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
Question 1: Tell me who you are.
Lopez: I’m a proud husband, father of two, business owner, and a committed supporter of our community.
Question 2: Why do you want to be a city councillor?
Lopez: I want to make a positive impact on the quality of life in our city and for everyone in our community. I’m focused on supporting local businesses and promoting a “Lloydminster first” approach to ensure we thrive together.
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?
Lopez: There’s no doubt we need a new hospital. However, since healthcare infrastructure is a provincial responsibility, our role as a city is to advocate strongly for it. With new hospitals in Alberta and Saskatchewan costing upwards of $1 billion, we need to ensure the right stakeholders—our doctors, health foundations, and city council—are at the table, voicing our community’s needs.
Question 4: What is your plan to deal with homelessness and the unhoused?
Lopez: Homelessness is a complex issue, largely under provincial jurisdiction, but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. We need to work closely with organizations equipped to address these challenges and ensure they have the resources they need. A key step would be reintroducing and enforcing the “Good Neighbour” policy. If these organizations want city support, they must show they’re contributing to a safe, vibrant community.
Question 5: What are your thoughts on dealing with crime and insecurity?
Lopez: While crime prevention falls under the RCMP, we fund them for a set number of officers, and currently, they’re struggling to fill those positions. Increasing the budget alone won’t solve this. Until there’s a shift in the federal ‘catch and release’ mandate, we’re limited in what we can do. It’s essential to advocate for change at the federal level to address these issues effectively.
Question 6: Final thoughts.
Lopez: Since being elected in the February by-election, I’ve stayed true to my commitments. If re-elected, I’ll continue to be that voice of reason in council—listening to the public and making sure their concerns are brought not just to council, but also to administration, so we can work on real solutions together.
