Mayor David Gillan and the rest of North Battleford's City Council members were sworn in Monday evening. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

By Josh Ryan

Council Assemble

North Battlord mayor, council sworn in

Nov 17, 2020 | 2:46 PM

North Battleford’s city council is ready to conduct regular business now that every member has been sworn in.

The ceremony was less traditional than years past, with members masked up as they took their oaths and put them to paper at the Dekker Centre, in order to guarantee social distancing. Despite scaling down the event due to pandemic related concerns, Judge Murray Pelletier, of North Battleford Provincial Court, said it remains an important ceremony for everyone who bears witness to the swearing in of their locally elected officials.

“As a judge, I have to acknowledge our Canadian heritage and it’s important as well to recognize the fundamental principle of democracy and freedom exists in North Battleford, Saskatchewan,” he said.

Pelletier said this type of ceremony is particularly significant for being local.

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“It’s in the heart of where we all live, walk, interact with one another,” Pelletier said. “They bear witness to something that is very special in this day and age.”

Newly elected Councillor Bill Ironstand said he had butterflies heading into the ceremony and is glad to officially begin the role.

“We’re gonna get down to business in the next couple of days,” he said. “I look forward to being a voice for everybody at city hall.”

Fellow newcomer Ross MacAngus was equally excited to get to work.

“I’m looking forward to the next four years and hopefully we’ll be able to make changes that make things better for everyone,” MacAngus said.

Newly elected City Councillor Ross MacAngus. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

The last individual to take an oath to serve North Battleford Monday evening, Mayor David Gillan was more relaxed than he was during a busy election season. Once Pelletier placed the ceremonial chain, Gillan said the responsibility of the job truly landed.

“This is a very important position and the responsibilities are really large,” he said.

Gillan added he’s proud of the day as a whole, particularly for the other members, who worked hard on their campaigns to represent the city’s residents in helping guide the community’s future.

“This community has entrusted us to keep adding to the good work that’s been done before and maintain momentum,” he said. “And that’s what we plan to do.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports