Alberta This Week (Your Voice For Choice)
Alberta This Week (Your Voice For Choice) August 9 - August 15, 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
Alberta Canola getting tariffed by China is not helpful to our agricultural sector. (If you have a picture you would like to share for our newsletter, please send it to abresistance2027@gmail.com with your name. It helps differentiate the newsletters.
Canola Field in Northern Alberta
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 1,762 cases so far in Alberta. This is the highest per capita measles count in all of North America (possibly the world)
Pre-book Your COVID-19 and Flu shots here:
As of Monday, August 11, 2025, Alberta residents can pre-order the COVID-19 shot by registering online on the Alberta vaccine booking system.
Here is a link to Alberta’s respiratory virus dashboard - including RSV, Flu, and COVID-19 cases
https://www.alberta.ca/stats/dashboard/respiratory-virus-dashboard.htm
We will repost information on Athana’s case when there is an update.
ABR Spotlight - At the bottom of the newsletter, we take a look at the last Party in Calgary's Municipal Elections, The Calgary Party. The previous weeks have focused on Edmonton’s two Parties - PACE, A Better Edmonton Party - ABE, and Calgary’s A Better Calgary Party - ABC. In the next few weeks, we will look at School Trustees running in Edmonton and Calgary. 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 Back at home..
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 72 days/45 working days from August 15, 2025 (Teachers have 14 days of summer break left. That may change if they are locked out after the August 29th vote by TEBA.)
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)
Some information you might find interesting regarding estate planning.
The Alberta Prosperity Project explores:
Smithenomics 104: How Premier Smith’s Population Boom Plan is Overloading Alberta’s Infrastructure
No Throwback this week, instead we are posting an answer from Chelsae Petrovic’s office when Laurie DW (a subscriber) asked the question about Chelsae signing the “Canadian Forever” petition:
Laurie DW, if you feel that it is a question that is important to you to ask, then you are more than welcome.
It is understanding that no matter her answer, whether you or anyone else agrees or disagrees it is just an opportunity to ask questions, gather information based on her responses, have a constructive conversation, and get clarity on where your vote will go in the next election.
I feel an issue we have in society today is expecting everyone else to have the same views as we do, and that we will all be the same. It is just not how it works. Her answer may be “wrong” for you, but it might be “right” for me. So to make the statement “it will be very telling” is you going in with an expectation to how you EXPECT her to respond. Don’t ask the question if you have an expectation, just state your expectation of her and your reasons why that is your expectation, if her opinion doesn’t matter it is just about what you want, then maybe you’re not looking for constructive conversation or to be open to listening.
In my personal opinion I would love to stay Canadian. But I need to see change. I have attached a comparison visual of the equalization payments that get distributed across the country in comparison to senate seats based on population on my Facebook page. Unfortunately I cannot share a picture on here. The 4 western provinces hold 24 seats in total, receiving no equalization payments, while the east holds 78 seats while Ontario received $576 Million, Quebec $13.3 Billion, while the smaller eastern province’s received a combined $834 Million.
That was the 2024-2025 equalization payments.
Alberta has been on the down side for a long time but floating the country. Yes, I can appreciate we are a country and we need to support each other, but there needs to be an end. We should be slowly seeing the payments declining as we invest in their resources/revenue streams to allow the eastern provinces to be more independently wealthy so our entire country can continue to prosper.
I support separating if things do not change. I am all on board to stay if things change. But the ideology that “the budget will balance itself” is insane. We have lived it for 8 years and I’m sorry, but a bag of groceries this morning just cost me $80. This is not feasible. I am thankful I don’t have kids unfortunately as having more mouths to feed with the inflation, I couldn’t imagine what families are going through.
Knowing how economically prosperous we could be independently, grow our resources and improve our infrastructure that we have, improve our health care system as it crumbles, reduce our income tax and create a place where families can prosper should be our governments goals. But instead they are worried about their own personal pensions.
Ever wonder how when JT became Prime Minister his net worth was $1 Million, now he is worth $100 Million.
Unsure of how that happened when the current wage of the prime minister is $208,800.00 with a $2000 car allowance.
