Alberta This Week (Your Voice For Choice)
August 2 - August 8, 2025
This is YOUR resource - Share any links here on social media to educate others! - “Your Voice For Choice.” Welcome to your Non-Partisan Information Source of Alberta News
This is Alberta’s History sign on the highway by Amber Valley. In our videos this week I have also included Paula Simon’s History of Amber Valley from 2022.
Upcoming Events: See our short three-page ABR Resistor for Updates about upcoming events.
Measles Tracker - We now have the highest number of Measles Cases in the world, and to think it was almost eradicated 50 years ago. https://www.alberta.ca/measles We are up to 1,724 cases so far in Alberta.
We will repost information on Athana’s case when there is an update. (I have been following James DiFiore and David Wallace as they pursue this case. James DiFiore recently reactivated his podcast channel “Blackballed.” They have taken the angle that this is a coup against the UCP government and that everything that has been reported is aimed at taking down the UCP government. The fact that Albertans want transparency and accountability for what is happening in Health Care is being questioned through this lens. Something doesn’t add up here, and I am not sure what it is. I just wanted to highlight this in case you have questions about this interest in Alberta politics from people who live in Eastern Canada, too.) On Friday there was a new development - check the Corrupt Care section for the information.
ABR Spotlight - At the bottom of the newsletter, we take a look at the second Party in Calgary's Municipal Elections, Communities First. The previous weeks have focused on Edmonton’s two Parties - PACE, A Better Edmonton Party - ABE, and Calgary’s A Better Calgary Party - ABC. Next week, we look at the Calgary Party, before moving on to the School Trustees. If you would like us to investigate school trustees running in other cities or rural areas, shoot us an email at abresistance2027@gmail.com, and we will look into them.
UCP on the Road Again - July 10 - 13
Premier Smith is winging her way to Mexico City to promote Alberta agriculture, technology, and oil and gas. She will be there with her entourage for 3 days. This makes 32 days she has been out of province/country on our dime.
The UCP will have taken 50 trips and will have been out of Alberta for 219 days since January 1, 2025. Alberta taxpayers have paid for it.
The legislature will be sitting again on October 27, 2025 - That’s 79 days/50 working days from August 8, 2025 (Still more than teachers are off for the summer)
An Update on the Abu Dhabi office, Smith announced earlier in the year. I had Grok look for who had been hired:
The Government of Alberta has been actively working to establish a trade and investment office in Abu Dhabi, as announced in April 2025, with the office expected to be fully staffed by fall 2025. A job posting for the Director of the Alberta Abu Dhabi Office was advertised with a closing date of April 24, 2025, indicating recruitment efforts were underway. The role involves being Alberta’s lead representative in the UAE and the MENA region, focusing on advancing economic interests, trade relationships, and investment attraction. However, there is no specific information in the available sources confirming whether a candidate has been officially hired for this position as of August 10, 2025. Additionally, Alberta has previously sought to hire a trade specialist for the UAE on a three-year contract, suggesting ongoing recruitment efforts in the region.
… and yes, Canada does have an embassy in Abu Dhabi, just like in the other countries where the Alberta government has set up offices. This is where their new office will most likely be located. The Canadian government does support Alberta.
The UCP Caucus is down 2 members and is now at 46. There are 38 NDP MLAs and 2 Independents.
Ex-UCP MLAs to join, rebrand Alberta Party instead of rebooting Progressive Conservatives from scratch | CBC News
Peter Guthrie and Scott Sinclair are joining the Alberta Party and rebranding it.
Peter Guthrie has been removed from caucus.
Scott Sinclair has been sitting as an independent since the budget came out. The Slave Lake UCP constituency has removed Scott Sinclair from their association.
VIDEOS (there are three this week)
Return to Amber Valley with Senator Paula Simon. A look at multiculturalism in Alberta (if you Google Amber Valley, there are many more videos online about this community)
Charlie Angus talks about his Bowie Theory and shares a song he wrote. Well worth the listen.
Meidas Touch on what is happening economically in the US, a Canadian podcaster living in the US shares what is happening. Are there any similarities that could happen here in Alberta? Canada?
Throwback - Corrupt Care Scandal and Education (Trade Schools otherwise known as Collegiates in the K-12 schools)
This has a reading list to catch up with where the Corrupt Care Scandal has been.
POD: Catching up with The Alberta Worker - The Progress Report
Trade Schools - As part of education re-visioning, we now have Charter and Public trade schools rather than schools with options where students can explore different types of trades. Want to know how to start your own and the purpose of these? Check this out.
https://www.alberta.ca/collegiate-schools
Collegiate schools offer specialized programming in a particular subject or field and provide all students with a clear pathway into post-secondary education and careers in their chosen field.
The schools can be public (public, separate, francophone, public charter) or accredited, funded independent (private). (Notice how they are changing the language around private schools?)
They are given special approval and startup funding, if applicable, by the Minister of Education and Childcare.
A collegiate school must continue to meet the requirements of its original school type.
*IMPORTANT UPDATE*
Okay, Resistors here you go:
This is one way you can help us spread the message as we prepare for recalls. We can’t do it without you. We Are The RESISTANCE!
A call to action for Creative and Engaged AB Resistance Volunteers.
Our marketing strategy volunteer, Ashley, has created a detailed marketing volunteer information presentation for Alberta Resistance (ABR), a group of engaged Albertans aiming to drive positive change in the province. The presentation outlines the organization's mission, which includes promoting decency in politics, fostering caring communities, and encouraging optimism. There's an emphasis on the importance of nonpartisan communication and the strategic use of social media to counter misinformation and engage various levels of voters. AB Resistance plans to leverage the recall legislation to empower Albertans and create a more inclusive and transparent political environment. ABR needs volunteers, like you, to contribute content across different media formats and highlight the phased approach to building momentum for recall campaigns. The ultimate goal is to transform uninformed citizens into active participants in democracy, celebrating the efforts of committed volunteers who are building a better Alberta.
ABR Marketing Strategy Video Highlights
Reach out via message here or with AB Resistance to see the whole presentation and to get involved!
Here are intake forms if you have content you wish to provide us today!
A Message from ABR (Alberta Resistance)
Recalls: We are moving closer to a Recall for Change in Calgary Bow and Calgary North West. We would love to hear from you if you are interested in standing up a Recall in your riding. Contact us at: abresistance2027@gmail.com
Build Community: Albertans need to work together to educate and build community.
Town halls will be starting up; watch for one in your area. The Separatists and the Far right, like TBA (Take Back Alberta), are well-organized and have lots of money. (The Breakdown on X is sharing an audio with Dennis Modry’s voice from the APP saying that the US will give the separatists a $500 million loan to separate from Canada - we are not going to become the 51st state right away https://x.com/TheBreakdownAB/status/1948532405431861349 We need to counter that with information and community. Be a part of the change. See our ABR Resistor Update. (We have our first townhall booked for Sherwood Park/Strathcona on September 11, 2025 - stay tuned for details)
There are several opportunities to attend rallies and protests this week.
Join our Facebook page or a group in your area that is sharing events, information, and ideas on how to spread the word.
If you want to be part of the group Forever Canada, the link to sign up for information or to collect signatures is here:
https://www.forever-canadian.ca/
Petitions are out, Canvassers are out. They are looking for your signatures. Check out our Facebook page for locations and times. If you are going to be out in a public place collecting signatures, let us know so we can post it. If you can, join in this activity and promote Forever Canadian. https://www.facebook.com/ThomasLukaszukAlberta - Forever Canadian info has been posted on this page. Go here for updates.
Knowledge: A couple of interesting links we found this week:
Talk to your friends and share what you know. Watching the Socials, we see more outrage and anger about what is happening to Health Care, Education, Social Services, and the Environment in this province. These areas affect everyone! It’s time to speak up.
Keeping this one here: The Province has launched another - you guessed it - PANEL Alberta Next Panel. They have scheduled a series of town halls, and you can sign up for them 2 weeks before the event. There is also a survey attached that has you watch a video and then answer 2 - 4 questions. None of the answers allow for any negative feedback, but if you answer the questions, there is an opportunity for you to put in your opinions.
(They only win if we give up!)
Wins this week -
We are working with other groups to show up at peaceful demonstrations around the province. For details, see our ABR Resistor Update.
AB Resistance is a small group of volunteers that pays for expenses solely through donations. Hosting town halls, printing, paying for websites, and social media software all cost money. If you would like to donate to our cause, please etransfer to abrdonate@gmail.com. We are a third-party advertiser, which means we report to Alberta Elections. When you donate, please include your name, address, and postal code in the message. The question is “What province do we live in? = Alberta” even if you don’t live here. It makes it easier for our CFO to accept your money. Thanks to everyone who has already donated.
ABResistance has a “Speaker Series” - check it out on our webpage SPEAKER SERIES - AB Resistance. We are taking the month of July off (unless something emergent comes up) and will be back in August with some new topics. We are also posting the videos on Substack, and you can access them here on YouTube: @abresistance.ca (some nice ab work out videos may show up as well)
We have a merch store! Check out our t-shirts and hoodies.
AB Resistance Merch @ odd-i-tees
At the end of the Newsletter is information on Calgary’s Communities First Candidates.
It’s been a week! Let’s get started!
Saturday, 2
Air Canada
Flight Attendants hold strike votes. Your air travel may be affected.
Air Canada flight attendants hold strike vote
Air Quality
Air quality notices issued for provinces across Canada.
Air quality notices issued for provinces across Canada over Prairie wildfire smoke | CBC News
AISH
Letter to the editor about the monthly $200 claw back to AISH recipients.
