CAC: In Conversation with the Fundy Albert Deputy Mayor (2025)

Join us as we s we continue to get to know the people behind the organizations, businesses, and community groups that serve our region! We sat down to chat with Deputy Mayor Loretta Elderkin about her journey into municipal politics and life as a long term resident of Fundy Albert. 

The Village of Fundy Albert is an integral partner to Connecting Albert County and many other non-profit and community service-based organizations in our region. The have been an integral advertising partner to CAC, and we are happy to partner with them in creating and sharing their community newsletter with residents monthly as part of our publication. CAC thanks the Village of Fundy Albert for the long-standing partnership as they continue to prove they are, indeed, "friendly by nature."

Connecting Albert County thanks our presenting sponsor, the Bennett & Albert County Healthcare Foundation.

For more information on Connecting Albert County, please go to our website or find us on Facebook or Instagram.

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:01

Hi, this is Melody from Connecting Albert County in Conversation. And I'm here today with Loretta Elderkin, the Deputy Mayor of Funday Albert, as well as a long-term counselor for when we were still not amalgamated for Riverside Albert. So thank you so much for being here with me today, Loretta. Thanks, Melody, for having me today. I know this is sometimes not a comfortable situation to be in. Interviews are always difficult, but really the goal for us today is just to get to know you and learn a little bit about what you do. So maybe you could start by just telling us who you are and what has led you or kept you in Albert County.

SPEAKER_01 0:45

Well, my name is Loretta Eldrikin. I was uh brought up in Cape and Rage. Um, I attended school in Riverside Albert and then high school in Hillsboro. I did uh once I graduated from school, I did move away to the city for a little bit and then came back, got married, had children, and um, yeah, and raised my kids here in Riverside Albert. So that's where I come from. Yeah, what got me involved as a counselor really it's it's for the love of the community. If anybody that knows me knows that I do have a passion for our communities and I want to see them grow and prosper, and uh it's important to to get involved and have a voice. And um, yeah, so that's why I did it in Riverside Albert and then decided to move forward during amalgamation, which um has been interesting. Um, but it's been it's been good, it's been a learning curve. I've learned lots. Um, so yeah, so that's where how I got involved.

SPEAKER_00 1:44

So how long have you been serving municipal council in some capacity?

SPEAKER_01 1:50

I did a one term in Riverside Albert, which I think ended up being um an extra year because of COVID.

SPEAKER_00 1:58

Right.

SPEAKER_01 1:59

Um, and then I've been a counselor here at Fundy Albert since we've amalgamated in 2023. So I'm going on my three and a half year term. This one's cut a little short because the other one was a little long. So this one gets us back on track.

SPEAKER_00 2:13

Right. That makes a lot of sense. So almost eight years. Mm-hmm. That is a uh quite an experience. What is the purpose of being a counselor on municipality from your experience? What do you feel like is the reason why we have that or why you're there?

SPEAKER_01 2:32

It's to have a voice at the table. You know, we all need to that to be that, somebody needs to be that voice at the table. And as much as I am the voice for my ward in Fundy Albert, you do have a voice of everything that goes in for Fundy Albert. And I think that was one of my biggest learning curves is that, you know, you come in with the expectation you're the voice for ward two, but it's not just about ward two. You are, you know, you're representing all of Fundy Albert and the best interest of all of Fundy Albert in every decision that you make. And they're really, you know, you're not always going to be perfect. Um, you're not always gonna make the right decision. Um, but for me, it's important to keep conversation open. We can all agree to disagree at times, but at the end of the day, we have to move forward. And that's that's important to me. I'm out and about in the community a lot. I think that's important that people see that you enjoy your community. And I raised my children there, and I supported different things that were going on, minor hockey and you know, high school basketball and parent support committees at school. I was a part of all those, and I think it's important to be a part of them. You um, I feel I've done my time during raising my children, and uh I look forward now to my grandson coming up and you know participating in some of the events and stuff that's happening in our local community.

SPEAKER_00 3:59

So, what was it about being raised in Cape and Rage? Because that's a small little area, but it's absolutely beautiful. What was it about that time that you feel has given you that drive or that need to be connected? Because you've mentioned a few times about you know, representing not just your ward, but everyone and community building, essentially, I think is what you've been describing is being a part of things, being present, bringing people together, mutual respect. That's all premises of community building. So, what was it about, you know, those growing up years and then that brought you back to raise your children here and also has taken you down this path, I think.

