Meet the Edmontonians running for mayor and council
The next municipal election is on October 18, 2021.
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Edmonton's next civic election is on October 18, 2021. We’re keeping a master list of all the candidates who have declared they’re running for city council (just like we're doing for Calgary). The nomination period is from January 4 to September 20, 2021.
On Dec. 7, 2020, Edmonton City Council passed a bylaw that approved new names and borders for the city's 12 wards. Find your ward here. We've included a pronunciation guide and audio samples for the Indigenous ward names courtesy of the City of Edmonton.
The list is up to date as of September 24. If we’re missing anyone, or if there are any errors, let us know at hello@sprawlalberta.com
Edmonton City Council | Edmonton Public School Board | Edmonton Catholic School Board |
tastawiyiniwak (ᑕᐢᑕᐃᐧᔨᓂᐊᐧᐠ) | ||
pihêsiwin (ᐱᐦᐁᓯᐏᐣ) | ||
Edmonton City Council
Mayor
Chukwudi says he is a geological engineer who has worked in the oil and gas industry and with the City of Edmonton. He wants to promote business growth through grants and tax breaks, diversify Edmonton’s economy, and to improve infrastructure such as bridges, roads and sidewalks. Chukwudi also wants to address homelessness and addiction through the creation of permanent housing units as well as a reevaluation and redesign of supervised consumption sites.
The owner of a mobile tire shop, Comrie takes issue with what he calls Edmonton’s “uncontrollable debt” and “excessive taxation.” While scant on details, he believes federal policies adopted by the current city council is undermining the rights and freedoms of Edmontonians. Comrie wants to support small business, decrease spending, and says “bike lanes are not high on (his) priority list.”
A local artist and musician, Gregg is throwing his hat in the ring for the second time since 1998. His list of platform priorities include free transit, freezing the police budget and investing in alternate strategies to reduce crime. Declining donations to his bid for mayor, Gregg also wants to get “big money out of politics.”
Krushell is a former, three-term city councillor who left public office in 2014 for the private sector. While at city hall, she was involved in decommissioning the trolley bus system, negotiating the U-Pass for post-secondary students, and closing the City Centre Airport. Krushell wants to advance the city on three fronts: economic recovery, core services and maintenance, and support for vulnerable residents.
Billing himself as a community activist, entrepreneur, writer and a former educator, Marah says he is mounting his own campaign after promoting others for more than 30 years. Key issues that concern him include addressing homelessness and employment as well as health and the environment to improve quality of life.
The three-time councillor was first elected to Ward 5 for one term in 2004, and then Ward 11 since 2013. After unsuccessful runs in 1998 and 2001, Nickel will contest the mayor’s seat for a third time this fall. Besides opposing tax increases for residents and businesses, he wants to end photo radar, pause the Valley Line LRT, and reduce city hall’s reliance on consultants.
An entrepreneur and former city councillor elected in 2013 to Ward 5 for one term, Oshry founded Blue Pen Capital, which finances infill developers, and also founded Remedy Cafe. Oshry’s platform includes plans to develop west Rossdale, get the city to step back from its lead-developer role of Blatchford, and decrease property tax by reviewing city programs and services and focusing spending on those that are essential to residents.
A former Edmonton bus driver and city councillor, Sohi was first elected to Ward 6 in 2007, and then Ward 12 in 2010 and 2013. But in 2015, he made a run for federal politics, and won the seat for Edmonton-Mill Woods before becoming a cabinet minister, handling the infrastructure and then natural resources portfolios. A few of his platform points include economic growth, environmental protection, and dealing with systemic inequality.
The president of Crestwood Community League is running to be Edmonton’s first female, Métis mayor. Steele’s campaign page describes her as an entrepreneur, and teacher with experience working for the governments of both Canada and Alberta. Among Steele’s priorities are a property tax review, ending homelessness, and improving family access to amenities such as recreation and community centres.