(ABR’s input here - Danielle Smith’s wage is $186,180 with a $2,200 housing allowance. Her expenses to date are $115,365.15 - links are ours to.)
https://calgary.citynews.ca/2024/04/03/danielle-smith-salary-alberta-mlas-politicians-pay/
https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/6b2dd060-1428-4c08-9c47-b5075cc194d4/resource/180e00dd-63c5-4aaf-8d3d-3b557f1ec57d/download/premier-office-expenses-2025-05.pdf (May’s expense report)
https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/6b2dd060-1428-4c08-9c47-b5075cc194d4/resource/972d0ede-afb2-4aec-8a95-26b7004714e5/download/premier-office-expenses-2025-06.pdf (June’s expense report)
How are our taxes the highest they have ever been, we are taxed on all our purchases, the businesses purchase the product with tax then we pay tax on that product again. Our wages are taxed, everything is taxed. We have a carbon tax (it no longer applies to citizens, just oil and gas businesses and it is called carbon pricing. https://taraenergyservices.com/carbon-pricings-impact-on-alberta-oil-gas/ ). The amount you actually take home out of your pay check is insane. Maybe people could afford to eat healthy, take pressure of the health care system with a healthier lifestyle if they didn’t have to work 2 jobs and eat KD to get by.
Do not have an expectation on someone committing to signing a “Forever Canadian Petition” today and maybe think of the question in two parts rather than black and white as nothing is black and white right now.
1. What are the reasons you would want to sign the Forever Canadian Petition?
2. What are reason you would not want to sign the Forever Canadian Petition?
Listen more than you speak, and hear what she has to say. See if her values align with yours, be open to the potential of learning something new as she is involved at a different level and scope than we are, so perspective can be different.
Your knowledge and beliefs become more whole when you challenge your own personal views by hearing and understanding the opposing side.
We can both hear the same thing and feel different about it. That is okay. That is the beauty of democracy and being human. Our differences shouldn’t separate us but make us more diverse. There is somewhere for everyone to go and feel validated.
(I have printed this as it was shared with me, other than the comments I have put in and indicated, oh and I highlighted the “Listen more than you speak” part. I couldn’t help myself.)
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*IMPORTANT UPDATE*
Okay, Resistors, here you go: (I forgot the video link in last week’s email blast, so I included the info. here again)
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.
Reach out via message here or with AB Resistance to see the whole presentation and to get involved!
ABR Marketing Strategy Video Highlights.
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 (We have our first one booked for Sherwood Park/Strathcona on September 11, 2025 - stay tuned for details) Check the Resistor for details on our town halls in Lethbridge and Calgary.
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
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, 9
Advance Poll
It was easy to vote in the advanced polls. Please get out and vote if you are eligible.
‘It was really easy’: Alberta byelection advance polls open with more than 200 candidates
Job Losses
Alberta lost nearly 40,000 full-time jobs in July 2025
Alberta lost nearly 40,000 FT jobs in July 2025
News
Conservative trolls are flooding social media with disinformation about news organizations.
Conservative trolls are finding new ways to flood social media with disinformation
Punk Rockers
Alberta punk rockers are standing up for the marginalized Albertans.
In Alberta, the Punks Are Taking Over | The Tyee
Secondary Education
U of A is looking for help to manage its physical footprint by selling up to 30% of its assets while still enrolling over 6,000 students. This is in response to the cutbacks to secondary education.
U of A looking for help to manage assets, cut its physical footprint | CBC News
Sunday, 10
811
Alberta 811 health line hits milestone. Albertans are encouraged to use it instead of calling 911 for non-emergencies.
Expense
Alberta Disclosures
Alberta government changes expense disclosure policy. Also, a link to see what it looks like now - many expenses over $100 do not have receipts attached since 2022, which is before the policy change. They only have receipts for $1000 or more. (Rachel Notely and the NDP did post receipts)
Corrupt Care Investigation
There has been a leak in key information about the Health Care Probe scandal that indicates political interference.
Tariffs
Sour news for pickle lovers: Bick pickles no longer stocked by some Canadian retailers.
Sour news for pickle lovers: Bick's pickles no longer stocked at some Canadian retailers | CBC News
UCP Mexico Trip
Danielle Smith is on a 3-day trip to Mexico.
Danielle Smith visits Mexico to strengthen ties in energy, agriculture | Calgary Herald
Monday, 11
Agriculture
Support Alberta food producers during Local Food Week and participate in Open Farm Days activities.
See the farms, taste the flavours
Corrupt Care
Former AHS CEO asks court to dismiss lawsuit by Danielle Smith’s former Chief of Staff.
