On Oct. 21, residents of Fort Smith will head to the polls to elect their next mayor and council. 

Ahead of the election, SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½ sent a set of identical questions to both of the town's mayoral candidates SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½” incumbent Fred Daniels and his opponent Dana Fergusson SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½” to learn more about their backgrounds, their platforms, and their plans for the community and its roughly 2,200 residents. 

What is your professional background? 

- 2021 elected town council for three-year term
- Active participant in bylaw review committee, communications committee, human resource committee
- Took lead role in the collective bargaining negotiations on behalf of the Town of Fort Smith logistics, communications and community liaison during the 2023 wildfire evacuation
- 2022 to present organizer for the Frolics, Fort Smith's winter carnival
- Plan, organize and collaborate with community partners to host all-inclusive spring carnival
- 2010 to present the operations manager at the Pelican Rapids Inn, a family-run business in Fort Smith since 1972. I am also an owner operator, oversee all departments, strategic planning, budgets, financial planning, human resources and bookkeeping.  
- 2014-2019: director on the AWG2018 host society
- Successfully co-hosted with Hay River NT international multi-sport event that saw over 2,000 attendees, including athletes, coaches, support staff and visitors
- ongoing volunteer at snowboarding club
- 14 years Fort Smith Minor Hockey (in various capacities; board member, parent volunteer, division manager, canteen supervisor, coach helper)
- Thebatcha Chamber of Commerce
- 2014 Aurora College business administration diploma graduate
- 25 years of hospitality management 
- 20 years of senior management

What motivated you to run in this election?

"My involvement in various community organizations has shown me the power of collective action and the importance of giving back. I am deeply committed to ensuring that Fort Smith thrives, and I know that I can contribute to this growth as a strong and decisive leader. My goal is to provide clear direction to our dedicated administrative staff, guiding us all toward a successful future.

"Fort Smith is a beautiful community with a rich history of political engagement, and I am determined to advocate for our jobs, departments, and services, ensuring they remain vibrant and robust. I am ready to articulate our communitySA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½™s needs and hold our government accountable.

"Moreover, this year has been pivotal as weSA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½™ve begun collaborative leadership with the Salt River First Nation, Smith Landing First Nation, and the Metis people. I believe in the power of unity to address common concerns, and I am excited to build on these partnerships for a thriving Fort Smith.

"I chose to run for mayor because I envision a community where every voice is heard, every resident has the opportunity to prosper and we work together for a brighter future."

What do you intend to do about the drug and alcohol problem in Fort Smith?

"The issue of drug and alcohol abuse in Fort Smith is a challenge that affects our community deeply, and I take it very seriously, especially as a parent of three children, including a 16-year-old and a 14-year-old.

"From a municipal perspective, my plan includes several key initiatives. First and foremost, we must ensure that there are adequate programming options to keep our high-risk youth engaged at our community recreation centre. By providing constructive activities and safe spaces, we can help steer our young people away from substance abuse.

"Additionally, I believe in the power of partnership. I will actively support and collaborate with organizations like Uncle Gabe's Friendship Centre, which is already doing important work in this area.

"I also commit to regularly reviewing the monthly reports from our to understand the current landscape of drug and alcohol-related issues in our community. This data is vital for identifying trends and determining how we, as a town, can lend assistance to ongoing efforts. If we find that there are gaps in services, I will advocate for additional resources and support.

"Addressing the drug and alcohol problem requires a comprehensive approach, and I am dedicated to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to foster a healthier, safer Fort Smith."

What facilities are most needed in your community, and how do you intend to procure them? 

"First, our landfill is at the end of its life cycle and desperately needs new cells and redesign to meet the growing capacity demands. This is not just about waste management; itSA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½™s about ensuring a sustainable future for Fort Smith. I am committed to developing a comprehensive plan that addresses these infrastructure needs while prioritizing environmental responsibility.

"Additionally, our protective services building requires modernization. We need a facility that can house all our ambulances and fire trucks, equipped with a modern training space that meets todaySA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½™s standards. This will not only improve response times but also enhance the safety and effectiveness of our emergency services.

"However, I am also reminded of the incredible people I meet daily: workers, caregivers, students and athletes who travel to our community for various reasons. Their feedback is overwhelmingly positive regarding the services Fort Smith has to offer. This speaks volumes about our community's potential.

"I believe that if we focus on optimizing what we currently have, we can exceed the expectations of our residents. By improving our existing facilities and ensuring they serve the needs of our community effectively, we can create an environment that attracts even more visitors and fosters a strong sense of pride among our residents."

What other issues do you consider most important for Fort Smith, and what do you plan to do to fix them?

1. Mental health and wellness: Mental health is an essential component of our communitySA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½™s well-being. I would work to expand access to mental health services and support programs. Partnering with local organizations to increase awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues is crucial. We can also advocate for additional resources from the territorial government to support these initiatives.

2. Youth engagement: Engaging our youth is vital for the future of Fort Smith. I plan to expand recreational and educational programs that cater to young people, ensuring they have safe spaces to learn and grow. Collaborating community organizations to provide mentorship opportunities can empower our youth and keep them actively involved in the community.

3. Environmental sustainability: Protecting our natural resources should be a priority. I intend to promote sustainable practices in our community, from waste reduction initiatives to supporting green energy projects. 

4. Community safety: Ensuring the safety of our residents is paramount. I will work closely with the and other local agencies to assess our current safety measures and identify areas for improvement. Community policing initiatives can strengthen relationships between law enforcement and residents, enhancing trust and collaboration.

"By addressing these issues head on and working collaboratively with community members, organizations, and government partners, I believe we can create a brighter future for Fort Smith. Together, we can tackle these challenges and build a thriving community that meets the needs of all its residents."