A first-time mayoral candidate, Watson says she wants a city that works for all Edmontonians. With more than 20 years of experience working in technology and innovation, she founded Innovate Edmonton and co-founded Alberta Innovation Corridor. Watson wants to appoint an independent accountability officer to vet all motions put before council, and to create a “central business neighbourhood” downtown to stimulate activity in the core.
Candidate(s) without a campaign page:
Vanessa Denman
Nakota Isga
Pronunciation: NA-KOH-TAH EE-SKA
Knack is seeking a third term. He is listed as a council advisor on the city’s transit service advisory board, youth council, and accessibility advisory committee. A few of his platform promises includes plans to freeze the city budget in 2022, tie property tax increase to the rate of inflation, support for businesses affected by long-term construction, and motion to get the ball rolling on city-wide Bus Rapid Transit.
After placing behind incumbent Andrew Knack for Ward 1 in 2017, Olivier is running again. His platform includes tying property taxes to the rate of inflation without reducing city services, funding police and first responders according to population growth, and encouraging infill along high traffic and transit routes, but assessing infill in mature neighbourhoods. To cut costs, he says, he will consider listening to ideas from frontline workers and eliminating “redundant management positions.”
Born and raised in west Edmonton, Weston is a truck driver for a landscaping and construction company. Working to end homelessness is a pillar of Weston’s platform, but he also wants to “revamp” Vision Zero to focus on education and safe driving, and expand Winterburn Road to improve access from Stony Plain Road and Whitemud Drive.
Anirniq
Pronunciation: A-nirk-nik
A former paramedic and City of Edmonton employee, Davies wants to make downtown more appealing for businesses, analyze and review major construction projects, and reexamine infrastructure projects (such as the gondola) in the spirit of sustainable growth. He also wants to see the city’s climate goals on achievable timelines, and innovate service delivery by enhancing the city’s mobile apps.
Seeking a third consecutive term, Esslinger is a former Edmonton Public Schools trustee and has chaired both the urban planning and community and public services committees. She also started a council initiative to create greater awareness around gender-based violence, and has represented Edmonton in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Her priorities include economic growth, innovation, and support for business, as well as safety in public spaces and creating a connected community in accordance with the city plan.
Haymour is an Alberta Sheriff, a Canadian Forces veteran, and a Ward 2 candidate who placed behind Bev Esslinger in Edmonton’s 2017 election. He also attempted to run provincially with the Alberta Party in 2019, and the NDP in 2012 and 2008. Haymour wants to scrap photo radar, promote business and create a “Seniors’ Advisory Committee“ to include the perspective of older Edmontonians on municipal issues.
According to her website, Rutherford has a graduate degree in community development and a background in the public sector. Her platform includes prioritizing the northwest extension on the Metro Line, supporting the local economy by strengthening community business areas such as strip malls, and creating incentives for both affordable and "missing middle" housing. Rutherford says she wants to build strong, safe and connected communities with access to affordable services, and would also like to reduce Edmonton’s carbon footprint and rein in urban sprawl.
Zutz describes himself as a long-time consultant with experience in business analysis and project management. His platform includes designating essential services that are protected from cuts, investigating service levels of business permitting offices, and a property tax abatement. He also wants to create a "diversity advocate" position on his team to support inclusion and respond to issues affecting marginalized people.
tastawiyiniwak (ᑕᐢᑕᐃᐧᔨᓂᐊᐧᐠ)
Pronunciation: TASS-TAW-WIN-EE-WOK
In 2017, Ali was the runner-up for public school board trustee in Ward A. Also known as Knowmadic, Ali is an artist, a former local poet laureate and a community builder. Passionate about art and education, he sits on community boards including the Edmonton Arts Council where he chairs the equity committee. Ali also works with the provincial government to make Alberta more inclusive.
Bondarchuk is a constituency manager for a local MLA and a former president of the Lorelei-Beaumaris Community League. His priorities include restructuring residential property tax, tying photo radar fines to vehicle owners' income, and creating funding streams to pay for high-quality and accessible services. He also wants to work with the Alberta government to secure stable and secure grant funding for municipalities.