EMS
Edmonton First Responders' psychological injuries
Federal By-election
Some insights from those in the Battle River-Crowfoot Area on the upcoming by-election.
Food Bank
Organizations sound an alarm as more Calgarians are using the food bank.
Organizations sound alarm as nearly 32% of Calgarians struggle to afford food | CBC News
Health Care
Barrhead is part of the pilot program to keep the ER open even with a doctor shortage.
AHS pilot program helps keep Barrhead ER open despite lack of doctors
Municipal Recalls in Alberta
Recall legislation for Alberta Municipal officials must be fair.
Recall legislation for Alberta municipal officials must be fair - The Albertan News
Separatism
Special Report: Alberta Separatism So Far | Monday August 11, 2025 | Bridge City News
Teacher’s Strike
The threat of a teacher’s strike looms as negotiations continue.
Alberta teacher strike looms: negotiations continue ahead of school year
Transportation
Who could have predicted that removing photo radar would result in more accidents? Oh, wait, we all knew that would happen. The only ones who didn't were Dreeshan and his government.
Ukrainian Village
Due to ongoing fire recovery efforts, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village will remain closed for the 2025 summer season.
Ukrainian village in Alberta to remain closed for restoration after devastating fire | Globalnews.ca
Vaccine misinformation
Updates on accessing vaccines in Alberta.
Alberta government accused of being anti-science over COVID-19 vaccination plan | Globalnews.ca
Albertans can start pre-ordering paid COVID-19 shots after June policy shift
Alberta government accused of being anti-science over COVID-19 vaccination plan - News.iAsk.ca AI
Tuesday, 12
Agriculture
Minister Sigurdson issued the following statement in response to new preliminary anti-dumping duties on canola imports:
Response to China’s duties on canola imports: Minister Sigurdson
‘Devastating blow’: Alberta responds to 75.8% Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola
Alberta Beef Producers announce withdrawal from Canadian Cattle Association effective July 1, 2026
Alberta Government Expense Accounts
Even the Western Standard News is getting involved in the Alberta government's no longer posting receipts over $100 discussion. The truth is, they haven't been following that rule for years. Some receipts over $1000 are posted. Why is that???? Airfare??? Expensive hotels???
EDITORIAL: Alberta’s expense cover-up
Federal Budget
Feds aim to give investors “certainty” in the budget to put money into Canada.
Feds aim to give investors ‘certainty’ in budget to put money into Canada - National | Globalnews.ca
Oil and Gas
Premiers from three provinces are joining forces to investigate the feasibility of an energy corridor across Canada.
Premiers investigating energy corridor | Meridian Source
Police
Report recommends Rocky Mountain House stick with RCMP for now.
Speeding
Alberta Government to introduce an anti-speeding campaign to save lives. It’s a pity they took away municipalities' ability to use photo radar to control speeding.
Alberta government to introduce anti-speeding campaign
Sports and Tourism
Fort McMurray will host the 2025 Baseball Canada 18U National Championships for a grand slam weekend.
Nationals hit a home run in Alberta
Vaccines
The government is experimenting with vaccine rationing in Alberta.
Danielle Smith’s bizarre and dangerous experiment in vaccine rationing begins - Alberta Politics
Wednesday, 13
ADAP
Albertans are invited to share their feedback to help shape the Alberta Disability Assistance Program. Now the government is going to kick people off AISH and into a new program called ADAP, where their doctors determine if someone is eligible for AISH or not. ADAP will pay out $200 less per month to recipients.
Alberta Disability Assistance Program (here is the survey link). You have to watch videos, there is a discussion guide, and you then answer questions.
Affordable Housing
Edmonton city councillors recommend the sale of a plot of land near Kingsway Mall for affordable housing development.
City councillors recommend sale of land near Kingsway Mall for $1 | CBC News
Agriculture
China imposes a new tariff on Alberta canola.
Border towns
Alberta's small border towns eye becoming roadside attractions as border services shut down.
Alberta's small border towns eye becoming roadside attractions | CBC News
Canada Justice System
Conservatives say the justice system has two tiers, not true.
Conservatives say the justice system favours non-citizens. Experts disagree | CBC News
Culture Days takes centre stage
September 1st kicks off Culture Days in Alberta with a month-long celebration of art, music, food, dance, and more.
Culture Days takes centre stage | Les Journées de la culture prennent la vedette
Health Care
Integrated health care information is important to support Canadians in accessing health care.
