Long-time resident Sandy Barrett is hoping to help improve the healthcare system in the bi-provincial city. Barrett has put her bid forward as a candidate for Lloydminster city council.
“I’ve seen the good times when oil was good. I’ve seen the bad times when oil wasn’t good and how it affected everybody. So I thought I’d see if I can help out.”
Barrett has worked as a health care aide since 2000 and the past six years dedicated at Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre. Barrett also spends time in the community by volunteering at Lloydminster Bobcat games. With her experience in the industry, healthcare is something she’d like to see improved in the city.
“I know that our hospital is aging. And so I’d like to see if we can get government grants to either get a new hospital or do some major upgrades to the current hospital. I know there’s a long waiting list to get into some surgeries. So I’d like to see if we can get Lloyd to be more appealing for doctors and surgeons to come so the wait time is not too long for surgeries.”
She mentions seniors have had a hard time over the past six months, and so she wants to bring in more programming and services dedicated for the elderly.
“Some of the seniors don’t have a lot of family members that live close by, so I’d like to see if I can get them out more involved in activities and being out in the community with them. So that they’re not so lonely being in the nursing home setting, because I know it’s a struggle for some seniors here especially during the COVID stuff that’s going on right now.”
Barrett says she also wants to find ways to support local businesses who are struggling through the effects of the pandemic. Road infrastructure and maintenance is another issue she’s heard from residents and hopes to be a part of creating better roads in the city.
“I know there are some issues with the road construction and taxes for people and their homes. And there’s a few other things I’d like to help out and improve the quality of the town for new families and young families and the seniors of Lloydminster as well.”
She says she’s willing to learn the new skills needed as a councillor and grow as a person while in the position. Barrett says she wants to hear from residents and their concerns and can be contacting her through Facebook would be the easiest way to do so.
There are 18 candidates running for city council this election. Lloydminster residents will head to the polls on November 9th.