For the full interview, listen in to Connecting Albert County: The Audio Edit, wherever you stream your podcasts, or above.
Ward 2 councillor Loretta Elderkin is seeking re-election in the 2026 municipal election, highlighting her experience through amalgamation and her commitment to continuing the work already underway in Fundy Albert.
Elderkin, who previously served in the former Village of Riverside-Albert and has spent the past term on council, says her decision to run again comes down to dedication to her community and a desire to see ongoing projects through.
Ward 2 councillor Loretta Elderkin is seeking re-election in the 2026 municipal election, highlighting her experience through amalgamation and her commitment to continuing the work already underway in Fundy Albert.
Elderkin, who previously served in the former Village of Riverside-Albert and has spent the past term on council, says her decision to run again comes down to dedication to her community and a desire to see ongoing projects through.
Background and Community Involvement
A long-time resident of Riverside-Albert, Elderkin has deep roots across the region. Her family’s connections span multiple communities, and she has been actively involved in local organizations for many years.
Professionally, she works as a business coordinator at a nursing home in Riverview, a role she has held for 16 years. “I love the seniors… it’s kind of been a passion of mine,” she said.
Her community involvement includes, or has included, a variety of areas in addition to her service on council. She has participated in school and sports organizations, such as minor hockey and parent committees, reinforcing her belief in staying engaged locally.
“You can’t really complain a lot if you don’t want to get involved and help move things forward,” she said.
Leadership Style and Approach
Elderkin describes her leadership style as patient, fair, and grounded in listening. “I think it’s important to listen to both sides before any decision is made,” she said.
She also emphasizes the importance of moving forward after decisions are made. “Once a conflict has been resolved… you just need to move on and leave it behind,” she said.
Her approach to conflict reflects this mindset, focusing on transparency, open communication, and resolution.
Motivation for Running
Elderkin acknowledged that her decision to run again was not easy but ultimately driven by her investment in the work already completed. “I’m passionate about my community… and I’ve already put a lot of work into this,” she said. She wants to see it through.
She emphasized the importance of continuity as the municipality continues to navigate post-amalgamation challenges.
Platform and Priorities
While Elderkin does not present a formal platform, she identified several key priorities:
Key Issues and Focus Areas
One of Elderkin’s primary concerns is ensuring the sustainability and affordability of water systems in former municipalities. “We have to make sure that it is still going to be affordable for those that have to pay into it,” she said.
She also highlighted the critical role of volunteers and community organizations. “We sit at the table and we make decisions, but they’re helping us thrive,” she said, noting a significant amount of gratitude and passion for supporting volunteers and volunteer organizations.
Time Commitment and Experience
Elderkin pointed to her current term as evidence of her commitment to the role. After a number of years faced with a lot of unexpected happenings in other areas of her life, she demonstrates her ability to put in the time and dedication to the role.
“It is a big commitment… you’re always making adjustments,” she said, noting the personal sacrifices involved in municipal service.
Governance and Training
She supports mandatory training for councillors, emphasizing its role in improving clarity and decision-making. “Training takes out a lot of the what ifs,” she said.
Elderkin also noted that learning is ongoing, even for experienced councillors.
Transparency and Conflict of Interest
On transparency, Elderkin stressed the importance of following established processes. “If the constituent feels that there is a conflict… there is a process to follow,” she said.
She emphasized proactive responsibility from councillors as well. “Do your homework… ask questions,” she said, noting the importance of identifying potential conflicts before discussions begin.
Environment and Natural Resources
Elderkin highlighted education and existing systems as key tools for environmental stewardship. “We need to educate ourselves as councillors and… our residents,” she said.
On glyphosate spraying, she expressed caution and a preference for minimizing chemical use. “My view is less chemicals are always better,” she said, while acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the need to follow the guidance of scientific evidence.
Housing, Poverty, and Cost of Living
Elderkin emphasized collaboration and support for existing services in addressing housing and poverty challenges. “We have some good services… and we need to support them,” she said.
She noted that while municipalities cannot solve every issue, they play an important role in listening, supporting, and connecting with appropriate resources.
Economic Development
Elderkin sees economic development as tied to unity within the municipality. “If one area is doing well, the benefits are going to trickle through all Fundy Albert,” she said.
She emphasized moving away from siloed thinking and working collectively for shared success.
Arts, Culture, and Heritage
Elderkin highlighted the region’s cultural and artistic strengths. “The amount of talent… we have in Fundy Albert is actually amazing,” she said.
She noted that the municipality’s natural environment and history play a significant role in inspiring local arts and culture.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure remains a significant challenge, particularly looking forward as the municipality transitions into its next term.
Elderkin indicated that difficult decisions may be required. “We really need to look at what our infrastructure is… and how we can move forward,” she said.
She also pointed out the financial realities, noting that infrastructure costs ultimately fall on taxpayers, which she takes seriously. There is need to make strategic decisions.
Amalgamation and Regional Perspective
Elderkin acknowledged the initial difficulties experienced over the past three and a half years, and emphasized the importance of balancing ward representation with broader municipal responsibility.
“The majority of the decisions you’re making affects all of Fundy Albert,” she said.
