A Moment with the Mayor: Carbon tax and inflation

I regularly have the opportunity to meet people who have recently moved to Lloydminster. There are local farmers and ranchers retiring, those leaving the big cities looking for a slower pace of life and housing that is more affordable. Lloydminster is also home to those who have moved from somewhere far off to answer the call for employment opportunities. Thank you for choosing Lloydminster.

As we look back, some of us can trace our roots to somewhere in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. Those who followed Reverend Lloyd and were some of the Barr Colonists in 1903 made the trek to this area and met the Cree and Métis people who resided in the area. As a community was established, others came from England to settle and call the area home. Throughout our trading area, small settlements of various nationalities tried their hands looking for a new life farming, ranching or through business endeavours. Faith communities were established in the area and became robust centres for the community.

Events around the world and technology have changed the reasons people choose to immigrate here. The First World War had a pronounced impact on newcomers to the area, and many lives were lost. The Roaring 20s brought another influx of people to Lloydminster. The 1930s were challenging for everyone, and opportunities were nonexistent. The Second World War drew war brides and other immigrants looking for respite from the war. Many immigrant workers helped to build the railway as it crossed our great country of Canada. These people transitioned to opening businesses and starting families, and this is truly how much of the prairie provinces were populated.

As I look back to my childhood and growing up, my hometown was made up of people of various ethnic backgrounds. Today, Lloydminster continues to welcome newcomers from across Canada and around the world. Some come to escape war and political strife, looking for employment opportunities or to rejoin loved ones and friends who have made this community their home. I want to say a big thank you for choosing Lloydminster as your home and to thank those who ensure our newcomers are received and supported as they transition to life here.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster