Fougere intends to seek re-election; urges public to follow pandemic advice

During his regularly scheduled appearance Thursday on the Greg Morgan Morning Show, Regina Mayor Michael Fougere said he intends to run in the fall municipal election but is holding off on a formal announcement.

“There’s too many things happening … with the COVID and just the budget process and making sure we’re safe here and helping getting the economy going again,” Fougere said.

So far, a single candidate has stepped to run against the two-term incumbent — Tony Fiacco.

Fougere said having an opponent is good for democracy and welcomes anybody to run against him.

During the segment, the mayor also stressed that now is not the time for people to let up on pandemic recommendations.

“You can’t say this enough, that people really have to be vigilant. Keep the distance of two metres, wear a mask when indoors, wash your hands and just continue to follow what the public health officer is saying,” he said.

“It’s the summertime and people want to get out and do things so they’re letting their guard down a bit. We just need to double down and do what’s right here.”

Fougere said he doesn’t see many people wearing masks while at indoor public spaces. Currently, face coverings are only optional.

Morgan asked if they should be mandatory.

“I don’t think so,” Fougere replied. “I don’t think we’re seeing a spike in cases here. We’re seeing a few additional cases now and that’s because of some travelling coming into the city … I think we’re doing OK.”

As of Wednesday, Regina had five active cases of COVID-19.

Fougere repeated his warning about the need to stay careful, pointing out if people do not heed the advice of experts, recommendations could turn to into orders.

“We have to continue to be vigilant and remember that we’re all in this together,” Fougere said.

“If some group does something that’s wrong, a gathering that’s too large, then we see a spread happen and we’re going to see more directives happening.”