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New political dynamics in Calgary
As Calgary gears up for its municipal election, the political landscape is evolving with the emergence of three distinct parties. Each party is vying for the attention of voters, presenting unique platforms and candidates that reflect the diverse needs of the community.
The introduction of A Better Calgary (ABC), alongside Communities First and The Calgary Party, marks a significant shift in how local politics will be approached this October.
A Better Calgary: A voice for the people
A Better Calgary has recently been certified as a municipal political party, aiming to empower citizens by prioritizing their voices in local governance.
With candidates already confirmed in seven of Calgary’s 14 wards, ABC’s executive director, Roy Beyer, emphasizes the party’s commitment to grassroots involvement. “We need a political party where the people and their voice matter,” Beyer stated, highlighting the party’s centre-right stance and its focus on developing policies through member engagement.
One of ABC’s primary goals is to prevent vote-splitting among conservative candidates, ensuring that the party’s members can support incumbents who align with their values. This approach not only fosters unity but also encourages a more collaborative political environment.
Communities First: Accountability and efficiency
On the other side of the political spectrum, Communities First is led by a coalition of incumbent city councillors who have come together to promote shared priorities. Their focus is on accountability, infrastructure, and efficient city management.
According to Councillor Andre Chabot, the party aims to present a clear vision of the type of candidates voters can expect. “All of the candidates running under the Communities First banner will adhere to the same policies and principles,” he explained, reinforcing the party’s commitment to transparency.
Chabot also addressed concerns about vote-splitting, suggesting that while ABC may lean further right, Communities First aims to maintain a more centrist approach. This distinction could play a crucial role in how voters perceive the parties as they head to the polls.
The Calgary Party: A progressive alternative
In contrast, The Calgary Party, led by mayoral candidate Brian Thiessen, positions itself as the progressive alternative in the race. With a focus on creating a positive vision for Calgary’s growth, the party emphasizes effective governance, public safety, and housing solutions. Candidate Heather McRae expressed excitement about discussing the city’s future, stating, “We feel that we have a vision for Calgary, moving Calgary forward.”
This party’s approach aims to shift the narrative from negativity to constructive dialogue, appealing to voters who are looking for innovative solutions to urban challenges.
Understanding the new political landscape
With changes to provincial legislation allowing for municipal political parties, voters in Calgary face a new and complex electoral landscape. Political scientist Duane Bratt emphasizes the importance of understanding each party’s platform, noting that while traditional party affiliations are well-known, the meanings behind new parties like A Better Calgary remain unclear. “It’s going to be tough for voters to dissect that,” Bratt remarked, highlighting the need for informed decision-making as election day approaches.
As the election draws nearer, candidates without party affiliation, including current Mayor Jyoti Gondek, are also making their intentions known, adding another layer of complexity to the race. With a diverse array of candidates and platforms, Calgary’s municipal election promises to be a pivotal moment in the city’s political evolution.
