The summer is typically a busy time for Prince Albert Member of Parliament Randy Hoback.
He normally takes the summer to travel to communities across the riding, shaking hands, attending events, holding passport clinics, and hearing from his constituents. Hoback also meets with local mayors and reeves to discuss issues and items from municipalities.
Of course, that has all changed with the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoback said the entire situation is unbelievable.
“Who would have known,” Hoback told northeastNOW. “In 2019 if you would have said that we’ve all been going through this pandemic we would have never believed it, and now we’re experiencing it.”
Hoback said it’s been a challenge to be out-and-about and active in the community while keeping the risks low with social distancing and other measures.
The MP is planning to visit the northeast for four drive-thru barbecues in August to meet up with local residents. Hoback said they got the idea from a Prince Albert Legion drive-thru fish fry fundraiser.
“You drive in just like you used to do in the old A&W parking lots,” Hoback explained. You can drive your vehicle into the designated area, and flash your lights.
Hoback said they will take all COVID-19 precautions, including wearing masks, and then will come and take your order at your vehicle, later returning with your food and drink.
He said he is looking forward to touch base with people face-to-face, after months of virtual discussions.
“Basically every day of my life consists of a Zoom phone call after Zoom phone call,” Hoback said. “It’s going to be nice to get out-and-about, be outside and talk to people, even if it’s through a mask and respecting social distancing.”
Hoback said there are no shortage of conversation topics as well, with the pandemic, the provincial election looming this fall, the federal WE scandal, and more.
The barbecue in Nipawin will be held Tuesday, Aug. 4 at the Senior Citizens Hall from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Carrot River will host its barbecue at the same time the following day at Pioneer Place Hall. Tisdale’s event will take place on Aug. 6 at the museum from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The vintage car club will also show some classic vehicles during that time.
The final barbecue will take place at the Melfort Mall parking lot Friday, Aug. 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The barbecue events will also serve as fundraisers for local community organizations. Donations will go to:
- Nipawin – Senior Citizens Club
- Carrot River – Pioneer Place
- Tisdale – Tisdale Museum
- Royal Canadian Legion
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cam.lee@jpbg.ca
On Twitter: @camlee1974
