‘We have 15 members who were elected to think clearly, look at the empirical evidence and make strong decisions for citizens.’
Mayor Jyoti Gondek said she’s “not a fan” of the idea of establishing political parties at the municipal level — a notion that Premier Danielle Smith suggested her UCP government could explore.
“It’s important for us who are locally elected officials to work with whoever happens to form government, either provincially or federally,” Gondek told reporters Friday.
While other Canadian cities — most notably Montreal and Vancouver — have entrenched a form of party politics, Calgary has maintained a governance system where city council candidates run and are elected as independents.
“I really appreciate the fact I don’t have a party telling me how to vote,” Gondek said. “I don’t have someone whipping votes saying, ‘this is what you’re going to do.’ We have 15 members who were elected to think clearly, look at the empirical evidence and make strong decisions for citizens.”
Smith has floated the idea of introducing a municipal party system since being elected as the UCP’s leader in the fall of 2022.
“It may be something that makes sense for big cities rather than small municipalities but there seems to be an appetite for it in Calgary and Edmonton,” Smith said in an October 2022 interview with Postmedia columnist Rick Bell.
More recently, at the ABmunis annual convention in Edmonton last fall, she suggested that implementing a municipal party system could help boost voter turnout for local elections, which typically see lower turnouts than provincial or federal elections
But support for the idea may not extend very far outside of the UCP’s own caucus.
Like Gondek, ABmunis, the advocacy group that represents 260 of Alberta’s municipalities, said it is against the idea of introducing political parties at the local level.
The association’s president, Tyler Gandam, said a poll conducted on ABmunis’ behalf last September found that 68 per cent of respondents opposed the idea. Furthermore, a resolution at ABmunis’ convention that expressed opposition to the notion received 95 per cent member support.
“The current municipal government model ensures that local elected officials, selected by most voting residents, stand for the best interests of their residents and businesses,” Gandam wrote in a column for the Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal this week.
“Today’s model enables mayors and councillors to debate and vote on issues from independent points of view, be open-minded, and freely collaborate with all council colleagues to find solutions to their community’s complex problems.
There are pros and cons for implementing a party-based system in municipal politics, said Mount Royal University political science professor Duane Bratt.
He said a pro is that it makes it easier for voters to distinguish between several candidates who are all vying for the same position. Such was the case during Calgary’s municipal election in 2021, when over 20 people ran for the mayor’s seat.
“But that’s not what seems to be driving this in Calgary, at least,” Bratt said. “What seems to be driving this is to elect more conservatives. It’s not about, what is the best model of governance. It’s about, what is the best model so ‘our’ people win?
“And that’s highly problematic. You shouldn’t make governance decisions based on such a narrow definition.”
With files from Matthew Black and Rick Bell
New Brunswick voters have elected a Liberal majority government, tossing out the incumbent Progressive Conservatives after six years in power and handing the reins to the first woman ever to lead the province. Liberal Leader Susan Holt spent much of the campaign rolling out proposed fixes for a health-care system racked by a doctor shortage, overcrowded emergency rooms and long wait-times. She promised to open 30 community health clinics across the province by 2028. (Oct. 22, 2024)
Susan Holt has made history in New Brunswick by becoming the first woman to serve as the leader of the province’s Liberal Party, a significant milestone in the province’s political landscape. Holt’s leadership victory signals a new era of representation, gender equality, and change in the region, which has long been dominated by male politicians.
Holt’s journey to the top has been one of perseverance and dedication. Before entering politics, she built a distinguished career in the private sector, where she held numerous leadership positions. Her experience in business development and public policy has equipped her with the skills needed to navigate the complex world of politics.
In a province where women have historically been underrepresented in politics, Holt’s election represents a watershed moment. Women’s involvement in leadership roles has been steadily increasing nationwide, but New Brunswick, like many parts of Canada, has seen slower progress in achieving gender parity. Holt’s rise to the top of the Liberal Party not only shatters a glass ceiling but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of women aiming for political leadership.
As the leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party, Holt has laid out a vision of inclusivity and progress. Her policies focus on economic development, healthcare reform, environmental sustainability, and addressing social issues that have plagued the province. She has also emphasized the importance of transparent governance and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, making her platform both modern and forward-thinking.
Holt’s leadership arrives at a time when many voters are calling for change, especially in the face of challenges like economic uncertainty and the need for healthcare improvements. She aims to bring fresh ideas to tackle these issues while ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, have a voice in government decisions.
Susan Holt joins the ranks of other trailblazing women across Canada who have led provincial parties and governments. Women like former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Ontario’s Kathleen Wynne have paved the way, and now Holt is contributing to this growing legacy of female political leadership in Canada.
Her achievement highlights not only the growing number of women entering politics but also the demand for leaders who can bring diverse perspectives to the table. In a field often dominated by entrenched traditions, Holt’s election is a step toward a more inclusive and representative political landscape in New Brunswick.
Holt’s leadership signals a broader shift in Canadian politics, where more women and diverse voices are gaining prominence. For young women across the country, her rise serves as a powerful reminder that leadership roles are within reach, even in traditionally male-dominated spheres.
With her election, Susan Holt has proven that perseverance, skill, and a vision for change can break even the toughest barriers. Her leadership will not only reshape New Brunswick’s political future but also inspire others across Canada to pursue leadership positions and continue to challenge the status quo.
NDP Leader Carla Beck has two planned campaign events today, starting the day with an availability in Moose Jaw and then later this evening attending an event in the capital with the Regina Medical Staff Association.
Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe, meanwhile, will speak in Prince Albert at the start of Voting Week in the province.
Saskatchewan residents can vote for five days starting today in the lead-up to next week’s provincial election, although polls won’t be open Sunday.
The NDP and the Saskatchewan Party are urging voters to cast their ballots early.
Voters can find their polling stations on their information cards or by visiting the Elections Saskatchewan website.
Chief electoral officer Michael Boda says there are about 810,000 registered voters in Saskatchewan.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.
The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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