Mayoral candidate Tony Fiacco releases platform

Regina mayoral candidate Tony Fiacco is releasing more details of his campaign platform.

Fiacco, who previously ran in 2016, spoke at a chilly press conference on Scarth Street on Thursday to announce what policies he would push for if elected this time around.

He spent much of the speech focusing on reform around policing, mental health and addictions.

“This is No. 1 in our platform because it affects the most moving parts within our city — policing, citizens’ safety, business and development,” he said.

Fiacco believes there aren’t enough police officers in Regina, which then doesn’t allow them enough time to help with mental-health calls.

If Fiacco becomes mayor, he said he would seek funding from the provincial and federal governments to provide addiction treatments and mental-health supports at Regina General Hospital, which he believes would lighten the load for police.

“What we need to do is provide a system whereby … that officer can take someone suffering from a mental-health or addictions issue (to hospital) … We’ll have a professional there that can then take over and provide proper treatment for that individual,” he said.

“Then, we can release that officer to go back on the road and to do their job to protect the citizens of Regina.”

Fiacco would also push to hire two to four new police officers, with a goal of around 30 officers on patrol at any given time.

Funding for these initiatives would primarily come from higher levels of government, but Fiacco also hopes to reform the property tax system. However, he did not state whether there would be any specific raises or cuts, saying the plan is still in the works.

“The property tax reform aims to reward individual property tax owners who need it most, such as our seniors and low-income families … (It) could also add incentives to build in targeted revitalization areas, such as North Central and Heritage,” he said.

He doesn’t yet have an economic plan, as he believes it would be better to consult with business leaders afterwards if he’s elected.

“Within the first 100 days in office, I will meet with business and community leaders to develop a plan and budget based on key concerns. We will work together as a team, as a city,” he said.

He also believes it’s important to put a strong focus on Indigenous reconciliation.

“Reconciliation and healing are critical. We have started the conversation,” he said.

He cited his stance on mental-health supports and policing as one way his platform would help Indigenous people.

Fiacco will go up against eight other candidates in the Nov. 9 civic election.

Fiacco is the older brother of Pat Fiacco, who was the mayor of Regina for 12 years.