Edmonton mayoral race: Corporate donations raise question about big money influence

Better Edmonton mayoral candidate Tim Cartmell’s fundraising numbers are in the spotlight after interim financial disclosures to Edmonton Elections showed that nearly 40 per cent of the contributions came from corporate donors.

Cartmell topped the charts raising over $847,000 between Jan. 1 and July 31, 2025 – an amount more than all other candidates combined.

Independent candidates Omar Mohammad and Andrew Knack raised $136,000 and $54,000 respectively, followed by Michael Walters who reported $36,347 and Ahim Jaffer who raised $11,930.

Mohammad said he was worried about the influence of big money in politics. “They opened it up to third parties and special interests and rich corporate donors, I really feel it ultimately comes down to people versus money,” he said.

The 2025 municipal elections are the first time since 2007 that corporations and unions are allowed to directly contribute to candidates.

About 18 per cent, or just over $25,000, of the contributions Mohammad raised came from doctors and dentists through their professional associations.

Knack, who also received contributions from small businesses, said his rivals should be more transparent about where their donations come from.

“I think it’s exactly what we expected. Big money has come back into our political system,” Knack said. “Since corporate and union donations are allowed, those should be disclosed before people go to vote.”

Cartmell pushed back against any suggestion of quid pro quo when it came to contributions from corporations. He said that he was heartened by the support from people and businesses.

“You’re not buying my vote … this is not about currying favour. This is about supporting the best candidate for the next four years to be the mayor,” he said.

“Effectively you’re asking me if I’m corrupt, and I’m not corrupt. And I aspire and I espouse and I am committed to a code of ethics that reaches far beyond any of these constructs. I cannot be bought,” Cartmell added.

Walters doesn’t see any problems with corporate donations. “I’ve taken corporate donations,” he said. “Andrew has taken corporate donations, right? I’ve disclosed, according to the rules, every donation.”

Edmontonians head to the polls Oct. 20.