Bedard profile

I am married to my wife, Laura, and we have four children and four grandchildren, who are the absolute love of our life.
I was born and raised in Fort Frances and believe if good, honest, credible people with vision invest the time and effort to lead this community, our future is unlimited. However, we need these people now.
I am running for council because I am not happy with the decisions being made without regard for community input, openness, and transparency. One only has to reflect on the issues in the local press over the last few years to understand where I’m coming from.
To further exacerbate the problem, we have several serious issues facing this community—and I just do not see this council stepping up the plate and dealing with them in a positive way.
We need to focus on the forestry sector problems and the resulting loss of community jobs. We have to tackle the provincial government on regional pricing for electricity.
We must demand the government hold hearings in the north, and listen to and develop plans to enhance the economies of the north. I will lead front and centre if elected.
We need to establish a comprehensive strategy for economic development inclusive of federal and provincial support, then access the necessary funding to make it work.
We have to evaluate the needs of our community, and make Fort Frances a town we can be proud of. We need a public transit system that works and a women’s crisis centre to deal with issues not readily available in Fort Frances.
Simply put, “Our community must be all inclusive.”
I want to meet with CN officials and attempt to resolve community access from the north end to the south side of the tracks for those residents walking to school, church, or just going downtown.
I want to review a strategy for the downtown core and make things happen.
I want to find a way to work with our courts and employers to help our troubled youth to stay out of jail, remain free of criminal records, and employable.
I want to encourage the new council to accept the tough challenges that lay ahead with vision, honesty, integrity, and full transparency.
If you want the same, I’m here to represent you. Vote your conscience.