MyLloydminsterNow has reached out to the 14 candidates running for the six positions on Lloydminster City Council in the November 13 city-wide elections. Here are the views of Tanner Hnidey.
Question 1: Tell me who you are.
Hnidey: My name is Tanner Hnidey. I’m an economist who was born and raised in the Lloydminster and surrounding area. Over the last year, I’ve travelled across Alberta speaking to MPs, MLAs, city councillors, and many others, about economics at various town halls and events. I’m a frequent guest on numerous television shows and podcasts like Talk Truth and The Shaun Newman Podcast, and I’ve recently authored my newest book, Kingdom of Cain. Along with my speaking and economic consultation, I currently comment on politics, economics, and current events, on my social media pages and website.
Question 2: Why do you want to be a city councillor?
Hnidey: When I speak at events, I often tell the audience how important it is for individuals to be involved in the political process. Apathy is the enemy of functioning democracy, so if we refuse to participate in politics, we can’t complain about the situation around us. Thus, I thought it best to take my advice and present a platform for city council that’s focused on protecting the family as a foundation of a civilized, flourishing, free, community.
Question 3: Colleen Young, candidate for the Saskatchewan Party has said, “Our hospital was built for 15,000 people back in 1986 and has not seen significant expansion. Previous ministers of health have recognized the need to expand the hospital in order to serve patients better. That is another aspect that I would like to see done.”
What are your thoughts on a new or expanded hospital in Lloydminster?
Hnidey: City councillors are to put the needs of Lloydminster residents first. In Lloydminster’s case (just like so many other cities), there’s a desperate need to decrease hospital wait times and make overall visits more efficient and effective. While healthcare is a provincial responsibility, city council has an obligation to present Lloydminster’s needs to both provincial governments. As such, I am not only in favour of a new or expanded hospital that focuses on running efficiently, but I am also ultimately in favour of giving Lloydminster residents as much medical choice as possible. This means, for example, encouraging emerging private preventative clinics, like the Harrison Healthcare clinic in Calgary, to open new practices in our city.
Question 4: What is your plan to deal with homelessness and the unhoused?
Hnidey: Clearly, the current plan Lloydminster has to deal with homelessness, as well-intentioned as it might be, isn’t working. This means the proposed men’s shelter cannot be placed in residential or business areas, and the current shelter which puts many residents in danger should be moved. As for a plan to help solve the homeless issue, Boris Lesar, a Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor, member of the Canadian Mental Health Association, and former board member of the Mustard Seed, along with Dr. Dennis Modry, have an excellent paper outlining new and compassionate solutions. The core of their proposal focuses on treating the cause of homelessness, rather than the symptoms of it. Although I don’t presently have space to detail their solution in full, part of it includes teaching people new skills, helping them find jobs, and providing them with purpose. I’m in favour of their proposal, and would seek their counsel if elected.
Question 5: What are your thoughts on dealing with crime and insecurity?
Hnidey: As evidenced by the number of criminals released back onto the streets, Canada’s justice system is broken. This is not the fault of Lloydminster’s city council, but larger governments. At the events I speak at, I often talk about how important it is to relentlessly push our politicians to action. So too, city council has an obligation to continuously present their demands to higher-level governments in pursuit of a better justice system. Finally, I support a public notice board, a community crime committee, and a unified effort to improve the fulfillment of justice, not only in our city, but in our province and country.
Question 6: Final thoughts.
Hnidey: It is my privilege to be considered for Lloydminster’s city council. My full platform is available on my website. I’m happy to answer any questions anyone might have for me. Protecting the family, and upholding it as the supreme institution of society, is the foundation of my campaign. I’m convinced that in our modern age, we need the family now more than ever.