Saturday's letters: Is UCP against Albertans with disabilities? | Edmonton Journal
Alberta Forever Canada
The petition officially kicks off.
Canada Forever petition gets green light.
Arson Cases
Second man pleads guilty in Edmonton arson/extortion plot.
Second man pleads guilty in Edmonton 'Project Gaslight' arson and extortion plot | CBC News
Coutts Sentencing
Coutts border protester handed 2 two-year conditional sentence.
Coutts border protester handed 2-year, at-home sentence for firearms offence | CBC News
Health Care
Opinion column - when ideology is more important than evidence in health care, everyone pays.
Opinion: When ideology trumps evidence in health care, everyone pays | Calgary Herald
Immigration
Once welcomed in Alberta, immigration is now under the microscope and being blamed for the lack of services, when in fact it really is the government's underfunding of services.
Opinion: Alberta once welcomed immigrants, now under microscope by the government's panel
Oil and Gas
Fiddlehead gains well licenses from Ferrier. Fiddlehead Resources announces unconditional transfer of well licenses, results of July 10th Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders, and issuance of shares. What does this mean for landowners?
Technology - Quantum Computing
Canada's first quantum computing hub is now active in Lethbridge. What is the next step?
Tariffs
Some Edmonton builders see up to 20% cost increases because of tariffs.
Some Edmonton builders see up to 20% cost increases as tariff war continues | CBC News
Unions
Calgary Senior’s workers are filing to organize.
Calgary seniors org workers file to unionize
Weather
The current heat wave is raising wildfire danger.
Current heat wave is raising wildfire danger to extreme levels in parts of Alberta | CBC News
Wildlife
Alberta allows dogs to help hunt black bears.
AWA Statement: Alberta quietly allows dogs to help hunt black bears, among other hunting changes.
Hunting regulations - #6 now allows hunting black bears with dogs. Where is the gamemanship in that?
mywildalberta.ca/hunting/regulations
Sunday, 3
Carbon Dioxide Capture
Companies are still hoping to cash in on Carbon dioxide capture
Companies taking concrete steps toward capturing revenues from carbon dioxide - The Albertan News
Federal
Trudeau to be honored at a Global Leadership Dinner.
Global Leadership Awards Dinner 2025
NATO
Carney wants to spend an extra $9 billion on defense by April 2026.
Carney wants to spend an extra $9B on defense by April. Is that possible? | CBC News
Oil and Gas
Oil and gas workers with Cenovus ratify their first contract.
Cenovus workers ratify their first contract
Transportation
Alberta minister threatens to axe bike lanes.
Alberta minister threatens to axe bike lanes. Can he make his case? | CBC News
Monday, 4
Canada's Economy
Why Canada's economy is showing resilience despite US tariffs.
Why Canada's economy is showing resilience in the face of U.S. tariffs | CBC News
Christian Evangelical Band
Gets help from Alberta Infrastructure to fill out the application to perform on the Legislative grounds.
Health Care
Measles outbreak in Mennonite community - addressing fear of immunization.
Addressing fear in Alberta's Mennonite community amid a measles outbreak - The Albertan News
Heritage Day
Minister of Arts, Culture, and Status of Women Tanya Fir issued the following statement on Heritage Day:
Municipal Elections
Alberta cities face higher election costs, and some are choosing to have fewer polls to compensate.
Tuesday, 5
Air travel
WestJet cybersecurity breach investigation.
WestJet cybersecurity breach to be investigated by privacy commissioner | CBC News
Book bans
Canadian Civil Liberties Association gets involved in Alberta Education Book controversy
Alberta’s ‘book ban’ battle reignited
By Election and Guns
Why Canada's gun policies are viewed as 'gong show' for voters in Alberta byelection
Why Canada's gun policies are viewed as 'gong show' for voters in Alberta byelection
Canada Post
After unionized workers reject the final offer, what are the next steps?
After unionized Canada Post workers reject 'final offers,' what happens next? - The Albertan News
Dancing with Dinos
The Royal Tyrrell Museum is celebrating its 40th anniversary in Jurassic style with a series of special events and dino-sized pop-up exhibits across the province.
Health Care
Some thoughts on handling health care in the AI Age.
In This AI Age, How Best to Handle Patient Health Data? | The Tyee
Oil and Gas
Fiddlehead gains well licenses from Ferrier. Fiddlehead Resources announces unconditional transfer of well licenses, results of July 10 Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders, and issuance of shares. What does this mean for landowners?
Toxic Gas Leaks - This is happening in Ontario. Do our inactive wells affect us in Alberta? 'What is it doing to our bodies.
Understanding Alberta's Mature Asset strategy
Palestine
We have stayed away from this topic, but as the situation in Palestine disintegrated, we would be remiss in not sharing how it affects Canadians.
As Gazans Starve, Families in Canada Struggle to Get Loved Ones Out | The Tyee
Police
Investigation into Strathcona County RCMP shooting continues
Investigation into Strathcona County RCMP shooting continues
Resources
New industry dollars will tap into Alberta’s vast underground resources to create new, good-paying jobs and keep growing the economy. Three projects are included in this announcement. These look like promising projects, including lithium being taken out of brine ponds to be used in lithium batteries.
Turning underground resources into jobs
Secondary Education
What happened to Columbia University should be a warning for all North American Universities
Columbia University Conquered: Don’t Let It Happen Here | The Tyee
UCP Travel to the US
A summary about the purpose of the trip.
Alberta MLAs push for U.S. trade at Boston conference - News.iAsk.ca AI
US Ambassador
Claims Canada is not hit with 35% Tariffs; rather, the average tariff is 5% so Canada is better off than other countries. The US is not treating Canada fairly, and then they try to gaslight us.
'Energy in the room:’ U.S. ambassador on why no tariff extension for Canada | CBC.ca
Vaccines
Alberta is putting barriers in place for COVID-19 vaccines.
Alberta’s Perverse New Barriers to COVID Vaccines | The Tyee
Wednesday, 6
Agriculture
Several Counties declare a state of agricultural disaster.
Several Alberta municipalities declare a state of agricultural disaster due to dry conditions
2 northern Alberta municipalities declare agricultural disasters due to dry conditions | CBC News
Auto Insurance
What will it really cost us?
Children and Family Services
Minister of Children and Family Services Searle Turton issued the following statement on the annual launch of a scholarship to help young adults formerly in care:
Building for the future: Minister Turton
Disabled People
Handicapped by a handicap a first hand view by Kim Siever from the Alberta Worker.
My wheelchair is my invisibility cloak
Education
Parents are warning kindergarten teachers about the incoming kids - the ones born during COVID lockdowns.
'Feral' COVID babies are entering kindergarten. How scared should schools be?
Environment? Oil and Gas?
Alberta demands that Ottawa meet their demands.
Bell: Smith environment boss tells Carney to hurry up, the clock ticks | Calgary Herald
Federal bilateral trade talks
Mexico and Canada already have an agreement through CUSMA.
Mexico’s Sheinbaum says ‘no need’ for bilateral trade deal with Canada - National | Globalnews.ca
Health Care
Patients are leaving Edmonton ERs without seeing a doctor.
'Stressed system': Edmonton has high rate of ER patients leaving without treatment
Petition
Petition out for signing.
St. Albertan's citizen petition collects signatures to keep Alberta in Canada
Prager U
Danielle Smith's entourage spent $20,000 for a one-day trip south to help fundraise for PRAGER U. Jeremy Appel breaks it down.
Premier’s Office spent nearly $20K on Prager U fundraiser gala - The Progress Report
Transportation
New measures are coming to protect Albertans and penalize bad actors in the tow truck industry who use high-pressure tactics to coerce drivers at collision scenes.
Putting the brakes on predatory tow trucking
$1,000 fines for ‘predatory’ towing
Thursday, 7
Affordability
Albertans are turning to thrift and second-hand stores to battle the high cost of living.
From racks to riches: New thrift stores changing how Sherwood Park shops
Agriculture - Canadian Government
How is the Canadian Government helping farmers and ranchers who are facing drought conditions? (A reminder that they also want to have AI centers which use huge amounts of water)
From a tough crop year to livestock feed gains in Alberta - Canada.ca
2 northern Alberta municipalities declare agricultural disasters due to dry conditions | CBC News
Two municipalities in opposite corners fo Southern Alberta declare agricultural disaster.
Alberta Next Panel
UCP refuses to release data from Alberta Next Panel surveys.
Province refuses to release early results of its Alberta Next surveys | Edmonton Journal
Assisted Living Worker’s Wellbeing
Alberta’s government is tripling previous funding commitments to continuing care workers’ mental health with a $7.5-million investment.
Caring for care workers’ wellness
Auto Insurance
Savings for consumers with new auto insurance program in doubt
Alberta no longer sure about big savings from auto insurance reforms | CBC News
Contractor
Calgary contractor faces new charges - always do your due diligence when hiring someone to work for you.
Edmonton
Edmonton's growth grabs the spotlight as population growth drives investment.
Edmonton grabs the spotlight as population growth drives investment - Western Investor
Health Care
Measles outbreak in Alberta makes The New York Times News.
Measles Spreads Quickly in Rural Alberta Areas That Resisted Vaccines - The New York Times
Interview with Stephen Harper
Stephen Harper’s thoughts on government. Remember, he is the Chairman of the IDU - and he is advising Premier Smith and Moe. The IDU members include the Canadian Conservative Party, American Republican party, India, and Hungary to name a few.
Oil and Gas - Pipelines
Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan are taking action to explore corridors connecting our energy to refineries in southern Ontario.