Stressed about not being able to afford the cost of health care in Alberta? Worried about feeding your family? Keeping your job? The government has an answer for that - Alberta is on the fast track to becoming Canada’s leading wellness tourism hub.
Municipal
Hungry goats help keep unwanted vegetation down in Calgary Park.
Old Age Security
A think tank is suggesting the government overhaul Old-Age Security.
Is now the time to overhaul Canada’s Old Age Security? Why some urge yes - National | Globalnews.ca
Pets
Calgary bylaws help reduce dog attacks.
How changes to the City of Calgary bylaws helped reduce dog attacks
Transportation
Opinion it is not fair for the government to mandate what kind of vehicle consumers can buy.
Opinion: it is pure folly for liberals to try and force electric vehicles on Canadians.
Thursday, 14
Agriculture
Agriculture research is essential to helping one of Alberta’s longest-lasting and largest sectors remain strong and continue to grow.
Growing and diversifying ag research
Alberta Next Panel - Edmonton
The Alberta Next Panel faced some pushback at their Edmonton Town Hall on Thursday night.
Tensions high at town hall as Alberta Next Panel faces polarized crowd in Edmonton | CBC News
Bank of Canada
BoC officials considered whether interest rates were low enough to weather the Tariff War.
Border Road
The U.S. is blocking Canadian access to a road in Southern Alberta for residents.
U.S. blocking Canadian access to the road southern Alberta county has long relied on | CBC News
Federal by-election
Hundreds of candidates on the ballot.
Health Care
Alberta reaches tentative deal with HSAA
Alberta government reaches tentative deal with major healthcare union
Insurance
A first-time insurance buyer with a 2018 Honda costs an Albertan $7080/year or $590/month.
$7,080 to insure a Honda Civic? Welcome to Alberta auto insurance in 2025 | CBC News
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is hurting as Canadians stay away from US tourist destinations.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/las-vegas-tourism-canadian-slump-1.7607707
Medicine Hat
For a third time in less than two years, an investigation is taking place at the City of Medicine Hat — but officials won't confirm what it's about or who is under review.
Mental Health Supports
He felt 'chased' by anxiety until he found this online resource. It is in danger of being shut down.
Privacy Commissioner Alberta
Information and Privacy Commissioner says Alberta rejected her two recommendations.
Recovery Alberta
Apologies if you don't have Facebook. Excellent article by John Auger regarding Alberta outsourcing Recovery Alberta to a private BC company. Private health care paid with public . (if you don’t have Facebook and would like to read the article, email me at abresistance2027@gmail.com with the link, and I will email you back the article.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CCFDubrAj/
Separation
The question of Alberta's separation from Canada is going to be heard by the courts.
MSN Judges' decision on Alberta Separation Question review expected today.
Judge's decision on future of Alberta separation question review expected today - Castanet.net
Corey Theruault on the Separation Court case. (Audio)
Support Services
Red Deer's Turning Point agency is losing all provincial funding. Cruelty is the point.
Red Deer’s Turning Point losing all provincial funding, must cut programs | rdnewsnow.com
Transportation
A reminder to all Albertans, especially those new behind the wheel, that safe driving requires focus, patience, and ongoing practice. And especially remember, don’t speed when behind the wheel - we don’t have anything in place to stop you but…. Speeding can kill.
Bulletin: New Driver Safety Month
Travel
Air Canada begins cancelling flights in light of the potential Air Flight Attendant strike.
In the news today: Air Canada flight cancellations, Alberta's third summer town hall
Vaccines
Tyee, why pre-ordering COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines is not ordering vaccines…
Alberta’s UCP government makes an important breakthrough in Internet enshittification
Friday, 15
Alaskan Summit
Trump predicts Zelenskyy will join follow up summit meeting with Putin.
https://www.democracynow.org/2025/8/15/headlines
Cyber Theft
Couple recounts how cyber theft of $45,000 from an ATB bank account happened.
https://www.canadianfraudnews.com/alberta-couple-recounts-cyber-theft-of-45000-from-bank-account/
Immigration
We suspect that in response to the push back at the Alberta Next Panel on Thursday, August 14th, meeting in Edmonton, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Joseph Schow issued the following statement on Ottawa’s loss of control over immigration:
Immigration crisis demands immediate action: Minister Schow
Indigenous Affairs Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta
Minister of Indigenous Relations Rajan Sawhney issued the following statement following today’s meeting with Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta:
Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta: Minister Sawhney
Mental Health
Alberta’s government is awarding $4.2 million to improve learning and mental health supports for First Nations students.
