One of Regina’s top stories from 2020 revolved around the fall municipal election when Sandra Masters became the first elected female mayor in the city’s history.
Masters defeated incumbent Michael Fougere, who was seeking a third term as mayor, by taking just over 46 per cent of the vote in the mayoral race back in November.
Thinking back to the day she won, Masters said it was a heartfelt moment to do something no woman had ever done before in the Queen City.
“I know for a lot of people that were associated with my campaign, it was a moment of actually having overcome something,” explained Masters. “Whether that is an invisible barrier or not, it was one more step in a direction towards a society that people want to live in and want to participate in.”
Sandra Masters is covered in confetti as she speaks after becoming Regina’s mayor. (Photo: Moises Canales/620 CKRM)
Her win in the civic election was almost eight weeks ago, and since then, Masters has quickly learned what it takes to lead a city – especially through a global pandemic.
With residents already getting vaccinated in the province, she said it’s critical for citizens to remain patient while asking them to follow public health orders and help reduce transmission.
“2021 is going to start the way it’s going to end [in 2020] with some social distancing and limited social contact,” she continued. “But if we can keep those numbers down and deliver the vaccinations in a nice, methodical way, we’re all going to look forward to a summer unlike any other summer in our lifetime.”
It may just be the beginning of her term as mayor of Regina, but Masters is looking forward to what’s in store for the city’s future beyond 2020.
Before she was elected in November, she said she wanted to bring a new energy to the Queen City after hearing citizens wanted change.
“I see this city a year from now out of a pandemic, participating in activities both created and organic, and I see this city having a view towards the future which is hopeful.”