Next step for the West-East energy corridor
Police
RCMP changes the leadership of the RCMP K-Division.
Former Calgary cop now helping lead RCMP K-Division in Edmonton
Separation
Alberta Government lawyers go to court to argue for the separation question to be asked so they can call a referendum on it.
Lisa talks about separation.
Sport and Tourism
Alberta will welcome Canada’s top track stars for the 2025 Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships.
Track athletes chase gold in Calgary
Friday, 8
Advance Polls
Advance Polls are open in the Battle River - Crowfoot by-election
Advance polls open in Alberta byelection with 214 candidates, historic blank ballots
Agriculture
The governments of Canada and Alberta, through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, increased the low-yield allowance so farmers can use poor crops for feed.
From a tough crop year to livestock feed gains
Alberta Provincial Police
What is Sat Parhar's connection to Alberta's government?
Sat Parhar, Alberta's new Police Chief - what is his connection to the Alberta Government?
Chestermere Lake
Fecal bacteria levels lead to a swimming advisory for Cove Beach.
Fecal bacteria levels lead to water quality advisory at Chestermere Lake | CBC News
Compassionate Care Centers (Jails)
It's open for tenders to build these centers. One for Calgary and one for Edmonton. Occupancy? 150 patients/guests.
Alberta reveals drug-jail locations in procurement document.
Corrupt Care Scandal
Mentzelopoulos claims leaks in the Judge’s investigation.
Copy of the letter Mentzalopoulos sent to the Justice Deputy Minister re: allegations she refused to meet with Judge Wyant.
Response from the Deputy Minister
NDP response re: the leak in the investigation.
Electrical Workers
Another contract signed by workers in Alberta
Calgary electrical workers ratify new contract
Job losses
Alberta's 17,000 net job losses are the most in Canada.
Alberta's 17,000 net job losses in July most in Canada | CBC News
Justice
The NDP calls for the firing of Mickey Amery as Justice Minister.
Alberta NDP calls for Amery to step down.
Logging
Blockade on the eastern slopes. Join them if you can to protest clear-cut logging.
Defenders of the Eastern Slopes - Logging Blockade News Coverage - 6pm August 8 - Global
Military
Liberals are spending $2B to boost military wages and benefits.
U.S. approves Canada's planned purchase of light military vehicles.
Sports and Tourism
Alberta’s government is proud to support 388 of Alberta’s top athletes at the 2025 Canada Summer Games.
Transgender Care
Alberta government appeals injunction against their ban of doctors providing gender affirming care to youth.
Alberta government appeals injunction of transgender health-care law | CBC News
UCP Travel
Smith on trade mission to Mexico
Premier Danielle Smith will promote Alberta as a secure, reliable partner in energy, agriculture, and technology while in Mexico City Aug. 10-13.
Wildfires
Many large wildfires have been contained this week, with lower fire activity across the province due to scattered showers.
Update 20: Alberta wildfire update (Aug. 8, 3 pm)
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Alberta News - Keeping Albertans Informed
Alberta Views puts out a weekly synopsis of happenings in Alberta: This week’s version. (The Week in Alberta archives)
The Tyee puts out a weekly round-up of happenings in Alberta - Check it out.
A round-up of this week’s Tyee Alberta stories. They are a non-profit; if you can afford to donate to this amazing news source,
Alberta Municipalities News
News from the Municipalities - has an update on bills being passed.
Alberta Conservative News
Municipal and School Board Elections - October
Election News - If you are wondering who is running, and what party they represent, as we move into a new political space in Municipal Politics
Calgary - Sprawl - Calgary Candidate Tracker for Municipal Elections
Edmonton - Troy Pavlek - Who’s running in Edmonton’s Municipal Election?
List of all candidates running in the Edmonton Municipal and School Board elections. Running as a Candidate in the 2025 Edmonton Election
We will be breaking this down in future issues as the nomination processes get completed.
Alberta Government Links
Here is a link to the assembly website, with a calendar of upcoming events at the Legislature and a list of all the bills this government has passed, as well as bills in progress. Please note that all the UCP members have voted to support these bills.
Legislative Assembly of Alberta Assembly Dashboard - Has links to each day’s events at the Legislature. The legislative session is from May 15 until October 27, 2025, so 165 days off from the Legislature, and they complain about Educators and other public employees.
The Government is making its news announcements user-friendly. Here is the non-government branded version.
Here is the government version.
If you have events coming up in your area or have a group you would like to promote, email us at abresistance2027@gmail.com
Hansard - The Alberta Government Hansard
Hansard Transcription
Civic Elections – Calgary’s Communities First is highlighted this week.
Edmonton Politics
Some Edmonton Citizens have put out a questionnaire for candidates and are awaiting replies. The first one that came back was from Andrew Knack, who is running for mayor.
