YORKTON – The 2024 Municipal Election set for Nov. 13 will see the public cast their votes with two mayoral candidates and 10 councillors to choose from.
Â鶹´«Ã½AV.ca reached out to each candidate with a set of questions to help inform the public on who they're voting for.
Lauretta Ritchie-McInnes, Candidate for City Council
First, a brief history of your time in the city. How long have you been here, work experience, political experience, etc.
I was raised on a farm east of Yorkton, in the Wroxton area, and I’ve proudly called Yorkton home for over 30 years. While I’m a farm girl at heart, living in this vibrant city has given me a deep appreciation for both urban and rural life. From a young age, programs like 4-H taught me the value of giving back, sparking my passion for community service. For me, politics isn’t just an interest; it’s a privilege and a responsibility I hold in high regard. My commitment to public service is rooted in the values I learned growing up in rural Saskatchewan.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly, as well as with SGI’s Driving Without Impairment program and Suncrest College. These experiences have given me valuable insights into governance, public safety, and education—critical elements for our city’s success.
My political journey has been enriched by serving as Chair of the Protective Services Committee, the Yorkton Public Library Board, and as a Yorkton Business Improvement District member. These roles have helped me understand the city’s needs and potential while building strong relationships with City departments. Beyond committees, I’m actively engaged in our community, volunteering with Soup Haven and serving on the Pastor’s Council of the DreamCentre. These roles help keep me connected to the heart of Yorkton and its residents.
Why do you feel you're qualified to represent the public on City Council?
I believe I am well-qualified to represent Yorkton on the City Council due to my extensive experience, education and deep commitment to our community. I have spent decades working with the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, gaining firsthand insights into the importance of effective governance. This experience taught me how to navigate complex systems, address challenges, and contribute to meaningful solutions.
To further strengthen my understanding of municipal affairs, I returned to university and earned a Local Government Administration (Advanced) certificate from the University of Regina. This education and my practical experience have equipped me with the skills to make informed, thoughtful decisions for our city.
As a Councillor, I will be dedicated to listening, understanding, and advocating for the residents of Yorkton. I will focus on fairness, transparency, and collaboration, ensuring our community’s needs are prioritized. My goal is to help build a safe, vibrant, and prosperous Yorkton where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
What issues do you feel are the most pressing for the city? How would you plan to address these issues?
Several key issues are facing Yorkton, and while collaboration with other levels of government is essential—such as the province’s plans to build a new hospital—there are core priorities where the city must take decisive action.
Infrastructure is vital. It serves as the backbone of Yorkton’s functionality and is crucial for fostering future growth and productivity. Investing in the maintenance and expansion of our roadways, pathways, utilities, and facilities will ensure that our city continues to thrive and accommodate new opportunities.
Community safety and well-being are also fundamental. While Yorkton has strong protective services, we, like many communities, face challenges such as crime, addiction, mental health issues, and an unhoused population. Addressing these requires a collaborative, comprehensive, proactive approach. City Council has a responsibility to ensure that every resident feels safe, supported, and connected.
Additionally, economic growth is vital for Yorkton's future, as it creates a foundation for a vibrant and sustainable community. As a Council, our priority should be to actively support local businesses, providing them with the resources and opportunities to succeed. This involves fostering a positive environment for entrepreneurs and helping existing businesses grow. At the same time, we must attract new businesses that bring fresh ideas, jobs, and investment to Yorkton. By working together, we can build a thriving local economy that supports families and lays the groundwork for a bright future for all.
In Yorkton we're experiencing concerns with homelessness, drug abuse, mental health and crime. Though separate issues they're often intertwined and something that falls on the shoulders of the provincial government. What steps would you, as a city councillor, take to ensure a closer working relationship with the provincial government so that a meaningful impact on these issues can be made? What work or education do you have that qualifies your answer?
As a City Councillor, I would prioritize building a strong, collaborative relationship with the provincial government to address the key issues facing Yorkton. I believe that working together is essential for meaningful progress, and I would actively champion Yorkton's priorities to ensure they are heard at higher levels of government.
With my experience working with the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, I am well-equipped to navigate the complexities of intergovernmental relations. My education has provided me with a solid understanding of municipal affairs, while my professional experience has shown me the value of effective collaboration.
What would you do to improve on transparency to maintain the public's trust in their municipal government?
When elected, I commit to enhancing transparency and ensuring the City’s financial resources are used as efficiently as possible to maintain the public's trust in our municipal government. My approach will focus on three key areas: clear communication, open access to information, and active community engagement.
I will prioritize regular, straightforward communication about city projects, budgets, and decisions, ensuring residents have easy access to accurate and up-to-date information. Additionally, I will actively seek input from residents through public consultations, surveys, and town hall meetings. By fostering a dialogue, we can ensure that community voices are heard and considered in decision-making.
I believe these steps will help build a transparent, trustworthy relationship between the Council and the community, ensuring residents feel informed, involved, and confident in the decisions being made on their behalf.
