Lore Perez has lived in Airdrie for five years and says she was inspired to run for council in the upcoming municipal election after being nominated for an airdrielife award.
“It all started with the impact I realized I had in others once I got nominated (for a) 2021 Amazing Airdrie Women Award,” she says.
The daycare director says she strives to be the voice of Airdrie and hopes to bring new ideas to the table.
Q&A Portion:
- Why are you running for office?
I do it for Airdrie’s future, for Airdrie’s families, but more importantly for the community as a whole. People have told me that I could make a difference, and some think that the city is in need of a change and they have encouraged me, because they believe I can make that change.
- How will you help to make Airdrie a better place to live, work and play?
I want to make sure that our city grows, not only for housing but that we have more opportunities for our youth and activities, and amenities for the citizens to do something.
- What is the most important issue in this election and how do you plan to address it?
I think this election will be significant to define our future. When people approach me, they mention the main issue is that they want to see a change. How can I address it? I’m a person who takes action and my action is to represent each citizen in one of those six chairs.
- How do you plan to be transparent and accountable to your constituents?
I will support the open council meetings, now with the use of technology, to make the city council more transparent. This is a simple thing to do, and constituents deserve a councillor who communicates clearly so council can be held accountable.
- Why should residents vote for you?
Airdrie is modern and growing, our City council should reflect this. It is time to bring in young fresh leadership and new ideas. As councillor I will make sure my door is always open for those who are looking to help the less fortunate in our community and be an advocate for those non-profits looking to provide solutions.
Your Questions
We asked our readers/followers on social media what they wanted to know from City of Airdrie candidates and came up with three questions.
The answers for each candidate will be listed here and posted to airdrielife‘s social media channels on Sept 22 (question 1), Sept 29 (question 2) and Oct 6 (question 3).
Editor’s Note: The answers below are completely unedited and appear here exactly as they were sent to airdrielife via email.
1. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action published 94 “calls to action” urging all levels of government — federal, provincial, territorial and aboriginal — to work together to change policies and programs in a concerted effort to repair the harm caused by residential schools and move forward with reconciliation. Whichof the Calls to Action do you believe the City of Airdrie council should focus on?
During Airdrie Fest I had the opportunity to learn more about the calls of action. I meet Circle of Indigenous Relations Airdrie & Area.(CIFRAirdrie)This question opened my eyes to the situation. And started doing my research to give an appropriate response.
It was so interesting to find out there are still 20 calls to action that haven’t been started. My resource: https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/longform-single/beyond-94??&cta=&cta=46
To municipal level there is this calls of action we need to focus:
Nine Calls to Action were identified by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, as containing the word ‘Municipal’ or ‘all levels of government’ in them:
#40 We call on all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal people, to create adequately funded and accessible Aboriginal-specific victim programs and services with appropriate evaluation mechanisms. #43 We call upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the framework for reconciliation.
#47 We call upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to repudiate concepts used to justify European sovereignty over Indigenous peoples and lands, such as the Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius, and to reform those laws, government policies, and litigation strategies that continue to rely on such concepts
#57 We call upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights and anti-racism.
#64 We call upon all levels of government that provide public funds to denominational schools to require such schools to provide an education on comparative religious studies, which must include a segment on Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Aboriginal spiritual beliefs and practices developed in collaboration with Aboriginal Elders.
#75 We call upon the federal government to work with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, churches, Aboriginal communities, former residential school students, and current landowners to develop and implement strategies and procedures for the ongoing identification, documentation, maintenance, commemoration and protection of residential school cemeteries or other sites at which residential school children were buried. This is to include the provision of appropriate memorial ceremonies and commemorative markers to honour the deceased children.
#77 We call upon provincial, territorial, municipal and community archives to work collaboratively with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to identify and collect copies of all records relevant to the history and legacy of the residential school system, and to provide these to the NCTR.
#87 We call upon all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, sports halls of fame, and other relevant organizations, to provide public education that tells the national story of Aboriginal athletes in history.
#88 We call upon all levels of government to take action to ensure long-term Aboriginal athlete development and growth, and continued support for the North American Indigenous Games, including funding to host the games and for provincial and territorial team preparation and travel.
I think all are important, but we have to embrace history and make our citizens conscious and educate them about this important manner. Also, it was brought to my attention that we need to have part of the Indigenous history in our Museum.
2. How would you work to improve arts and culture infrastructure and opportunities in the city if you were elected?
To improve Arts and Culture in regards to infrastructure, I know we do need a multipurpose civic/cultural centre. Airdrie is a multicultural city and I want every citizen to be able to experience and live their own culture in our city. Citizens should be able to celebrate dates that are important to them, honouring their roots and background. I will absolutely promote more cultural events.
3. What is your vision to help progress Airdrie’s economic growth over the next 10 years?
To have a growth in economy: In general, we need better infrastructure and planning.
a) We need to continue supporting the locals.
b) Now with the pandemic and all the citizens that work from home, we need to have better Connectivity / Broadband, we need high-speed Internet to connect.
c) On a municipal level, making sure that we continue keeping up with the Municipal Asset Management Program
d) I will advocate for amenities that attract people out of Airdrie to come and stop by to enjoy those amenities.
e) It will be interesting if we could get into the Green and Inclusive community buildings program or what other resources and funding we could access to improve our infrastructure.
Working horizontally to improve access to federal programs and services
f) Supporting our non-profits, being able to tell them what grants that come through the city could benefit them.