Who met with us?

Nathaniel Schmidt (Independent)

Dave Cree (Independent - withdrawn candidate)

Miguel Cortines (Independent)

Kent Hehr (Independent)

Who completed our survey (but did not meet with us)?

Josie Kirkpatrick (Independent)

Who did not meet with us or complete our survey?

Gary Bobrovitz (Independent)

Cornelia Wiebe (Communities First Party)

Nathaniel Schmidt

Uncertain

Interview Response:

Candidate focused on challenges of youth unemployment and City programming for internships, entrepreneurship programs and "job fairs." He discussed work with disadvantaged youth and immigrant populations. He is familiar with existing resources and programs. He viewed the City more as enabler, providing community grants and supporting partnerships.

Miguel Cortines

Yes

Interview Response:

Unemployment is a significant issue for new graduates and new immigrants. Opportunities for the City can provide mentoring, job shadowing, job-seeking skills and skill development. There is a positive existing model in community-based organizations supporting immigrants. The government and private sector can support not-for-profit initiatives.

Survey Response:

New graduates and new immigrants should have the opportunity to develop their talents and skills. Having no experience when you just graduated is a challenge for many youth people. I think we need to create mentorship programs where new graduates can come to work at city hall and have City of Calgary staff that can act as mentor. We need to open junior positions using the sills that youth people have. We also need to take advantage of the knowledge that youth have in the use of technological tools that can complement or support the work of older employees.

Kent Hehr

Yes

Interview Response:

Strong commitment to unions, not contracting out. Quality of service delivery suffers under contracted work. Create a youth jobs program for 2500 youth to help battle youth unemployment. Public grants for small, start-up businesses. He wants to grow the City by creating employment and business opportunities to attract and retain youth.

Survey Response:

In the past year, between August 2024 and August 2025, youth unemployment in Alberta rose from 13.8% to 17%. Amidst this substantial rise, Kent considers it a priority to ensure young Calgarians have the opportunity to benefit from entry-level positions in the city and partner organizations serving the community. Kent has also been a long-time supporter of unions, does not support contracting out of positions, and believes it is imperative for the city to operate effectively as an organization where institutional knowledge is maintained through long-term employees.

To help youth, and in particular equity-seeking groups, enter the workforce, gain valuable experience, mentorship, training, and enter careers in public service, Kent plans to push for funding of 2500 new youth summer jobs with the City of Calgary and partner organizations providing valued services to the community. These entry-level roles would be distributed across various sectors such as parks and recreation, community services, conservation, and culture.

This program would be modelled to an extent after Toronto's Sidewalks to Skylines plan, in which the city committed to adding 10000 youth jobs by the summer of 2026. Studies of similar programs have indicated highly positive results as opportunities fostered hope, skill development, and social inclusion among young people and vulnerable populations. Following the implementation of similar programs, New York City saw a 23% reduction in felony arrests, Chicago a 43% decline in violent crimes, and Atlanta a 28% decrease in violent crimes. Furthermore, surveys of participants found that 90% of participants in these programmes acquired new skills, 90% wished to continue the programmes, and 88% felt more hopeful about their futures. Kent knows the importance of providing opportunities for youth in building a positive and resilient future for Calgary, and will make sure the city does the best it can to provide young people with opportunities.

Kent also has strong plans for broader economic development. One of his plans is to implement a public financing program for small businesses, including targeted allocations for equity-seeking groups. Small businesses are vital to Calgary's economy and community vibrancy, representing 93.5% of businesses in the city as of 2024 and providing employment to numerous Calgarians. Unfortunately, economic adversity, compounded by lingering disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and inflationary pressures, has made it increasingly difficult for small businesses to remain viable. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, many small business owners cite difficulty in securing loans from private financial institutions as a primary concern in their businesses. The City of Calgary should encourage entrepreneurship and support Calgarians in their endeavours. By providing low-interest public financing to economically viable small businesses, we can build a stronger Calgary by maximizing opportunities for Calgarians. In addition, investments such as these have been shown to have broader effects across the economy, according to OECD research public investment in small enterprises may result in positive local economic development by stimulating job creation and local spending. This policy is not only economically sound but also an effective method for building a city with a diverse and thriving local economy.