A reservist lieutenant with the navy and an advocate for Edmonton's northside, Dziadyk vice-chairs the Edmonton Salutes Committee, which recognizes military contributions, as well as the Community and Public Services Committee. He pushed to rename a stretch of 97 St. to Canadian Forces Trail.
Gerona says she wants to give back to the city and ward that have given so much to her since immigrating to Canada as a child. A Filipina-Canadian, she immigrated to Canada with her family in 1999, and wants city hall to reflect the inclusiveness and diversity of Edmonton.
Hafiz is a donair shop owner who moved to Edmonton in 2009 before studied petroleum engineering at NAIT. His priorities include facilitating a smooth transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic, improving community safety, maintaining urban infrastructure, and fighting for the interests of small business owners.
Principe is a registered dental hygienist and has worked as an instructor at NAIT. She believes council can be more fiscally responsible and sees bike lanes as an example of excessive spending. Principe doesn’t believe in defunding police, and wants to see lower taxes through responsible budgeting, better public transit service and improved infrastructure.
Dene
Pronunciation: DEH-NEH
According to his campaign page, Amani was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and fled the country along with his family during the Second Congo War. He says he arrived in Edmonton 12 years ago and was driven by a strong sense of service to run for council. Besides improving public transportation and Indigenous relations, he wants to invest in affordable housing and help businesses and community organizations deliver services.
Gudanowski has a busy campaign page that's difficult to understand, but also seems to suggest he's running for federal or provincial office, which he did on both counts (unsuccessfully) in 2019 as an independent candidate. He's also made runs for council in 2017 and 2013, also unsuccessfully. Connected social media accounts suggest that he has experience working win food service.
A local mother and businesswoman, Palmer says she’s running for council to speak up for every-day Edmontonians. She believes in maintaining parks, green spaces, roads and sidewalks. Palmer also wants the city to invest in job creation programs, and to support police.
The incumbent is campaigning to extend his tenure as a city councillor. In addition to his time at City Hall, Paquette is an award-winning Indigenous artist and author. He is passionate about community building and common-sense decision-making. He sponsored a food security initiative, and introduced a motion to have council declare a climate emergency.
Velthuizen will face incumbent Paquette for the second time in two elections. She says the pandemic has shaped her focus and she will work to ensure all Edmontonians are positioned to participate in the economic recovery and future growth of the city. Velthuizen believes the bus network redesign is flawed, namely for removing bus stops.
O-day’min
Pronunciation: Oh-DAY-min
Akbari is the director of business relations with Derks Fine Group of Companies. After growing up and living in the Middle East and South Asia, he says, he first came to Canada in 1997 to study classical theatre and international politics. His vision for the city includes affordable housing and revitalized parks downtown. He also believes in supporting Edmonton's downtown arts community and attracting businesses to the core.
Battiste is a Lawyer who has worked across all three Prairie provinces, and is a former executive director of the Edmonton Police Commission. A few of her platform points include cleaning up downtown and making it safer, designating an "employment zone" between Downton and NAIT, accelerating development at Blatchford, and greater transparency reporting and accountability on city plans as well as projects and spending.
Bruff is a disability advocate who has worked with vulnerable Edmontonians. He says he is committed to supporting small business, empowering social service initiatives, and creating more green spaces. He also wants to see maintenance of transportation infrastructure, such as alleys, bridges and roads.
The councillor for Ward 7 is running in a newly-drawn ward that now includes the core. Caterina, with a long background in business, was first elected to represent Ward 3 in 2007, and then Ward 7 since 2010. Some of his priorities include decreasing crime (such as graffiti) and improving policing, increasing LRT security (particularly at Stadium station), and an examination of rezoning to "preserve our community values and aspirations."
According to his website, Migdaddy is a local pharmacist and business owner. The campaign page has yet to include a platform.
Pirbhai says he has a background in accounting. Over the years, he has made unsuccessful runs for Edmonton city council in every municipal election since 1995, and lost a bid for Ward 4 as a public school trustee candidate in 1989. He supports subsidized transit for seniors, a rental tax credit and a review of how the city taxes businesses. His platform includes regular town halls for the ward, limitations on campaign spending for candidates, and a refined approach to how the city conducts road repairs.
