9 candidates declare intention to run for Edmonton City Council
Posted November 13, 2024 4:01 pm.
Last Updated November 13, 2024 6:29 pm.
Nine candidates have now declared to run for Edmonton City Council and the election is still about a year away.
Chris Nielsen, a former NDP MLA who lost his party’s nomination, is now seeking a seat on Edmonton’s city council.
“People aren’t upset with the current city councillor, they just kinda feel she’s not around,” said Nielsen.
Tastawiyiniwak is represented by Karen Principe.
When Principe ran for the UCP in the 2019 provincial election, Nielsen beat her by about 1,400 votes.
“Everyone has the right to run,” said Principe.
That’s about all Principe would say about a potential ballot rematch, and she had no comment on the UCP government’s Bill 20 — which will allow formal parties inside Edmonton and Calgary City Halls for the first time.
“I haven’t decided if I’m running for a party or as an independent because it’s something I’m not sure I’m doing yet,” explained Principe.
The election is in October 2025, but already nine candidates have registered to run. Those include a former city councillor and a past PC MLA both seeking the mayor’s chair.
Tony Caterina served for 14 years in Edmonton City Hall and sought a legislature seat for the PC Party.
Peter Sandhu represented Edmonton-Manning for the PCs from 2008 to 2015.
Both want the job occupied by Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, of course, a former federal Liberal cabinet minister.
Sohi won’t say if he’s running again.
“I have not seen the list of candidates. My focus remains on fixing problems,” explained Sohi.
Despite his history with the NDP and the labour movement, Nielsen plans to run as an independent, even though new rules allow candidates to also use party money.
“You can’t buy an election. You have to get out there, you have talk to people, you have to be on their doorsteps, you have to listen to what they’re saying. That is what wins you an election,” said Nielsen.
Fidel Ammar, Jason Bale, Giselle General, Tammy Griffin, Kate Moffat, and Jon Morgan have also registered to run. The city is not yet requiring anyone to specify a party affiliation.