Supporting First Nations student mental health
Wildfires
Cooler weather and rain have lowered wildfire activity in Alberta, allowing the province to send airtankers to help fight fires in New Brunswick.
Update 21: Alberta wildfire update (Aug. 15, 3 p.m.)
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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 have been breaking this down 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 having time off. PS teachers are 10-month employees; they spread their pay out over 12 months. Support staff like Admin (office) and Educational Assistants are laid off for the summer and have to apply for EI or have another job to tide them over. The MLAs are 12-month 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
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Civic Elections – Calgary’s Calgary Party is highlighted this week.
Calgary Municipal Political Parties:
An interesting article on what some people think Municipal Political Parties bring to the table: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/what-calgary-parties-stand-for-1.7430301
The Calgary Party, the third group on the ballot, is led by mayoral candidate Brian Thiessen and is seen as the progressive-leaning slate in the budding race. We have included the SPRAWL write-up on candidates as well as links we have found on them online. You will need to research the candidates you are interested in and form your own opinion.
So far, the council candidates include DJ Kelly in Ward 4, Inam Teja in Ward 6, Heather McRae in Ward 7, Alex Williams in Ward 11, and Elliot Weinstein in Ward 13.
Brian Thiessen (The Calgary Party) Mayor
Unofficial Candidate
Thiessen, an employment lawyer, is managing partner in the Calgary office of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. From 2016 to 2019, Thiessen chaired the Calgary Police Commission, the civilian body that oversees the city’s police force. Thiessen was also previously president of the Alberta Party, a centrist provincial party. Thiessen describes himself as socially progressive and fiscally conservative. Thiessen launched his campaign on October 23, 2024, pitching himself as a consensus-builder who can find common ground.
https://livewirecalgary.com/2024/10/24/brian-thiessen-2025-calgary-mayor-run-affordability-safety/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-mayor-race-candidate-brian-thiessen-1.7362587
https://bt-calgaryactnow.nationbuilder.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BrianTYYC
Joey Nowak (The Calgary Party) Ward 1
Unofficial Candidate
Nowak is a senior manager of the Social Innovation Hub at Innovate Calgary, helping startups grow their impact and revenue. She is also the owner and founder of breadX, a local micro-bakery with a focus on suburban Calgary. Nowak says she is running to support people-focused growth, better transit options, and thriving communities.
Official Candidate
Kelly ran in Ward 4 in the 2021 election, narrowly losing to Sean Chu by 100 votes. A former city hall employee, Kelly is a longtime advocate of open data in government. He is the director of community partnerships at the University of Calgary and a former president of the Winston Heights/Mountview Community Association. He's also a board member of the Greenview Industrial BIA and chairs the PechaKucha Night Calgary speaker series.
https://www.avenuecalgary.com/city-life/top-40-under-40/dj-kelly/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/dj-kelly-judicial-recount-ward-4-sean-chu-calgary-1.6263061
https://globalnews.ca/news/8402955/judicial-recount-withdrawn-calgary-ward-4-election-results/
https://wiki-en.org/dj-kelly-age-wikipedia-bio-everything-on-calgary-ward-4-candidate/
https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/dj-kelly-ward-4-calgary-council-candidate-questionnaire
Inam Teja (The Calgary Party) Ward 6
Official Candidate
Teja works as a housing policy specialist at the Calgary Drop-In Centre and is vice-president of the Coach Hill Patterson Heights Community Association. He recently completed a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Oxford and is a former organizer and board member with More Neighbours Calgary, which advocated for the upzoning changes city council approved in May 2024.
https://calgarydropin.ca/rezoning-only-ambitious-action-will-ease-calgarys-housing-crisis/
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/inamteja_teamteja-yyccc-yyc-activity-7292227404142456832-Qgus/
https://enoughforall.ca/podcasts/changing-the-conversation-on-housing
https://www.socialpolicycollaborative.ca/contributors/inam-teja
https://www.sprawlcalgary.com/the-fight-over-calgarys-housing-plan
Official Candidate
McRae ran in Ward 7 in the 2021 election, placing third. After the election, she worked as the communications and marketing director for the Calgary Downtown Association. Prior to the 2021 election, McRae worked at Decide Campaigns, the company run by her husband, political strategist Stephen Carter. In her 2021 campaign, McRae emphasized the importance of downtown revitalization and the Green Line.
