With the 2016 provincial election approaching, candidates are starting to reach out to municipal councils. The RM of St. Laurent heard a delegation from Interlake PC Candidate Derek Johnson this week, discussing the municipality's projects and ongoing initiatives. Reeve Cheryl Smith says they always welcome delegations from the local candidates, citing the important role the provincial government plays in municipal work.

"A lot of our initiatives or projects will succeed or fall depending on if we have the political will and political partnerships with the departments working alongside us to try and achieve these projects in the municipalities. It's very important that we get to meet with the individual candidates and talk about our projects and discuss them to make sure they're aware of what our priorities are."

When it comes to the upcoming campaign, Smith says they'll be looking at a number of areas. While they've always had an interest in health care, Smith says there's one area they'll really be paying attention to.

"Definitely tourism will be a focus for us, because we're in the process of rebuilding our community. Our municipality, a lot of it is focused on tourism and building that up, so the whole community benefits with the creation of new business and supporting existing business in the community. Hopefully with that, the growth in the community will follow."

Three candidates have already been named for the Interlake constituency, with Jamal Abas representing the Liberals, Johnson for the Progressive Conservatives, and Tom Nevakshonoff for the NDP.