Ratushniak resigns as mayor of La Ronge

By Derek Cornet

Colin Ratushniak has resigned.

The resignation comes less than two years after Ratushniak won a four-year term as mayor of La Ronge during a general election held in November 2020. He had won a four-person race with 52 per cent of the vote.

He told council at a regular meeting Tuesday that he is resigning his position with mixed emotions.

“Professionally I am so happy, but personally it is time for me to explore my next chapter,” he said. “I am the only person who can make that decision and know that it was a very difficult one to make.”

He said during his time on council, he was proud of his work with the town’s strategic planning, truth and reconciliation, and equality and human rights.

“I know that if this council continues to focus on policy and governance while also investing their time and energy in the community, you are unstoppable with making La Ronge the place you all set out to make it,” he said.

Ratushniak will also be leaving his position as pilot with Transwest Air and as the fitness centre supervisor at Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre.

Ratushniak was a newcomer to La Ronge, having moved to the community in April 2019. During the election, he campaigned to ensure ethical and unbiased community-minded decisions were made by council.

Ratushniak, who is openly gay, has been a driving force in the tri-communities when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues. Only months after moving to La Ronge, he successfully led a large group of people at regular council meetings who were demanding leadership raise a Pride Flag on a municipal-owned pole.

“I’d like to thank our community partners, leaders and council members,” he said. “It’s evident that we are stronger together and I hope that continues.”

Deputy-mayor Viviana Ruiz-Arcand will take over mayoral duties until a byelection is held.