Rufa Doria running for Lethbridge City Council

I am running for City Council because I believe in the strength and potential of our city. Lethbridge is my home, and I want to make it an even better place to live for everyone. As a long-time resident, homeowner, business owner, and community advocate, I’ve seen first-hand the challenges and opportunities that exist in Lethbridge. I am passionate about building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant community where families can thrive, small businesses can grow, and all voices are heard and represented.

What personal or professional experience do you have that you feel would make you a good city councillor?

I bring a track record of leadership, community service, and academic experience that has equipped me with a level of critical thinking, sound judgment, and emotional intelligence to make important decisions for the city.

My background is in Agricultural Engineering, which is why I feel so connected to Lethbridge. I moved to Lethbridge in 2010 after completing my PhD at McGill because I was offered a job at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre. It was through this that I saw first-hand that agriculture is the backbone of our city’s economy. I then went on to teach irrigation and agricultural management classes at both the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Polytechnic. I also served at the Irrigation Council of Alberta from 2017-2019, where I helped arbitrate concerns within the agricultural sector as part of a tribunal. I will leverage my plethora of experience in this sector to make sure we are keeping Lethbridge economically strong.

Secondly, I am also a business owner who appreciates all the wonderful resources available for entrepreneurs that our city offers, and at the same time, acknowledges that there are also red tapes that we can reduce to encourage more entrepreneurship in this city. I think we need to put a critical lens on the bureaucratic hurdles that exist and find ways to help businesses succeed in Lethbridge.

Moreover, I am also a community leader who feels most fulfilled when I’m serving my community. I was a former Vice President of the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association (SAEA) and a former President of the Filipino-Canadian Association of Lethbridge Alberta (FCLA). Currently, I also serve as a Senate Member at the University of Lethbridge. In 2022, I was very honoured and humbled to receive the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for Alberta for my community service. I hope to extend my service to Lethbridge as a whole and ensure that all Lethbridge citizens feel represented.

What I hope people can take away from my profile is that I have relevant experience from sitting in other councils where I had to deliberate alongside people with different viewpoints, while advocating for values I believe in – much like what will be required of me should I be elected as a Councillor. Our role as citizens is [to] make sure that the 8 seats in City Council portray a balance of perspectives, as well as reflects the richness and diversity of our city!

What would be a few of your top priorities if elected?

My platform is divided into 3 main pillars:

1) Agriculture First, which focuses on building economic resiliency while honouring the heritage and identity of Lethbridge. Agriculture is the cornerstone of our economy in Lethbridge. Whether we are talking about farming, production, manufacturing, or even our local farmer’s market – the agricultural sector brings food to our tables and money in our pockets. I hope to protect the areas that keep this sector strong, while fostering innovation and education. This means supporting agri- business start-ups, encouraging research and partnership with our local institutions, and advocating for smart policies that support both small producers and large-scale operations. I want to ensure that agriculture is not only part of Lethbridge’s past but will also be a driving force to drive a brighter future for our city.

2) Affordable Living, which focuses on maintaining Lethbridge’s reputation as an affordable city to live in with a good quality of life. The cost of living is rising everywhere and we are all feeling the pinch. As a homeowner myself, I understand how much the rising property taxes can impact our household budget. My hope is to use my experience in budget management and fiscal responsibility from previous leadership roles to critically review our city’s operating budget. I believe that we need to look at how every dollar is spent and that our taxpayer’s money is being used efficiently and responsibly. By prioritizing the right investments and cutting unnecessary spending, I hope to ease the financial burden of our residents without compromising the quality of services.

3) Safe Neighbourhoods, which focuses on building a community where people feel secure in their homes and their surroundings. For me, I believe safety goes beyond low crime rates, but also fostering a community where people feel safe to build relationships with their neighbours. Achieving both physical and psychological safety requires community leaders to have holistic discussions around crime, mental health and social inequalities. My aim is for City Council to allocate an appropriate budget not only for training first responders and emergency services, but also to invest in mental health crisis response. This would be in addition to ensuring that our city infrastructure (i.e. crosswalks, stop signs, etc) is designed for safety. I also hope to support neighbourhood and community programs that help reduce isolation, prevent crime and cultivate an overall sense of belonging.

Where can people learn more about you and your platform?

You can learn more about my candidacy and my platform at rufadoria.ca. I am also available for any inquiries at rufa.doria4citycouncil@gmail.com or at (403) 894-1574. I also have a Facebook page called “Elect Rufa Doria for Lethbridge City Council” as well as an Instagram page with the handle @doriaforcitycouncil. I am always open to hear your thoughts and concerns, and I encourage residents to reach out.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Lethbridge deserves leadership that understands its roots while embracing innovation and diversity. I bring a unique combination of academic, professional, and community service experience that reflects the spirit of our city. I am ready to listen, serve, and shape a better future for us all. I humbly ask for your vote this election.

More coverage of the 2025 Municipal Election is available here.

by David Opinko

Rufa Doria running for Lethbridge City Council

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