best way to ease the individual tax burden is to grow our overall tax base. I will champion aggressive economic development initiatives to attract new businesses and industries to Grande Prairie, particularly in sectors that complement our existing strengths and diversify our economy (e.g., value-added manufacturing, technology, tourism). More businesses mean more non-residential property tax revenue, which helps reduce the load on homeowners.
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We need to streamline processes for businesses looking to set up shop here, ensuring Grande Prairie is known as a business-friendly city with efficient permitting and clear regulations.
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I will support the development of a diverse range of housing options, from starter homes to multi-family units, to ensure sustainable growth and a broader assessment base.
Advocacy for Fair Provincial Funding:
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A significant portion of our property tax bill is the provincial education requisition, which the City is obligated to collect on behalf of the provincial government. I will be a strong voice, working with Alberta Municipalities and other cities, to lobby the provincial government for fairer and more equitable funding arrangements, and to potentially separate the collection of the education tax from municipal property tax bills so residents clearly see what goes to the city and what goes to the province.
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I will advocate for increased provincial grant funding for municipal services, reducing the reliance on local property taxes for core functions.
Innovation in Service Delivery:
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We need to explore innovative approaches to service delivery that can achieve results at a lower cost. This could involve exploring technology solutions, inter-municipal collaboration on services, or smart contracting models.
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I will support pilot projects that aim to deliver services more efficiently and test new approaches before broad implementation.
Public Engagement and Education:
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It's crucial that residents understand how their property taxes are calculated and where their money goes. I will advocate for clearer, more accessible public information regarding property assessments, budget decisions, and tax rates. We need to demystify municipal finance.
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I will hold regular town halls and public forums specifically dedicated to budget discussions and property tax rates, ensuring residents have a direct voice in these critical financial decisions.
High property taxes are a barrier to affordability and growth in Grande Prairie. As your City Councillor, I will champion fiscal prudence, aggressive economic growth, and relentless advocacy to the provincial government. My goal is to ensure that Grande Prairie is a city where families can thrive, businesses can prosper, and everyone feels they are getting fair value for their tax dollars. Let's work towards a future where our taxes are competitive, and our services are second to none.