Stevenson is an urban planner and works to provide affordable housing with the Right at Home Housing Society, where she has served as both staff and board president. Her priorities include taking decisive action against climate change, investing in public spaces and supporting a diversified economy.
Wolchansky has worked for Alberta's public service and been a community advocate with the Fruit Loop Society of Alberta. His platform includes piloting fare-free transit on weekends, completing the O-day'min bike network, and strengthening council's relationship with community leagues.
Candidate(s) without a campaign page:
Haile's campaign page doesn't include a platform yet, but according to a recent survey conducted by the Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, she has worked and volunteered for the past 25 years in with non-profits and charities. The survey also says that inclusion and diversity are two of Haile's priorities, and she plans to address social inequity by reviewing city programs and services, as well as partnering with the non-profit sector.
Candidate(s) without a campaign page:
Ibrahim Wado
Métis
Pronunciation: MAY-TEA
Bernshaw ran as a Ward 3 candidate in 2013, and as a Ward 8 candidate in 2017. He also ran as an Edmonton Public School Board trustee candidate for Ward G in a 2015 by-election, and as an independent candidate in Edmonton-Riverbend for Alberta's 2019 general election. Bernshaw doesn’t have a platform posted yet.
In January, when Calgary police Sgt. Andrew Harnett was killed by a vehicle fleeing a traffic stop, Dalel received widespread condemnation for an insensitive (and since deleted) tweet that called the slain officer corrupt. Dalel’s priorities include affordable housing, safe transit, inclusive emergency services and improving both snow removal and community centres.
John-West has 30 years of experience working in Edmonton’s social services. Her priorities include creating urban green spaces, highlighting diversity and equality gaps in city departments, and assessing how the city has managed the costs connected to the pandemic as well as supports for residents and businesses.
Kosowan worked at City Hall in the 1990s as an executive assistant where he played a small role in the city’s adoption of BusLink. He has served on local constituency and riding associations over the past two decades and is committed to giving a voice to residents. Key issues in his campaign include housing, transit, protecting mature communities, greens paces and sustainability.
Longo says she will fight for jobs, healthy neighbourhoods, and strong public services. She says her experience as a postal worker, registered nurse and her advocacy work with the Canadian Labour Congress have prepared her for the role of city councillor.
Matthews was a police officer, human resources professional and entrepreneur. She says Edmonton’s river valley presents opportunities for recreational, cultural and commercial development. She is critical of council’s property tax increases, delays in project completion and cost overruns, subsidized LRT expansion, and expenditures on “political vanity projects.”
An immigrant from Iran, Melli is a local entrepreneur that feels strongly about Edmonton's heritage. He is passionate about neighbourhood safety, dealing with homelessness, attracting innovation, incentivizing the installation of solar power panels, improved waste management, water conservation, and supporting local artists as well as marginalized communities.
An urban planner and co-founder of YEGarden Suites, an advocacy group and resource for Edmontonians building backyard infill suites, Salvador has also served on several boards in the city. Some of her platform priorities include community health, safety and wellness, fiscally responsible policy, climate action and growing the city's local economy.
Townsend bills himself as a community builder and an entrepreneurial innovator. He believes that Edmonton will rebound stronger through innovation, fiscal responsibility and community spirit. His volunteer experience includes founding the Grower's Dozen Community Garden in Parkdale, and liaising between the LGBTQIA2S+ community and Edmonton police.
Candidate(s) without a campaign page:
Brian Kendrick
Daniel John Kornak
Jim Rickett
sipiwiyiniwak
Pronunciation: SEE-PEE-WIN-EE-WOK
General immigrated to Edmonton after she and her brother lost both parents and a sister in an accident. She has served on the Rio Terrace Community League, Edmonton Transit Service Advisory Board, and Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues. She's an advocate for strategic densification, expanding transit routes, and environmental stewardship of Edmonton's river valley.