https://www.voteforheather.ca/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathermcraeyyc/?originalSubdomain=ca
https://thegauntlet.ca/2021/05/11/meet-your-ward-7-candidates-heather-mcrae/
https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/people/?firstName=Heather&lastName=McRae&origin=SEO_PSERP
https://calgarymarathon.com/heather-mcrae-race-directors-through-the-decades/
https://globalnews.ca/news/9747376/stephen-avenue-novus-textura-ribbon-art-piece/
David Cree (The Calgary Party) Ward 8
Unofficial Candidate
Cree works as vice president of marketing and sales for Plunge Audio, which makes in-ear monitors for musicians. From 2016 to 2022, he ran CMNGD Linens, a hospitality linen service providing jobs and support for Calgary’s homeless population. Cree says he is running to bring an innovative mindset to the city council.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davecreeward8/?originalSubdomain=ca
https://www.crunchbase.com/person/david-cree
Ariana Kippers (The Calgary Party) Ward 9
Unofficial Candidate
Kippers recently worked as a constituent liaison for Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra. Kippers has been involved in numerous community projects in East Calgary, volunteering with the Dover Community Association and a parent support network for Greater Forest Lawn. Kippers says her priorities are “revitalizing neighbourhoods and strengthening municipal engagement through transparency, connection, and education.”
https://www.arianakippers.ca/
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/arianakippers_volunteers-giveback-activity-7037852308054949888-KPqN/
Nickie Brockhoff (The Calgary Party) Ward 10
Unofficial Candidate
Brockhoff is a longtime community association manager who works with the Crossroads Community Association in Ward 10, among other community groups. She runs her own consulting company, Kalexa Consulting, which specializes in community association management, and wants to bring a “strong, authentic community voice” to city hall.
https://www.nickiebrockhoff.ca/
There is very little information about her online.
Alex Williams (The Calgary Party) Ward 11
Unofficial Candidate
Williams is a professional podcast editor who has volunteered with More Neighbours Calgary, a housing advocacy group that supported the blanket rezoning changes that city council approved in May 2024. Williams recently co-founded an initiative called Calgary Transit Riders to advocate for “safer, more accessible, and more efficient public transportation” throughout the city.
https://www.pressreader.com/canada/calgary-herald/20241019/281672555411638
http://linkedin.com/in/alexwilliamsyyc/?originalSubdomain=ca
https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/hundreds-calgarians-speak-marathon-rezoning-hearing
https://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=694388
Sarah Ferguson (The Calgary Party) Ward 12
Unofficial Candidate
Ferguson has worked as a constituent assistant to Evan Spencer since 2021. Ferguson previously volunteered as a board member with Parachutes for Pets, a local animal rescue society, and as president of the McKenzie Towne Community Association, where she advocated for the Green Line LRT. She says running for council is the “natural next step” in her community advocacy.
Elliot Weinstein (The Calgary Party) Ward 13
Unofficial Candidate
Weinstein is a local entrepreneur who opened The Beach YYC, an indoor volleyball facility near Crossroads Market, in 2018. Weinstein ran for the federal Liberals in the 2023 Calgary Heritage byelection, placing second behind Shuvaloy Majumdar. Prior to opening his own business, Weinstein was a project manager at Golder Associates.
https://www.elliotweinstein.ca/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliotsweinstein/?originalSubdomain=ca
https://livewirecalgary.com/2023/07/21/federal-byelection-for-calgary-heritage-goes-july-24/
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/trudeau-byelection-calgary-heritage-1.6880728
Ryan Stutt (The Calgary Party) Ward 14
Stutt is the founder and president of King Network, a media production company. He also owns Grand Trading, a national skateboard distribution and retail company. Stutt says he will focus on lowering taxes while promoting a strategy to address homelessness and addiction that involves both law enforcement and treatment access. He is also advocating for “smart decisions on infrastructure and roads that prioritize long-term planning.”
https://www.ryanstutt.ca/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-stutt/?originalSubdomain=ca
Edmonton Elections:
Citizens in Edmonton are approaching Mayoral candidates and asking them to fill out a questionnaire. This week, we have answers from Abdul Malik Chukwudi and Tim Cartmell. Here are their answers:
Candidate Questions & Answers from me or Basically what I know as a former city of Edmonton Employee
Hello Susanne,
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful set of questions and discussion points. I appreciate the effort your group has taken to ensure Edmontonians can make informed choices this fall.