Questions for people in the neighbourhood
1. What can a councillor do for the people who live in Edmonton? Does voting even
matter?
Yes, it definitely matters. Municipal government is the order of government
that still impacts people’s daily lives the most. A Councillor has a lot they
can do for the people who live in the city. A very tangible example is the
work of your Councillor (Ashley Salvador) and how the City is now better
dealing with problem properties and derelict properties.
Councillors are also responsible for many important core services: snow
removal, grass cutting, transit, roads, sidewalks, emergency services (fire
rescue and police), recreation centres, libraries, etc.
2. What are the actual responsibilities of a councillor?
A councillor is responsible for creating policy to help govern the services
listed in question 1. While councillors are not responsible for the day-to-day operations of those services, they are responsible for overseeing the
work completed by the City Manager. The City Manager is one of two
employees of the City Council, and they are responsible for all the daily
operations within the City of Edmonton.
Councillors will regularly engage residents in the wards they represent to
get feedback on different issues, and to try and help when there is an issue
not being addressed.
Council is also responsible for land use decisions to help determine what
types of buildings can be built in different parts of the city.
3. What are the objectives of the administration? Are outcomes measured? The objectives of the Administration should be to deliver on the approved vision
and direct the City Council. Outcomes are usually measured, but we also
have our City Auditor review different areas to determine if proper
measurement is taking place.
4. Some people are concerned about civic conversation and responsibility.
Is the conversation one where all points of view are valued?
Compassion: Do you show your audience you care about their perspectives?
Clarity: Do you communicate clearly to those unfamiliar with the message?
Conciseness: Is the message short enough to internalize?
Connection: Do you emotionally connect with your audience?
Conviction: Do you demonstrate your commitment to the good of your
organization?
Courage: Do you demonstrate confidence in your ability to lead through
uncertainty?
5. Can all Edmontonians build the city? Are actions like picking up garbage,
shovelling your neighbour's walk in a crunch, saying hello to neighbours
important?
Yes, all Edmontonians can build the city. In fact, I’d suggest it is
necessary in order to help create the best city possible. Actions like what
you have listed go a long way in making Edmonton even better than it is.
6. Is the city responsible for housing? The City’s main role in housing is setting
land use rules where different types of housing can go. The market is
responsible for building most standard housing, and then the government,
primarily the provincial government, is responsible for non-market
(affordable housing). The City has been filling gaps as best they can, but it’s
not officially our jurisdiction.
7. Leadership- As a political leader within Edmonton, what personal/social values will guide your decisions on City Council decisions?
Being willing to bring people together to ensure we are hearing as many different perspectives as possible. We need to approach each discussion with empathy so that we can learn from each other. This is an older post, but it covers some of my
approach: Learning From Each Other — Andrew Knack for Mayor https://andrewknack.ca/blog/learning
8. Is the communication between the city administration and Edmontonians user-friendly? Example- forms are simple rather than complex like Impact.
It depends on the issue. We have room to improve in some departments and
on some projects. This is an area of focus for me because it can’t just be
up to our City Administration to make communication user-friendly.
9. Is a list of candidates available that identifies those who are independent and those who are affiliated with a party?
Yes, the City of Edmonton's official Edmonton Elections website lists candidates and their affiliation.
10. Why does it matter if it is a party or a single candidate?
I have covered this in a few areas, and you can learn more about it in this link:
- Knack on running as an independent | Alberta Primetime I’ll add that I believe the partisan system demands that someone running in a party provide their loyalty to the party first, and the people they serve are below. I think the people we serve should always be first.
11. If you were the neighbour asking the mayoral candidate a question, what would it be?
It would be hard to ask only one question, as I’d want to know what
their core values are and what drove them to serve in the first place. For
me, while I absolutely care about what issues someone hopes to address, I
need to know how they will try to address issues. Will they be
collaborative? Will they seek to hear different perspectives? How will those
perspectives inform their decision? Those are the types of questions I like
to understand because I’d rather vote for someone who I agree with a bit
less often but who is leading with kindness, empathy, compassion, etc.
than have someone who I agree with a bit more, but isn’t interested in
bringing people together.
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Calgary Municipal Political Parties:
Communities First
An article about how the Calgary Municipal Parties split in a spat over candidates.
Calgary municipal parties split in spat over candidates
Communities First is the second conservative-leaning party on the ballot, formed by four incumbent city councillors.
Communities First Wikipedia page - is a conservative municipal political party in Calgary, Alberta,
Calgary register of candidates:
https://elections-prd.calgary.ca/for-candidates/register-of-candidates.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communities_First_(political_party)
So far, its candidates include Ward 7 Coun. Terry Wong, Ward 13 Coun. Dan McLean, Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot, Ward 1 Coun. Sonya Sharp, as well as former councillor John Mar in Ward 6, Cornelia Wiebe in Ward 8, and Rob Ward in Ward 11.
