Every week in the lead up to Edmonton's municipal election on Oct. 18, we're rounding up the news and announcements you need to know to stay informed.
Policies and campaign updates
- Mayoral candidate Amarjeet Sohi announced a public service policy on fiscal responsibility.
- Mayoral candidate Kim Krushell released her plan to improve local construction with new and emerging technology, evening construction, and improved coordination.
- Mayoral candidate Michael Oshry committed to creating a business friendly city hall by reigniting the Edmonton Made campaign. He also announced a policy to diversify Edmonton's economy.
- Ward Karhiio candidate Keren Tang posted a campaign video captioned by Ward sipiwiyiniwak candidate Giselle General, who offered captioning services to other candidates.
- Ward O-day'min candidate Gabrielle Battiste released six actions for the Blatchford development, annual reports, infill, climate, and more.
- Ward Anirniq candidate Erin Rutherford posted a video discussing Edmonton's back alleys and another on the city's sidewalks, lights, and road repairs.
Weighing in on the campaign trail
- Global Edmonton rounded up where some mayoral candidates stand on mandatory vaccinations for city employees, with Michael Oshry, Kim Krushell, Cheryll Watson, and Amarjeet Sohi in support and Mike Nickel in opposition. Later, the Edmonton Journal reported that Oshry's stance shifted at the Alberta Enterprise Group forum on Sept. 8. The article said that Oshry "doesn't believe people can be forced to take the COVID-19 vaccine, however if a city employee or citizen wants to use a city service or building, they will have to get tested every day at their own expense with a rapid test."
- Private mayoral forums have left some candidates feeling excluded. Mayoral candidate Diana Steele, who was not invited to the Alberta Enterprise Group forum, addressed this issue with Global News.
- Mayoral candidates Amarjeet Sohi, Kim Krushell, Michael Oshry, and Cheryll Watson fielded questions about affordable housing, permits and licensing from seven real estate groups at a forum moderated by Ryan Jesperson on Sept. 9.
- Last week, a series of focus group discussions hosted by pollster Janet Brown and CBC found that Edmontonians prioritize economic recovery, transit, and affordable core neighbourhoods. Brown's focus group also found that conversation and advertisements about the upcoming federal election are overshadowing the municipal races.
- A panel hosted by CBC's Edmonton AM invited three voters to share their concerns ahead of the municipal election.
- Mayoral and city council candidates can pledge to end misogynistic attacks on women in politics with the #LiftHerUpCampaign by the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters (ACWS) in partnership with Equal Voice Alberta.
- Edmonton Journal columnist Keith Gerein wrote an opinion piece calling the city's municipal races "one of the most intriguing in decades."
Upcoming forums
- Rat Creek Press is hosting a series of virtual all candidates meetings on Facebook. Ward O-day'min candidates will be featured on Sept. 15 and Ward Métis candidates on Sept. 16.
- The Inglewood Community League of Edmonton will facilitate a forum for all candidates from Ward Anirniq on Sept. 18.
- Discovery Lab will host a mayoral candidate forum on economic growth with Kim Krushell, Cheryll Watson, Michael Oshry, and Amarjeet Sohi on Sept. 21.
A list of all of the candidates who have announced they are running in the Edmonton municipal election is available here. Learn more about Taproot's effort to ground our election coverage in what is important to Edmontonians on our People's Agenda page.
Photo: Kim Krushell, Cheryll Watson, Amarjeet Sohi, and Michael Oshry answered questions at the Alberta Enterprise Group forum. The other mayoral candidates were either not invited or, in Mike Nickel's case, declined the invitation. (Global News)