She stressed the need for councillors to think beyond individual communities and work toward the greater good.
Closing Thoughts
As Elderkin seeks another term, her focus remains on continuity, collaboration, and helping guide Fundy Albert through its next phase of development.
She closes by describing herself as “open to change, while remaining grounded in tradition, and finding balance in community".
Contact Elderkin by telephone: 506-381-5864 and email : [email protected]
A long-time resident of Riverside-Albert, Elderkin has deep roots across the region. Her family’s connections span multiple communities, and she has been actively involved in local organizations for many years.
Professionally, she works as a business coordinator at a nursing home in Riverview, a role she has held for 16 years. “I love the seniors… it’s kind of been a passion of mine,” she said.
Her community involvement includes, or has included, a variety of areas in addition to her service on council. She has participated in school and sports organizations, such as minor hockey and parent committees, reinforcing her belief in staying engaged locally.
“You can’t really complain a lot if you don’t want to get involved and help move things forward,” she said.
Leadership Style and Approach
Elderkin describes her leadership style as patient, fair, and grounded in listening. “I think it’s important to listen to both sides before any decision is made,” she said.
She also emphasizes the importance of moving forward after decisions are made. “Once a conflict has been resolved… you just need to move on and leave it behind,” she said.
Her approach to conflict reflects this mindset, focusing on transparency, open communication, and resolution.
Motivation for Running
Elderkin acknowledged that her decision to run again was not easy but ultimately driven by her investment in the work already completed. “I’m passionate about my community… and I’ve already put a lot of work into this,” she said. She wants to see it through.
She emphasized the importance of continuity as the municipality continues to navigate post-amalgamation challenges.
Platform and Priorities
While Elderkin does not present a formal platform, she identified several key priorities:
- Maintaining and improving municipal water systems
- Supporting volunteers and non-profit organizations
- Building on existing community assets
- Continuing progress through amalgamation
Key Issues and Focus Areas
One of Elderkin’s primary concerns is ensuring the sustainability and affordability of water systems in former municipalities. “We have to make sure that it is still going to be affordable for those that have to pay into it,” she said.
She also highlighted the critical role of volunteers and community organizations. “We sit at the table and we make decisions, but they’re helping us thrive,” she said, noting a significant amount of gratitude and passion for supporting volunteers and volunteer organizations.
Time Commitment and Experience
Elderkin pointed to her current term as evidence of her commitment to the role. After a number of years faced with a lot of unexpected happenings in other areas of her life, she demonstrates her ability to put in the time and dedication to the role.
“It is a big commitment… you’re always making adjustments,” she said, noting the personal sacrifices involved in municipal service.
Governance and Training
She supports mandatory training for councillors, emphasizing its role in improving clarity and decision-making. “Training takes out a lot of the what ifs,” she said.
Elderkin also noted that learning is ongoing, even for experienced councillors.
Transparency and Conflict of Interest
On transparency, Elderkin stressed the importance of following established processes. “If the constituent feels that there is a conflict… there is a process to follow,” she said.
She emphasized proactive responsibility from councillors as well. “Do your homework… ask questions,” she said, noting the importance of identifying potential conflicts before discussions begin.
Environment and Natural Resources
Elderkin highlighted education and existing systems as key tools for environmental stewardship. “We need to educate ourselves as councillors and… our residents,” she said.
On glyphosate spraying, she expressed caution and a preference for minimizing chemical use. “My view is less chemicals are always better,” she said, while acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the need to follow the guidance of scientific evidence.
Housing, Poverty, and Cost of Living
Elderkin emphasized collaboration and support for existing services in addressing housing and poverty challenges. “We have some good services… and we need to support them,” she said.
She noted that while municipalities cannot solve every issue, they play an important role in listening, supporting, and connecting with appropriate resources.
Economic Development
Elderkin sees economic development as tied to unity within the municipality. “If one area is doing well, the benefits are going to trickle through all Fundy Albert,” she said.
She emphasized moving away from siloed thinking and working collectively for shared success.
Arts, Culture, and Heritage
Elderkin highlighted the region’s cultural and artistic strengths. “The amount of talent… we have in Fundy Albert is actually amazing,” she said.
She noted that the municipality’s natural environment and history play a significant role in inspiring local arts and culture.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure remains a significant challenge, particularly looking forward as the municipality transitions into its next term.
Elderkin indicated that difficult decisions may be required. “We really need to look at what our infrastructure is… and how we can move forward,” she said.
She also pointed out the financial realities, noting that infrastructure costs ultimately fall on taxpayers, which she takes seriously. There is need to make strategic decisions.
Amalgamation and Regional Perspective
Elderkin acknowledged the initial difficulties experienced over the past three and a half years, and emphasized the importance of balancing ward representation with broader municipal responsibility.
“The majority of the decisions you’re making affects all of Fundy Albert,” she said.
She stressed the need for councillors to think beyond individual communities and work toward the greater good.
Closing Thoughts
As Elderkin seeks another term, her focus remains on continuity, collaboration, and helping guide Fundy Albert through its next phase of development.
She closes by describing herself as “open to change, while remaining grounded in tradition, and finding balance in community".
Contact Elderkin by telephone: 506-381-5864 and email : [email protected]
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