Nicole Rancourt – a social worker, parent and tireless volunteer in her community – was welcomed to the NDP team of candidates Thursday as the nominee for Prince Albert Northcote.
Rancourt, a Prince Albert resident, works in Mental Health and Addictions Services in the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region. She’s also incredibly active in serving Prince Albert as a member of the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers and her local association of social workers. She is also the chair of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee for the Saskatchewan Penitentiary and Prince Albert Parole. She is the regional representative for the Prairie Region Mental Health Council, and is active with the Prince Albert Council of Women and the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan.
“Nicole is an incredible addition to the NDP team of candidates,” said NDP Leader Cam Broten. “Her dedication to the families of Prince Albert is deep, and she brings with her to this campaign both common sense and compassion. Not only am I looking forward to campaigning with Nicole, but I’m looking forward to having her join our team of MLAs in the legislature, giving Prince Albert the dedicated representation it hasn’t had over the last few years.”
Broten, who was at the nomination meeting in Prince Albert on Thursday evening, said the campaign in Prince Albert Northcote will be focused on the things that really matter to families.
“Victoria hospital is backlogged, and the wait times for everything in health care from doctors in the emergency room to specialists are absolutely too long,” said Broten. “We also know Prince Albert needs infrastructure, including a second bridge, to ensure the city and the economy can grow into its full potential.”
Broten said the cost of living is an issue affecting nearly all families, but the government just isn’t getting the day-to-day realities for regular people.
“The cost of living is wiping out the gains made by most families, and it’s so hard to get ahead,” said Broten. “This government keeps asking families to pay extra – for everything from higher power bills to paying to supplement loved ones’ home care or seniors care. It’s good when we see strong statistics like GDP numbers – but it can’t just be about the province doing well. For me, it’s also about people doing well.”
Rancourt has a teen-aged son and a daughter, and a teen-aged step-son and step-daughter. She’s a strong supporter of local arts and sports, and with her partner she’s a season ticket holder for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.