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Candidate for city councillor: Kirsten Walliser

Kirsten Walliser is a first-time candidate for Estevan city council, and one of the youngest candidates in the field, but she knows a thing or two about the operations at the City of Estevan.
Candidate for city councillor: Kirsten Walliser
Candidate for city councillor: Kirsten Walliser. Photo submitted

Kirsten Walliser is a first-time candidate for Estevan city council, and one of the youngest candidates in the field, but she knows a thing or two about the operations at the City of Estevan.

When she was in university, studying for a nursing degree, Walliser worked as a summer student as an assistant to Judy Pilloud, who is the city clerk.

“I actually got to participate all through university in preparing council packages and gathering information at council’s request,” said Walliser.

Since she finished her nursing degree, Walliser, a married mother of two young boys, said she has paid close attention to what has been happening with council.

“I feel like over the past four years council has made some very challenging but very strategic decisions to create a lot of opportunities moving forward,” said Walliser. “The amount of debt reduction that has happened in the last term is amazing, and the level of investment in the economic development in Estevan gives a real springboard for the next council moving forward.”

Walliser decided to run for council for the upcoming term because of the challenges facing Estevan, both economically and from a health standpoint.

“There are a lot of concerns right now and I thought that these next four years are four years that I have time to dedicate to the City of Estevan and bring some of my knowledge and help make decisions will hopefully set the city on a positive path for years to come.”

She pointed out that in times of economic uncertainty, St. Joseph’s Hospital sees an increase in the number of patients who struggle with mental health and addiction issues. City council has the ability and responsibility to create the economic stability, and the ability to partner with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to address these ongoing health concerns.

The addictions treatment centre that is opening at St. Joseph’s Hospital is a wonderful development.

“I think you can actually look at the health of the citizens in every decision that is made,” said Walliser.

It’s great to see that council has been able to secure some of the provincial and federal funding that’s been available through the Coal Communities Transition Initiative.

Walliser and her husband hope their children get to grow up in an Estevan that is very similar to the one she grew up in, with opportunities for families.

She is looking forward to the upcoming debates to getting out in the community to advance her ideas, while being mindful of the restrictions associated with COVID-19.