Abdul Malik Chukwudi
Candidate for Mayor of Edmonton
1. What is the job description of a councillor/Mayor?
The Mayor’s job is to lead the city, set priorities, ensure fiscal responsibility, and represent all Edmontonians. Councillors represent their wards, bring resident concerns to City Hall, and make policy decisions. Both are accountable to the public.
2. Does the power lie with the City Manager or City Council?
Council sets direction and policy; the City Manager executes it. If Council is weak, the City Manager fills the gap. Strong leadership means Council stays in the driver’s seat.
3. Should citizens have a say or vote in hiring the City Manager?
Yes — not by direct election, but through a transparent, public process where citizens can see qualifications, ask questions, and provide input before hiring.
4. Does the City do a good job consulting with citizens?
No. Consultation often feels like a checkbox exercise. We need earlier engagement, plain language communication, and visible proof that public feedback shapes decisions.
5. Should engagement happen before negotiations with groups like the Province or OEG?
Absolutely. Big deals need public input before negotiations, so we enter talks with a clear mandate from residents.
6. Are District Plan/zoning outcomes measured and publicized?
Not enough. Any major plan should have clear, public scorecards so residents can track results against promises.
7. Do we all need to participate in making Edmonton vibrant and safe?
Yes — safe and welcoming communities depend on all of us. Small acts like helping neighbours, keeping sidewalks clear, and looking out for one another build trust and safety.
8. Is it the City’s responsibility to encourage citizen participation?
Yes. The City should lead by example and provide tools, resources, and campaigns that inspire residents to be part of the solution.
9. Housing is federal/provincial jurisdiction. What’s the City’s role?
The City can speed up permits, cut red tape, provide land, partner with nonprofits, and ensure new developments fit community needs while staying affordable.
10. Leadership – What values guide your decisions?
Accountability, transparency, fiscal discipline, compassion, and fairness. Every decision must answer: “Does this make Edmonton stronger, safer, and more affordable?”
11. What is your vision for Edmonton? How will you achieve it and measure it?
A safer, cleaner, more affordable city with thriving small businesses, reliable infrastructure, and vibrant communities. We’ll measure it through crime rates, infrastructure delivery times, housing affordability, and economic growth — all tracked publicly.
12. Do you find it easy to communicate with the City?
No. Many residents find forms, permits, and service requests too slow and confusing. We need a streamlined “one-stop” digital and in-person service hub.
13. Why does it matter if it’s a party or a single candidate?
Local government should be non-partisan. Residents deserve leaders who answer to them — not party lines.
14. How is the City doing on climate change mitigation?
There are good programs, but results are unclear. We need better reporting and to focus on initiatives that are affordable and effective for residents.
15. Do you know about CEIP? Is it widely known?
Yes, but most residents don’t. The City must do a better job promoting programs that help homeowners improve energy efficiency and save money.
Thank you again for including me in this important initiative.
Best regards,
Abdul Malik Chukwudi
Candidate for Mayor of Edmonton
Q: What is the job description of a Councillor/Mayor?
As a Councillor, my role is to represent the people of my ward, make decisions on policies, budgets, and priorities, and hold Administration accountable for delivering the services Edmontonians rely on. The Mayor does that city-wide, acting as the public face of Council, chairing meetings, building consensus, and working with other levels of government to advance Edmonton’s priorities. In both roles, the job is about listening, problem-solving, and making sure the City works for the people who live here.
Q: Does the power lie with the City Manager or City Council?
City Council sets the direction — we pass the bylaws, approve the budgets, and set the priorities. The City Manager is responsible for implementing those decisions and managing the City’s day-to-day operations. The only employee accountable to City Council is the City Manager. It’s a balance: Council leads on vision and policy, the City Manager leads on execution.
Q: Should citizens have a say or vote in hiring the City Manager? The City Manager is ultimately accountable to City Council, and Council is accountable to voters. That’s how the chain of accountability works. While I don’t believe in direct public votes for an administrative role, I do believe the hiring process should be transparent, the criteria should be public, and there should be meaningful opportunities for residents to share what they want in the City’s top administrator.