SPEAKER_01 4:42

Um, well, growing up in Cape and Rage was uh, you're very right, it was a small community. You didn't have the things that we have today growing up. Um, you learned to appreciate things, and let me remind you that when I was 16, I didn't appreciate living in Cape and Rage. Um, what I appreciated is that after 30 days, you got your full driver's license. So I think it was a different world we lived in, then versus now. We seem to be in a world of a lot of, for lack of a better word, entitlements, I guess. And I didn't have that growing up. You know, we we lived on a farm and my dad farmed, and my mom farmed, and you know, we didn't we didn't get to run to Moncton for everything. You know, you found a way home from after school if you wanted to do something, and that's what we did. And as I got older, um, like I said, I moved from Cape Rage to Toronto, and you know, as I got older, you realize how beautiful this place really is. Um, and I think that's what brought me back. And then, like I said, I had children, I got married, and and then it's been all downhill from there.

SPEAKER_00 5:54

All downhill. Here you are, smiling and laughing at all the places I see you out and about. Yeah, all down all downhill. I love that. So, what would you say about the work you do as a counselor that most people don't realize that you do? Because I think we all have preconceived ideas about what it is. But what would might surprise some people about what you do or what you don't do? I think also is a good question.

SPEAKER_01 6:23

Well, most people, I mean, there's some people that do know me. There's some people that don't know me. I think a lot of people don't know that I do maintain a full-time position at um a nursing home in Riverview. So I don't know that people realize that I do work full-time. So I know I do things like this on my lunchtime. I have lunch with a lot of people, but they're never buying. There's always a phone conversation. I do a lot of that, I do a lot in the evenings, um, those kind of things in the weekends. But I think it I think for people to know that, you know, I feel I've been very dedicated as a counselor, I guess. And it's we've had a lot of struggles, and you know, we've had to do some things. So I don't know if people really realize sometimes what the sacrifices you make for your family in these positions, because if you work full-time, you're juggling other things to, you know, with just other things, there's weddings, there's, you know, the birth of grandchildren, there's sickness, there's all of that. And you and part of the commitment of being a counselor is that you are going to try and juggle all of that and and try to succeed and and move forward.

SPEAKER_00 7:34

Yeah, I think that's something that's really important to consider, is that while some people who serve on municipal council maybe are retired or that sort of thing, it is something that you do and that you can do whilst holding full-time work and family commitments and you know, life happens, but that you are doing this huge job in addition to all of those things. And so that those sacrifices, I think, are easy to be overlooked. But when we put it within that perspective, I think that's helpful. As a deputy mayor, is do you see, you know, is there anything different from being a counselor to a deputy mayor? A little bit.

SPEAKER_01 8:17

I have a lot more contact with the mayor, I would say, than I would have had as a counselor. Um, and in addition, you know, there are times where you know you have to chair a meeting, do those kind of things in the absence of the mayor. Um, but most times you just hope that the mayor still is well and present as we move forward. Fingers crossed, right?

SPEAKER_00 8:39

Right. Having all of that conversation about your public service, what are there any stories from doing that or things that you're most proud of that you've accomplished as you've been serving either as a counselor for Riverside Albert or as you've moved into this role for Funde Albert? Well, that's a tough one.

SPEAKER_01 9:01

During the term of the new amalgamate at Fundy Albert, I would I would have to say that one of my greatest accomplishments is survival.

SPEAKER_00 9:11

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 9:12

And I know that doesn't seem realistic, but throughout the term, we've had some challenges um in many different ways throughout our municipality. Um and you know, it takes it takes a lot of strength to just continue on, to take one day at a time while you're juggling family commitments, you know, health-related with family, aging parents, those kind of things. So I have to say, you know, survival for me is is an accomplishment as being a counselor for Fundy Albert. And I'm not, I don't mean that in a negative way. It's newly amalgamated, you know, we're working with new people, so you're adjusting, right? You're constantly adjusting to get to know people, to get to know a new process. I mean, obviously, Fundy Albert is a little bit bigger than Riverside Albert. So, you know, you're get accustomed to having meetings recorded, all those things. And people don't realize that when you don't normally participate in those things, it's it's all new. It's a learning curve. And that's why I say I don't want to say it survival in a negative way. I'm saying it in a positive way. That, you know, for me personally, I've overcome a lot of challenges, both professionally and personally, that I have survived. Yeah. So it's a good thing. Exactly.

SPEAKER_00 10:37

So, where would you say it is now with like the amalgamation process and going through some of these rocky periods?