Sonya Sharp (Communities First party), Mayor (Socials are at the top of her campaign page.
Official Candidate
Sharp has served as Ward 1 councillor since 2021. Prior to being elected, she worked in city administration as the manager of business and local economy, in addition to other previous roles at city hall. In her term on council, Sharp spearheaded the new Calgary Flames arena deal, dealt with the Bearspaw water main break in her ward, and has been an outspoken critic of blanket rezoning. Sharp announced her mayoral run on March 31, 2025, pledging to cut red tape, reprioritize public safety, and rebuild relationships with the provincial government.
https://calgary.citynews.ca/2025/03/31/sonya-sharp-calgary-mayor-2025/
https://www.calgary.ca/council/ward-1/ward-1-bio.html You can see her voting record here.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-city-council-budget-debate-day-2-amendments-1.7387400
https://calgary.citynews.ca/2024/12/10/calgary-municipal-party-communities-first/
https://calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/bell-sonya-sharp-jyoti-gondek-green-line-whining
https://calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/bell-calgary-blanket-rezoning-sonya-sharp-jeromy-farkas
https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/sonya-sharp-ward-1-calgary-council-candidate-questionnaire from the 2021 election.
None of this information in the wiki article has been verified by us, but has been there since 2023, so assuming there is nothing false or misleading in it.
Sonya Sharp Takes Over Calgary Ward No.1: Everything We Know About The Politician
by Isaac Chotiner June 4, 2023 in Wiki
Sonya Sharp is a female politician who is a Ward 1 Calgary City Council candidate. Here’s everything you need to know about her.
Sonya Sharp is a politician who has strong leadership and focuses on delivering better
outcomes and now is running for Ward 1 councilor.
She has boundless experience in policy work at the City of Calgary which makes her a
prime candidate for Calgary.
Sonya Sharp started her professional career as a small business owner and working
with the city of Calgary.
She is running for Ward 1 councilor to solve the problems of Calgarians including
financial constraints, struggling downtown core, and inclusively for all.
Who Is Sonya Sharp?
Sonya Sharp is a small business owner who is now running as a Ward 1 Calgary City
Council candidate.
All her life. Sharp has served the City of Calgary and has a deep connection with
Ward 1 because she was raised there and now she is raising her own family in the same
Community.
She has been working for the City of Calgary for more than 20 years, her journey
started as a Relief Senior Attendant to Manager, Business and Local Economy.
Sonya Sharp Age
Sonya Sharp’s age is in between 30 to 40 years.
She has not revealed the information regarding her age and date of birth.
The above age is just speculation based on her appearance.
She has not revealed the information regarding her age and date of birth.
The above age is just speculation based on her appearance.
Sonya Sharp Wikipedia
Unfortunately, Sonya Sharp’s bio has not been featured on the Wikipedia page yet.
Sonya completed her Bachelor of Arts in 2001 from The University of Lethbridge.
She also has earned a Diploma in Building Development Technology from the Southern
Alberta Institute of Technology.
Then she started her professional career working as a project manager at AA Pro
Development.
Later, Sharp worked as a co-owner of a billboard advertising company, Sharp
Media Inc.
Sonya Sharp Husband: Is She Married?
Sonya Sharp is married to her husband and has a small family settled in Calgary.
The information regarding her husband and children is not available at the moment.
She has not revealed her personal information to the public yet.
Sonya Sharp Net Worth
Sonya Sharp’s net worth is estimated to be more than $1 million.
This is just an assumption based on her professional career as a businesswoman
and a politician.
Sharp has also been honored and awarded as a 2017 One City Awards Nominee
and Development Authority in January 2016.
Unfortunately, Sonya Sharp’s bio has not been featured on the Wikipedia page yet.
Kim Tyers (Communities First party) Ward 1
Official Candidate
Tyers ran in Ward 2 in 2021, placing second behind Jennifer Wyness. She has worked as a constituency manager and assistant for multiple provincial and federal conservative politicians, including MP Michelle Rempel Garner and former UCP social services minister Jason Luan. Tyers has also volunteered for the local chapter of Equal Voice, an organization that advocates for more women in politics. Tyers is campaigning for lower taxes and strong city services.
https://communitiesfirstyyc.com/communities-first-welcomes-ward-1-candidate-kim-tyers/
https://www.goc411.ca/en/219400/Kim-Tyers#google_vignette Kim works as a Constituency Assistant for the House of Commons.
https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/kim-tyers-ward-2-calgary-council-candidate-questionnaire Questionnaire from 2021 run for Ward 2 Councillor.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimtyers/ On her linked in page she also worked for the Alberta Government in the constituency office of the former Minister of Energy - Check it out for yourself.