After being elected to represent Ward 5 in 2017, Hamilton has served as chair of the community and public services committee, sat on he Edmonton Police Commission. She describes herself as a socially responsible, fiscal conservative, and her platform includes plans to funding for a proposed Lewis Farms recreation centre, and to stabilize funding for core services such as transit, fire, and parks and roads.
Hayes is a realtor who used to work as a site superintendent for local construction companies. His priorities include a focus on economic recovery, enhancing public transit, support for small business and better resources for those who need housing or are living with addictions and mental illness.
A local entrepreneur, Hlady wants a sustainable city. He says eliminating budget overruns while increasing financial accountability are top priorities and he wants the city to better negotiate its contracts. He opposes industrial development in the river valley and aims to work on housing and transportation solutions.
Heikkinen owns Benjamin Moore stores in Edmonton and Sherwood Park. He wants to reduce the city’s reliance on consultants, ease taxes for small businesses, reverse council’s approval for Epcor’s solar farm in southwest Edmonton, reconsider the western leg of the Valley Line and focus on rapid transit.
papastew
Pronunciation: PAH-PAH-STAY-OH
Ali, 18, is a community organizer, political science student and the youngest city council candidate in the running. Some of his policies include investment in mental health services and shelter capacity for vulnerable residents, incentivizing affordable housing in new developments, a fare-free transit pilot, one free day per week for those under 18 at city-owned recreation centres, evaluating Edmonton police training and hiring practices, and having city operations aim for net-zero carbon emissions by 2035.
According to his campaign page, Cameron is a business owner with a background in construction and engineering. His platform mentions plans for more disciplined spending, a commitment to end homelessness, and a promise to operate ethically and with integrity.
Field is a former president of Aspen Gardens Community League, and the creator of “knowsy neighbours,” a kind of neighbourhood watch network and notification system that she wants to expand to other communities. Field believes in streamlining city projects and processes, supporting businesses with quick timelines for permits and development, enhancing transit service outside the core, and making green energy initiatives available to low income households.
Goa was the Ward 8 runner up in Edmonton's 2017 election, placing behind Ben Henderson. She says she is excited about implementing the new city plan and she wants to be a liaison between community members, developers and the city in those discussion and decisions. A few of her platform points include affordable housing, community engagement, and a just energy transition that considers changes to the housing and transportation sectors.
Janz is a three-term public school trustee who has represented Ward F since 2010. His priorities include fast-tracking affordable housing, transit and childcare; finding alternatives to police intervention, criminalization and incarceration; implementing the city plan with an equity lens; and planning communities more efficiently, where amenities and activities are closer to home.
Schindelka runs and owns Advanced Entertainment, a small business that provides music and entertainment for events. He has called for a 10% reduction in salaries for the mayor and council, and wants to protect Edmonton’s river valley by guarding against developments such as Epcor’s planned E.L. Smith Solar farm east of Cameron Heights, and a gondola over the North Saskatchewan River.
Raised in St. Alberta, Vass moved to Edmonton in 2003. He wants to foster growth in Edmonton by attracting innovation, and says this can be achieved by improving access to daily essentials, building carefully, and with meaningful community consultation.
pihêsiwin (ᐱᐦᐁᓯᐏᐣ)
Pronunciation: Pee-hay-soo-win
Cartmell is an engineer, small business owner, and an incumbent councillor seeking a second term. He is a member of council's inter-municipal and regional development committee, as well as the audit committee. According to the City of Edmonton, he supports council initiatives on health and recreation, active transportation, and Edmonton's winter city strategy.
Originally from Durango, Mexico, Perez Arellano studied public relations in Guadalajara before immigrating to Canada in 2012 and becoming a citizen in 2019. She has a background in student politics and says she’s concerned about climate change, believes in standing up against injustice, and wants to see diverse people representing Edmontonians on city council.
Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi
Pronunciation: E-pee-ko-ka-nee piu-tsi-ya
Hoyle was a president of the Heritage Point Community League, and former Alberta Party president. She says she has a vision for a resilient, prosperous, and caring city, and a council that is accountable to the Edmonton's diverse population.
After reporting on Edmonton City Hall for more than 20 years, Johnson, formerly a 630 CHED city hall bureau chief, wants to serve as a councillor. His priorities include job creation and policies to reduce business costs. Johnson also says residents of this ward need an advocate for low taxes, safe communities, and well-planned (and plowed) roads.
Leib is a social psychologist and executive director of the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services at the University of Alberta. She wants to see public services prioritized and financially accessible. Leib also believes Indigenous knowledge keepers and climate experts should guide climate action.
Morgan has worked in the City of Edmonton’s transit branch since 2007—most recently in LRT operations. He’s also a former president of the Montrose and Heritage Point Community Leagues, and was a district representative on the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues. Morgan believes the city’s growth should be managed through increased density rather than sprawl, and that police funding should be based need for the service, while recognizing that some issues, such as mental health, should be handled by social services.
Rice is listed as the volunteer director on the Twin Brooks Community League board, and describes herself as a civil servant with experience in financial and business planning, as well as a former university professor specializing in math and education. Rice wants to improve roadway and sidewalk maintenance, review garbage collection frequency and create a more business-friendly environment.
Candidate(s) without a campaign page:
Jason Carter
Karhiio
Pronunciation: Gar-ee-he-o
Kakar says he is an architectural professional who moved to the city in 2014. He disapproves of photo radar, believes “decrepit” neighbourhoods need to be “revamped to a decent level,” and says parts of Gateway Boulevard should to be improved for the sake of esthetics. Kakar also wants to explore ways to dampen traffic noise around LRT lines and Anthony Henday Drive, and wants Edmonton to have signature events and attractions to make it a tourist destination.
Saggu was a commercial realtor and a member of the Indo-Canadian Liaison Committee of Edmonton. He believes the city needs to create new sources of revenue, fiscally responsible policies, and programs to help new immigrants settle in Edmonton. He’s also wants see financial support for business and residents, and to examine “unnecessary spending at council.”
Shaw is a project manager with Alberta Health Services, and president of the Knottwood Community League. He believes the city needs to spark the economy by cutting taxes and encouraging development, and says collaboration between developers, building owners and government agencies can address homelessness.
Tang, who describes herself as a public health advocate, is running for a second time since 2017, when she lost to Mike Nickel in Ward 11. According to her campaign page, she believes in local solutions to climate change, and drawing upon local expertise and data in decision-making.
Turner is s a business professional and an advocate for Edmonton. According to her campaign page, she is committed to innovation, quality services, affordable housing and business growth. She believes the residents of her ward deserve practical and decisive leadership.
Candidate(s) without a campaign page:
Muhammad Herman Gill
Sspomitapi
Pronunciation: SS-POH-ME-TAH-PEE
The current councillor for Ward 12 is seeking another term. Banga is a retired Edmonton police officer, and prior to that an engineer. As President of the Punjab United Sports and Heritage Association, he helped to plan and execute a portion of the development of the multi-million dollar Ivor Dent Sports Park, in partnership with the City of Edmonton.
Gill says he's the owner of KG Driving School, has advanced degrees in physics and education, and experience as a teacher. His campaign highlights the rail crossing on Maple Road as a major issue, and voicing concerns about it as a top priority.
Harman Singh Kandola
Kandola is a lawyer, member of Edmonton’s Anti-racism Advisory Committee, and a board secretary with the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers. His campaign page mentions the need to limit private city council meetings, place more benches and gazebos in city parts, build more electric vehicle charging stations, and create a property tax exemption for seniors living below the poverty line. In Alberta’s 2015 general election, Kandola made an unsuccessful run for the Edmonton-Ellerslie riding with the province's Progressive Conservative party.
Malhotra is a Canada Post employee and chief shop steward with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers Edmonton Local 730. His website appears to be a work in progress, but in a June interview, he spoke about campaign priorities that include safety and security, accountability and transparency regarding the use of tax dollars, and support for local businesses. He's also concerned with improving infrastructure, transportation and services in the city.
According to his campaign page, Makwana is a journeyman welder with a background in mechanical engineering and experience as a union leader. His priorities include improving infrastructure, enhancing community safety, and growing the economy by working with businesses to create more jobs.
Sehmby has worked as a postal worker for over 20 years, and says he's an active volunteer with the Edmonton Food Bank as well as a community organizer. He says being a mail carrier allowed him to see the city problems from the ground, and he wants to be the voice for his corner of Edmonton.
Wright is listed as treasurer of the Meadows Community League, and according to her campaign page she has studied human resources and labour relations. Some of her priorities include looking into widening 34 Street north of Whitemud Drive, advocating for improving roadway access east of 17 Street (specifically for responding emergency vehicles), and improving city contract management.
Edmonton Public School Board
Ward A
Incumbent: Vacant
Samuel has worked at the Africa Centre, planning events and programs for youth, as well as Youth Empowerment Support Services. Her campaign page also notes that she's an organizer with the local Black Lives Matter chapter. Her priorities include accessibility, ensuring the curriculum addresses on the modern needs of students, and funding for mental health, community, and learning supporting to improve safety at school.
O'Keefe has worked for Edmonton Public Schools for 35 years in various roles from educational assistant to teacher, to vice-principal. She is currently the principal of Lago Lindo School. She says she will advocate for a developmentally appropriate curriculum reflective of Alberta's diversity, early intervention funding for kindergarten-aged students with complex needs, sustainable and predictable funding, as well as additional learning spaces and building upgrades to schools.
Candidate(s) without a campaign page:
Everline Atieno Oloo
Perry Chahal
Ward B
Incumbent: Michelle Draper
Ekpe earned her PhD researching cancer at the University of Alberta and says she has two children who attend school in the district. Her priorities include supporting evidence-based thinking, promoting diverse educational programs, and ensuring students have access to mental health supports.
According to her campaign page, Marshall has worked in the non-profit sector and managing for organizations such as Catholic Social Services, and co-founded Hold My Hand AB, which advocates against education cuts. Marshall says some of her children are at school in the district, and some identify with the LGBTQ2S+ community. Her campaign page identifies a need for updated special education standards. She believes the UCP's draft K-6 curriculum should be replaced.
Dougherty says he works in procurement for the City of Edmonton, and has two children attending public school in Ward C. He's running because the pandemic affected his children's educational and social development. His platform includes a commitment to help students prepare for world changed by COVID-19. Dougherty also wants to do more to highlight positives stories involving students within in the district.
Hole is a former teacher with school council experience, and says one of her two children is currently enrolled in the district. Her priorities include continued COVID-19 safety protocols in schools, supporting early learning interventions for students with complex needs, and advocating for a curriculum rewrite that's developmentally appropriate, respects both Alberta's diversity and history, and is designed by education experts.
Estabrooks is a former CBC journalist, has served as chair of the Edmonton Public School Board since 2018, and has two children in the district. If re-elected, she plans to fight against funding cuts, advance the districts new anti-racism and equity policy, push for a rewrite of the K-6 draft curriculum, address the literacy and numeracy gaps among district students, and take action on climate change.
Candidate(s) without a campaign page:
Jen Martin
Candidate(s) without a campaign page:
Angela MacLaggan
Inderjeet Kaur Tuli
Candidate(s) without a campaign page:
William John Haines
Ward I
Incumbent: Sherry Adams
Candidate(s) without a campaign page:
Taranvir Singh Dhanoa
Corrine Rondeau
Simran Villing
Edmonton Catholic School Board
Ward 71
Incumbent: Terence Harris
Terence (Terry) Harris
Ward 72
Incumbent: Sandra Palazzo
Sandra Palazzo
Ward 73
Incumbent: Carla Smiley
Carla Smiley
Ward 74
Incumbent: Debbie Engel
Debbie Engel
Ward 75
Incumbent: Alene Mutala
Alene Mutala
Ward 76
Incumbent: Lisa Turchansky
Lisa Turchansky
Ward 77
Incumbent: Laura Thibert
Kara Pelech
Laura Thibert
Anmarie Bailey is an Edmonton writer.
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