SPEAKER_01 10:45

Um, right now I'm feeling pretty good about it. You know, we've we've made some adjustments, we've moved some things forward. And I mean, really, that's all you can ask for a newly amalgamated um municipality. If if you watch the news, some municipalities didn't survive this amalgamation, right? So I think we need to put pride in that, that the people that were elected, you know, we've had um some counselors that had to leave for different reasons, and that happens. You know, we've moved forward during difficult times, and we we should be proud of that.

SPEAKER_00 11:19

Any interesting little wins, projects you've been a part of, things in the community you've really enjoyed kind of spearheading or attending?

SPEAKER_01 11:28

Oh, there's probably many. Yeah, I I don't know that I can pick any. I mean, there's certainly times that you go to events that you're re you know, it's hard because some of the events I would go to, you know, prior to being a counselor, right? But I think, you know, remembrance day will be one of the moments most important for me, whether I'm a counselor or as an individual. And um I think that remembrance day is very important. And uh I think that's important to instill on the youth that are coming up. I think we do a great job at that in the school systems. And you know, I'm very happy that the last couple of years I've been able to take my grandson to participate in it.

SPEAKER_00 12:13

So outside of being a counselor, you've mentioned you work full-time, you have a family that's active and that you've overcome, I know, a lot of obstacles um and challenges with help and things like that. Outside of council life, what makes you excited? What do you particularly enjoy?

SPEAKER_01 12:35

I'd have to say one of my biggest enjoyments right now is is my grandson. Let me see. How do you word this? He brings me back to the basics. This is why we do the things we do in our community. You you forget about work, you forget about council, there's no phones, you're just on the floor playing trucks and playing with dinosaurs, and uh it's really a reminder.

SPEAKER_00 12:58

So as we kind of wrap up our conversation, I just wanted to give folks an opportunity to get to know the person behind the name. But in return, you are serving, you know, you are serving your council, your community in this way. What can we do as a community to support what you're doing and the work of council?

SPEAKER_01 13:21

Oh, there's many things you can do. Lay it on us. Stay involved. You know, it's important to to be involved in your community. And, you know, I can't say enough about you know the volunteer firefighters that we have. They are a big part of our community and not just for fires or car accidents. I mean, they're there. If if there's a community that needs somebody, they're there. So I think it's important to remember that if you only have a little bit of time to donate or you want to donate certain aspects of your skills, I'm sure within Fundy Albert, there can be somewhere that we can place you that you can volunteer and be a part of the community. And I think um, you know, sometimes we do forget to ask. You know, the same volunteers do the same thing. And if you want to get it done, you know, call call her and we know she'll step up and do it and that kind of thing. So as people move in, we need to adjust a little bit and you know, branch out and and bring other people on board. Um the people of Fundy Albert is what makes Fundy Albert. It's you know, I've often said it, and you know, the seven people that go to the meetings and sit around the table and sign the checks and make the decisions is a part of it. That's part of it. But we do it because of the people that are in Fundy Albert. That's why we're here um is to support the people and the volunteers and the families, and we want Fundy Albert to grow and and prosper.

SPEAKER_00 15:00

Wrapping up, is there anything we haven't talked about that you would have us know, or anything you would want to say uh to our listeners about who you are, what you do, anything at all?

SPEAKER_01 15:14

I'm pretty well an open book in the community. I'm here, there, and everywhere. Um, you know, sometimes, you know, there's we have a lot to offer in Fundy Albert, and it's uh, you know, we just gotta get it out there and get over a couple humps and move the move the whole Fundy Albert forward. And and that's what it's about. And it is hard work and it is dedication, and you do have to do your time and uh do your work. There's a lot of work to it. It's not just about showing up at the meetings, you know, there is um work involved before you get there. And um, so yeah, no, I it you know, Fundy Albert's a great community. I I drive to Riverview every day, so you know, I I'm no different than any other resident. I get frustrated with the roads. Um, I drive them every day, but uh, you know, you drive and you just take the time to look out the window. Like this morning, it was like a winter wonderland there. It was beautiful.

SPEAKER_00 16:12

I think that is a perfect way to end a conversation is to take some time and look around, right? That's so important. Exactly. Well, thank you so much for spending this time with me today, Loretta. I really do appreciate you and all that you do and dedicate for our community. I know how difficult it can be from firsthand and also secondhand because I've heard the stories. And I just really appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day. Thank you again, and thank you to the listeners for listening to this installment of CAC in Conversation. This is the audio edit of our publication, and one of the special features of listening to us is that you get to get this information firsthand before everybody else. So thanks for being here and have a great day.