AndrewKnack

When the provincial government passed Bill 20 which includes the introduction of local political parties, it heralded a new look for local elections. Two groups were quick out of the gate and have already stated their intent to run a slate of candidates in the next election.

Principled Accountable Coalition for Edmonton (PACE) has been hosting information sessions to inform citizens of their plans if they’re elected into office. Doug Main, the PACE vice-president of communications, says PACE is looking for candidates who are fiscally proven, business-friendly, growth-oriented, community focused and fact-based.

Jeffrey Hansen-Carlson, president of the other party, Transparent and Active Partnerships Edmonton (TAPYeg) believes parties are an important part of democracy in all levels of government.

As expected there was immediate opposition to political parties at the local level. Nakota Isga councillor Andrew Knack questions how candidates will be able to represent their constituents to the best of their ability while holding allegiance to a prospective party’s goals. McEwan University political scientist Chaldeans Mensah says this will bolster the left-wing to right-wing political spectrum.

It will be interesting to watch if other groups form and if so, under what banner?

If you're unfamiliar with BILL 20 there's a PDF of it below.

The Alberta government passed a new law for local elections and as a result the 2025 Edmonton election will end up costing almost $5 million more than previously budgeted. Although there is no evidence of voter fraud in Alberta associated with vote-counting machines, the Alberta government's new law stipulates that all ballots most be hand counted and a permanent electors list must be established. The city will need to hire more temporary election workers for advance and regular voting days, plus more temporary or short-term employees for other work related to the election. In addition to more manpower Edmonton will have to print 1.6 million extra ballots and 240,000 more voter information cards.

Ward Nakota Isga Coun. Andrew Knack is frustrated because although the city didn't ask for the new rules, they will cost the city the equivalent of a 0.3 per cent tax increase. City council will discuss the report from Elections Edmonton at the city council meeting Wednesday or Thursday.

On Monday Andrew Knack became the first city councillor to publicly indicate his intentions for the next October's municipal election. Andrew Knack announced that he will not be seeking re-election as an Edmonton city councillor in ward Nakota Isga. After more than 10 years as councillor Knack says its time for a change. Knack believes that new council representation will be good for residents of ward Nakota Isga and although he hasn't decided what's next for himself continuing his political career at the provincial or federal level is a possibility.