A Moment with the Mayor: The Federal Election

The long-anticipated announcement has come. On April 28, Canadians will head to the polls to elect a federal representative who will help shape the new Parliament in Ottawa. 

I’ve had the privilege of voting in federal elections since the 1980s when I cast my first ballot. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet several of Canada’s Prime Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, and Members of Parliament.

I truly believe this federal election is one of, if not the most crucial and challenging, in Canada’s history. With the challenges of tariffs with the United States and China, interprovincial trade barriers, economic challenges at home and abroad, and world politics all having a profound effect on Canadians and our country, this election matters more than ever.

Many may ask, what does the city want from an election? The municipality is looking for a federal government that will address the infrastructure challenges we continue to face. We need a federal government that understands our priorities; things like good water and sewer systems, roads, and investments that help foster economic growth and improve the quality of life in Lloydminster. We often find that the city is unable to access federal grants, as they are only available if spent on federal priorities that don’t always align with our community’s needs, both today and in the future.

Our community was built on agriculture, oil, and gas, particularly heavy oil. We have excellent farmers and ranchers producing top-quality grains, oilseeds, and meat. We need to be able to sell our products around the world, which requires a transportation network and free market access to sell our production, whether oil or agriculture. We need a federal government that wants to address health and social welfare for all Canadians. Crime and justice are also high on our priority list, issues that need attention to help ensure our community remains safe for everyone.

In the next 37 days, you’ll hear from candidates who are vying for your vote and support. Federal leaders and their political parties will share their platforms, and I hope they will address the issues I’ve raised. I ask one thing of every resident of our city who is eligible to vote: Please make time to vote at the advance polls or on April 28.

I’ve asked several veterans why they served their country. They remind me of why sharing my vote matters.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster