A Moment with the Mayor: Election season is coming

As we’re now halfway through the month of June, I have to ask, “Where is time going?” The sun is out, and everything is greening up by the minute with the recent rains, which were timely for crops, pasture, hay land and, of course, our yards and gardens. I hate for you to think about the fall, and this fall, in particular, will take Saskatchewan residents to the ballot box for two elections. It doesn’t look like we will have a federal election until sometime after late February 2025.

The first election, Saskatchewan residents will be called to cast a ballot for is the provincial election scheduled for October 28, 2024. This date is legislated and will occur on that date or sooner if Premier Scott Moe decides to move the date up, which could happen. Stay tuned to the news for any updates, and visit ElectionsSK for provincial election information. 

Many questions about the economy, health care, homelessness, mental health and addiction will be directed to those seeking to represent us in the Saskatchewan Provincial Legislature. The Honourable Colleen Young, MLA for Lloydminster, who was recently named to cabinet as minister of advanced education, and others, will be campaigning to be our area representative. 

The second election I mentioned is a municipal election, which will be held for all of Saskatchewan’s municipal governments. Here in Lloydminster, based on The Lloydminster Charter, our city council elections will happen as well. If you live anywhere in Saskatchewan in a city, town, village or rural municipality, you’ll have the opportunity to choose who you want to govern your community for the next four years on November 13, 2024. For those of you who hope to escape the cold early, there will be advanced poles in each municipality so you can vote before you head south. For local election information, visit Lloydminster.ca/LloydVotes.

Many people have questions about seeking a seat on city council. What is it like? How much time commitment is required? What are the other duties? All municipal governments or councils interact with all levels of government, and elected officials are hired to provide governance.

Do you want to learn more about how things work and to be better prepared to run for a position on council? SUMA is offering a candidate school for potential municipal election candidates to learn about being an elected official. This free virtual education session planned for September 11 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. will help address and inform those interested in learning more. This will be followed up by a free question and answer session on September 19 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Both sessions promise to be filled with great information and opportunity to learn. Details can be found at SUMA.org/events/candidate-school

I would also highly recommend that anyone interested in being a candidate reach out to any of the current elected officials and ask them about the commitment, time and what the job entails from their point of view.

To all considering running as candidates for mayor or councillor, thank you for considering putting your name forward and the best of luck.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster