Campaign Roundup - Day 9

• Edmonton’s Mayor operates within Alberta’s “weak mayor” system, meaning they hold only one vote on Council despite having the highest salary and largest office budget. While the Mayor lacks legislative authority, they do have significant influence as the City’s publicly elected face and in representing Edmonton in national and international contexts. The introduction of political parties on the ballot could shift Council dynamics, but it remains uncertain how much party affiliation will affect decision-making once the council is in place.
• Mayoral candidate Tim Cartmell shared a message for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, emphasizing honouring residential school Survivors, remembering those who never returned, and acknowledging ongoing intergenerational trauma. He noted that reconciliation is an active practice, calling for Indigenous-led health and cultural supports, genuine consultation, economic partnerships, and accountability through measurable progress. Mayoral candidates Michael Walters, Rahim Jaffer, and Andrew Knack also shared messages or attended events to honour the day.
• Michael Walters released a plan focused on strengthening Edmonton’s arts, culture, festivals, and non-profit sectors as key drivers of community well-being and economic growth. He proposes developing a Creative Economy Strategy, creating arts-friendly policies and incentives, supporting festivals and heritage celebrations year-round, and revitalizing main streets and the Arts District. Walters also plans to provide affordable spaces for cultural and community activities, and to build stable, long-term partnerships with non-profits through councils, roundtables, and sector summits.
• Rahim Jaffer has promised to establish a Recovery Village, where those struggling with homelessness, addiction, and mental illness can go to work on healing.