Jeremy Wong (Communities First party) - Ward 4
Unofficial Candidate
Wong has worked as a policy coordinator for the City of Calgary and as a pastor for Calgary Chinese Alliance Church. He ran as the UCP candidate for Calgary-Mountain View in the 2019 provincial election, losing to the NDP candidate by more than 2,000 votes. Wong says he is focused on strengthening public infrastructure, creating safe neighbourhoods, and government transparency.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremywongab/ He has worked for the Alberta Government as a policy advisor in both Indigenous Relations and Culture. He has also worked for the City of Calgary as a policy advisor.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/jeremy-wong-ucp-candidate-lgbt-1.5069112 (From 2019)
https://globalnews.ca/news/5082947/ucp-calgary-mountain-view-jeremy-wong/ He ran for the UCP in 2019 replacing Caylan Ford who later went on to start the Charter School Alberta Classical Academy.
Terry Wong (Communities First party) Ward 7
Unofficial Candidate
Wong has served as Ward 7 councillor since 2021. Prior to being elected, he helped create the Chinatown Business Improvement Area, where he served as executive director. He’s also a past president of the Hounsfield Heights Briar Hill Community Association. For 30 years, from 1984 to 2014, Wong worked for city administration in various management and IT roles.
His social media links are not listed.
Cornelia Wiebe (Communities First party) Ward 8
Official Candidate
Wiebe has owned Leo Boutique, a clothing store on 17th Avenue S.W., since she co-founded the business in 1997. She ran in Ward 8 in 2021, placing fifth. Wiebe has described herself as an "economically driven, fact-based decision maker" and has said inner-city development should be a more inclusive experience that isn't "marginalizing our citizens as a stakeholder in how their communities look and feel."
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cornelia-wiebe-50962b119/?originalSubdomain=ca
https://www.avenuecalgary.com/Shopping-Style/Store-Spotlight-Leo-Boutique/
https://saitjournalism.ca/thepress/2022/12/09/calgary-elbow-voters-cite-density-housing-as-primary-concerns/ She ran for the UCP in 2022.
Alison Karim-McSwiney (Communities First) Ward 9
Unofficial Candidate
Karim-McSwiney is the longtime executive director of the International Avenue Business Revitalization Zone, where she helped secure funding for the redevelopment of 17th Avenue S.E. She also launched GlobalFest and founded the 12 Communities Safety Initiative, among other community projects. She supports creating discounts on property taxes for business owners, increasing affordable housing units and creating safer streets.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-karim-mcswiney-41290b17/?originalSubdomain=ca
https://drugdatadecoded.ca/was-last-door-granted-calgary-recovery-community/
https://www.alisonforward9.ca/
https://www.allbiz.ca/international-avenue-medical-centre-403-457-5900
Andre Chabot (Communities First party) Ward 10
Official Candidate
Chabot was first elected to Calgary city council in a 2005 byelection. He ran for mayor in 2017 when his ward was changed due to a redrawing of electoral boundaries, placing third behind Naheed Nenshi. In 2021, Chabot was elected as Ward 10 councillor again. Prior to politics, Chabot worked as a general contractor and volunteered on the board of the Marlborough Park Community Association.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-chabot-43a371175/?originalSubdomain=ca
https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/andre-chabot-wins-ward-10
https://www.abmunis.ca/system/files/2021-11/2021%20Candidate%20Bios.pdf 2021
Rob Ward (Communities First party) Ward 11
Official Candidate
Ward is a marketing manager who ran in Ward 11 in the 2021 election, placing second with more than 10,000 votes (Penner won with 10,889). An outspoken opponent of blanket rezoning, Ward says city hall needs “a more balanced approach” to redevelopment. Ward is chair of the Willow Park Charity Golf Classic, an annual summer golf tournament.
https://www.robward11.ca/
https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/rob-ward-ward-11-calgary-council-candidate-questionnaire from 2011
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-ward-880005233/?originalSubdomain=ca
Shane Byciuk (Communities First party) Ward 12
Unofficial Candidate
Byciuk has worked for Brokerlink, an insurance brokerage, for nearly 20 years. He previously served as president of the Cranston Community Association and board chair of Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids. Byciuk has also served on riding association boards for the provincial UCP and federal Conservatives. Byciuk says he is running to represent his community through action-based leadership.
https://communitiesfirstyyc.com/communities-first-announces-shane-byciuk-as-candidate-for-ward-12/
https://www.voteshane.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanebyciuk/?originalSubdomain=ca
https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/rift-emerges-calgary-political-parties
Dan McLean (Communities First party) Ward 13
Unofficial Candidate
McLean has been the councillor for Ward 13 since 2021, when he unseated longtime incumbent councillor Diane Colley-Urquhart. Before being elected, McLean launched and ran a golf cart business called McLean Golf. He also volunteered for conservative political campaigns on both the federal and provincial levels.


















I missed a link to a video regarding our volunteer call out for social media creators. It has now been added. Sorry for any inconvenience.