Q: Does the City do a good job consulting with citizens?
Sometimes yes, but not consistently. Too often, “consultation” feels like a box-ticking exercise. Real engagement means showing up early, listening honestly, and actually adjusting plans based on what you hear. That’s how you build trust. We need to rebuild some of that trust now. It’s eroded over the years.
Q: Should engagement with groups like the Province, OEG, and Administration take place before negotiations?
Absolutely. You get better results when you start by listening to all the players who are impacted, before positions harden. That’s how you avoid surprises, build partnerships, and get deals done that last. Partnerships will be key in achieving some of our big goals as a city. As Mayor, I want to reduce property taxes. One of the ways to achieve that is looking to the private sector for more partnerships on building things like recreation centres, libraries, skate parks and so on.
Q: Are District Plan and zoning outcomes measured and shared publicly? They should be. If we can’t measure results, we can’t tell if we’re making progress. Edmontonians deserve to see clear, accessible updates — not buried in 200-page reports — so they can hold us to account.
Q: Do we all need to participate in making Edmonton vibrant and safe? Yes. City Hall can lead and invest, but a truly vibrant, safe city comes from the way neighbours treat each other — lending a hand, keeping our streets clean, looking out for one another. That civic pride is the heartbeat of a great city.
Q: Is it the City’s responsibility to educate and encourage participation? Yes — and it’s also our responsibility to make it easy. That means community programs, clear communication, and removing barriers to getting involved.
Q: What role does the City play in housing, given it’s a Federal and Provincial jurisdiction?
We can’t solve housing alone, but we can do a lot. We control zoning, permits, incentives, land use, and partnerships with housing providers. And we can push other orders of government to step up with the funding and programs only they can deliver. But to do that, we need a collaborative and functional relationship with both orders of government.
Q: What personal/social values guide your decisions?
Integrity, fairness, and accountability are at the core of everything I do. My engineering career taught me that every decision must be grounded in facts, data, and sound analysis — but also in a clear understanding of the people it will impact. In engineering, there’s no room for guesswork; you measure twice and cut once. I bring that same discipline to public service. I believe in treating every taxpayer dollar like it came out of my own pocket, weighing all the options, listening to every perspective, and then making the choice that delivers the best long-term outcome for our city. And just like in engineering, if something goes wrong, you own it, you explain it, and you fix it. That’s how you build trust.
Q: What is your vision for Edmonton, how will you achieve it, and how will you measure it?
I see an Edmonton that’s safe, clean, and easy to get around, with a growing economy that
creates opportunity for everyone. We’ll get there by fixing our core services, making smart investments in infrastructure, and building partnerships with business, community, and other governments. We’ll measure progress with clear targets — from crime rates to business starts to infrastructure completion — and we’ll report back regularly.
Q: Do you find it easy to communicate with the City?
No — and that’s a problem. Whether it’s filling out forms or getting an answer from the right person, it’s often harder than it should be. We need to streamline systems and make customer/resident service a core focus.
Q: Why does it matter if it’s a party or a single candidate?
A municipal party like Better Edmonton brings shared values, a coordinated platform, and a team that’s ready to lead from day one. Instead of 13 individual Councillors pulling in different directions, a party can align around a common vision and work together to get results faster. It means voters know what we stand for before we’re elected — and can hold the whole team accountable if we don’t deliver.
Running as part of Better Edmonton also means we’ve done the hard work up front: developing policies together, listening to residents across the city, and building a slate of candidates who complement each other’s strengths. A single candidate might have good ideas, but they still have to build consensus one vote at a time. A party starts with that consensus already in place, which means we can spend less time debating whether to act and more time actually getting things done for Edmonton. And in my opinion, we have no time to waste. We must get to work day one, and we can do that with the incredible team I’ve built.
Q: How is the City doing on climate change?
We’ve made some progress, but not enough. We need to focus on practical, measurable steps that reduce emissions while protecting affordability — like better transit, and smarter land use. Simultaneously, we need to ensure we’re investing in things that have a clear return and not marketing unrealistic climate change or environmental initiatives that aren’t within municipal jurisdiction.
Q: Do you know about the Climate Energy Improvement Program (CEIP), and is it widely known?
Yes — CEIP helps homeowners make energy-saving upgrades and pay them off over time. It’s a good program, but too few people know it exists. We need to do a much better job promoting it and making it easy to access.