A Moment with the Mayor: Lloydminster and the Impact of Recent Elections

Recent political events, especially elections, are set to significantly impact Lloydminster and the surrounding area. Until the final votes are counted, the outcome of an election is always uncertain, but the results bring new opportunities and challenges alike. 

In the recent Saskatchewan Provincial Election, MLA Colleen Young was re-elected to represent Lloydminster and an extensive area to the northeast. I extend my congratulations on her success and look forward to her work in her new role as Minister of Energy and Resources. As a cabinet minister, she will oversee a portfolio essential to Saskatchewan's economy, including oil, gas, uranium, helium, lithium, potash, and other key resources. The economic impact of these resources is substantial, and in Lloydminster, our rich heavy oil and natural gas sectors are cornerstones of our diverse economy.

Meanwhile, the recent election of Donald Trump as President of the United States has renewed discussions about the Keystone XL pipeline. President-Elect Trump has expressed strong support for North American energy independence, reducing the reliance on foreign oil. This is especially relevant for Canadian energy producers who need pipelines to transport oil and gas to markets in all directions. The potential revival of the Keystone XL project, combined with the newly completed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, could improve the pricing environment for Canadian oil. A narrower gap between West Texas Intermediate and Western Canadian Select prices would make operations more profitable, encouraging companies to expand, which in turn would increase tax revenue for provincial and federal governments.

The prices of Saskatchewan and Alberta’s core commodities—wheat, canola, cattle, potash, oil, and gas—are influenced by global markets far beyond local or national borders. However, with stable governments in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Lloydminster is positioned to continue growing, benefiting from the economic momentum anticipated in both provinces over the next few years as they lead Canada in economic opportunity.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers

City of Lloydminster