I've heard the frustrations: Here's what you can expect from me

This election campaign, my first one, has at times felt like an extended job interview.  Or an audition.  But being a City Councillor is neither a role, nor a job - it is something much more. Given the conflict Edmonton witnessed during the first week of July, and the disappointment that many Edmontonians felt at the results of a critical Council vote, now seems a really good time to share what it really means to me to be your City Councillor for ward pihêsiwin.

To serve as a City Councillor for ward pihêsiwin in Edmonton is a privilege and a responsibility. It is much more than a job - it is a stewardship of public trust and resources, a commitment to the collective well-being of our city, and an acknowledgment of the faith in my judgment and dedication. 

My philosophy is rooted in the principle of unwavering service to my community.. My primary duty is to be the voice of ward pihêsiwin, to understand its unique challenges and aspirations, and to champion its needs within the broader context of the city. This means being accessible, listening intently to diverse perspectives, and ensuring that the concerns of every resident are heard and considered.

It also means though, that our perspectives must be viewed through a "one city" approach. No ward exists in isolation, and what impacts one ward will affect others.  The well-being of our neighbourhoods is deeply linked to the health, prosperity, and equity of Edmonton as a whole. Decisions will always consider how ward-level issues interact with other facets of the city – from housing and transit to economic development and environmental sustainability. My aim is to build consensus and support amongst Council so that what benefits one ward will be better for Edmonton as a whole.  

My extensive professional and volunteer background has uniquely prepared me to embody this philosophy. My past experiences include:

• Chief Impact Officer, Homeward Trust Edmonton:  I gained invaluable experience in strategic oversight, coordination, and leadership within complex systems. This directly informs my ability to approach city-wide challenges with a "one city" perspective, understanding interconnectedness and driving collaborative solutions..

• Director of Operations, Radius Health + Healing (formerly Boyle McCauley Health Centre): I honed my operational leadership, strategic planning, and fiscal management skills, from having to manage multi-million dollar budgets and diverse personnel to the design and implementation of clinical pathways. This practical experience ensures I can effectively navigate the complexities of city administration, maximize use of limited resources, and deliver tangible, accountable results. 

• Health Strategy Consultant: When not working in my full-time roles, I supported many diverse organizations (including Covenant Health, the Mustard Seed, the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre, and The Alex Community Health Centre). I developed expertise in internal review, strategy roadmap development, coaching, mentorship, and building key relationships with partners. These skills are critical for fostering collaboration within council, engaging effectively with city administration, and building consensus across diverse community groups.

• Board Director (Volunteer), Chinatown Transformation Collaborative Board of Directors and the City of Edmonton Anti-Racism Advisory Panel: My volunteers experience demonstrates my deep commitment to community engagement, addressing systemic issues, and providing guidance on critical social matters. This experience reinforces my dedication to transparency, fairness, impartiality, and ensuring that all voices, particularly those marginalized, are heard and valued in city planning.

  
  

To be your Councillor is to be a dedicated public servant, a strategic leader, a compassionate listener, and an accountable decision-maker. It is to embrace the sacrifices inherent in the role, driven by a profound commitment to building a more vibrant, equitable, and sustainable home for all.

And yes, Councillors take time off and need breaks too.  We’re all human, and while I need personal time both for myself and my family, I fully recognize that this role demands significant personal sacrifice, and we’re fully prepared for this as a family.  It’s also not foreign to us - my spouse, as a pediatric specialist at the Stollery Hospital, is frequently on 24/7 call, and in most of my past roles in health centres and social services, it’s been the same for me.  I’m running to your City Councillor with both eyes open, and with the support of my family and community behind me, and I will show to work and be there when it matters for Edmonton.