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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
The Village of Fort Simpson's new senior administrative officer is rolling up his sleeves and says he's looking forward to the challenges that come with the role.

Sebastien Goyer, the Village of Fort Simpson's new senior administrative officer, brings a political and communications background to the role. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Nov. 14 was Sebastien Goyer's first day in his new position as the village's senior administrative officer (SAO).

"I'm honoured to have this privilege," he said.

Serving the people and the taxpayers is an honour, said Goyer. Municipal governments are the most important level of government because their decisions directly affect the lives of citizens, he added.

Goyer is already developing plans to improve the services the village provides for residents. One of the sources Goyer is turning to for advice is his own staff.

"In my experience, they have a lot of good suggestions," he said.

During his first few weeks as SAO, Goyer plans to trade his suit for a pair of overalls. He will be spending time with the public works staff as well as the staff at the sewage and water treatment plants to learn about their jobs.

Goyer said he's looking to build a team that will do its best for the village's residents.

Goyer is also planning to involve community members directly in the running of the municipality. He plans to start by giving residents more control over the village's finances.

Goyer hopes to have a rough draft of the 2012 budget submitted to village council by next month. After the council refines it, Goyer said he wants to hold a public meeting so residents can examine the budget and provide their input before it is approved. If people get involved, it helps to create a healthy community, he said.

Goyer is also hoping to garner more public input through the village's website. The website, which he said desperately needs to be revamped, is one of the first issues Goyer plans to bring to council.

Website needs work

The website needs to be accurate, timely and a place where residents can access information, such as payment dates for taxes or the programs the recreation department is offering, he said.

Goyer would also like to provide an area where residents can comment on municipal services and recreation programs.

While Goyer is developing a list of issues to bring to council's attention, he said he also knows council will have issues of priority for him.

"We have serious issues ahead," he said.

Fixing the sewage treatment plant is one such issue. Goyer said the plant is affecting both residents and the environment.

Goyer, a French-Canadian from Ontario, brings both a political and a communications background to the job. Originally from Embrun, Ont., a community near Ottawa, Goyer was elected as a trustee to the French Catholic School Board of Eastern Ontario at the age of 18, while he was still in high school. Goyer served in that role from 1998 to 2000. He was then elected as a municipal councillor for the Township of Russell, Ont.

Goyer served for two terms until 2006 when he decided to return to school. He finished a bachelor of arts in social sciences with a major in social communications at Saint Paul University in Ottawa. After he graduated, Goyer took a job as a communications adviser with the RCMP in Ottawa.

Last March, Goyer's wife, Simone Ruedi-Goyer, took the position of the administrative co-ordinator for Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada in Fort Simpson.

Brief stint in Yellowknife

Goyer, who did a brief stint as a communications officer with the territorial Department of Public Works in Yellowknife back in July, said he was happy to get a job that allows him to work in what he now considers his home community.

"This town is great. I love this town," he said, adding he will always consider what is in the best interests of the community before making a recommendation to council.

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