In addition to supporting small businesses, Kent intends to drive economic development by taking advantage of timely opportunities in the Canadian market while encouraging projects that serve community interests. Two elements of this strategy include encouraging the development of the prefab housing industry in Calgary and using public resources to support development projects in the public interest. In response to Canada’s housing affordability crisis, the federal government has stated intentions to prioritize the development of prefab housing as a key industry to deliver rapidly built and cost-effective homes. Calgary, with its skilled workforce, strong transportation infrastructure, and existing manufacturing capacity, is well-positioned to become a regional hub for prefab housing production. By implementing supportive municipal policies and incentives, Calgary can align with federal priorities, enhance the housing supply locally and across Canada, and promote long-term economic development within the city. To stimulate the growth of this industry, Calgary should consider establishing a municipal incentive program including tax credits, public financing and investment in the industry, and investments in training programs aligned with prefab construction to encourage prefab companies to locate in the city. These policies would ideally be implemented in partnership with the provincial and federal governments. With thoughtful planning and investment, Calgary can become a model for how municipalities can align with federal goals while advancing local prosperity. Second, by taking equity stakes in or providing public financing for major projects in the public interest, such as the development of affordable housing or cultural and tourism assets, the City of Calgary can drive economic growth and job development while guiding projects in a way that best serves the community. Critically, development partnerships would be structured with strong governance and transparency to ensure public accountability, fiscal prudence, and sufficient competition.

Together, these points form the major elements of a plan to build long-term economic resilience and opportunity for all Calgarians. By leveraging public resources and providing opportunities to youth and equity-seeking groups, we can ensure Calgary's future is more equitable and the city grows in a way that works for the common good.

Josie Kirkpatrick

Yes

Survey Response:

I will work with you to develop a job strategy that creates employment for youths and equity-seeking communities. As a teacher that has taught multi-generational Canadians, new immigrants and refugees, I believe that creating accessible and meaningful employment is crucial to the development of our youth and essentially our future. Opportunities for youth and equity-seeking groups are essential to fostering a more inclusive and equitable city that encourages and supports the growth and success of not only those that are able, but those that need it most. I would commit to working together to develop a comprehensive youth and equity focused employment strategy that prioritizes providing a clear path for development and skill utilization.

To achieve this goal, the following strategies should be prioritized:

I would create and establish inclusive hiring employment policies focused on actively promoting employment opportunities for youths and equity-seeking groups through community involvement and input.
Career development and training initiatives would include mentorship programs, practicums and other success stepping stones. The City of Calgary’s LEADS program is an excellent example of this. I taught at St. Monica last year and many students / youth experienced great change and successes as a result of this City led initiative. LEADS focused on developing leadership skills and other essential skills required to thrive when facing career development challenges and employment opportunities. 

Partnerships and collaborations with community organizations and educational institutions would be created to identify and promote talent.

I would spearhead the facilitation of job fairs for youth and students and all groups of people. I believe all individuals should have a fair shot at employment, and any manipulation of this process of equality and fairness is inappropriate. One group of individuals should not be prioritized over another, and the City should stop overstepping. The City should not be partial to anyone, any company or business. The over use of power and preference of certain individuals over others has got to stop at Calgary's City Hall. The City needs to stop meddling in the natural process and evolution of the work and career space, especially at the entry-level position. This is highly inappropriate and an abuse of power and process.

Nathaniel Schmidt

Yes

Interview Response:

He emphasized experience as lawyer of those "falling through the cracks." He would like to focus on the next council developing a new mental health strategy. He would like a public health approach to policing and emergency services, i.e. PACS teams like in Glasgow, Scotland. He is committed to working with different orders of government to provide mental health supports.

Survey Response:

Miguel Cortines

Yes

Interview Response:

He supports community-based mental health, including providing more appropriate spaces for homeless population with supports and treatment. He noted the importance of events to build community. He would work with other levels of government to provide education and work with people with disabilities.

Survey Response:

Mental health is a very important issue in our society. We need to be sure of creating programs and activities that allow people to be active. Participate in cultural activities, educational workshops, festivals, seminars, etc. We need to be creative in finding ways that people can feel productive. We need to motivate people to go out and participate in community activities so their minds are busy in positive thoughts. We need to involve different groups including professional associations, cultural groups, multicultural groups, language schools. We can create a mosaic of opportunities.

Kent Hehr:

Yes

Interview Response:

Kent would like to develop community hubs in the model suggested by the Calgary Alliance. We need points of connection, ie another C-Space downtown. There needs to be funding for a strategic plan for youth. We need to formalizing round-table city wide for community organizations serving vulnerable Calgarians.

Survey Response:

Kent believes in an inclusive city that supports mental health through partnerships with support organizations, including targeted programs to provide support to vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, new Canadians, and Indigenous people, and the development of third spaces to ensure Calgarians have places to connect. One element of Kent’s plan is to expand civic partnerships with third party support organizations to ensure plans are developed that best support preventative mental health services for all Calgarians. To achieve this, Kent plans to implement a mental health roundtable with organizations focused on mental health supports and representing underrepresented communities such as people with disabilities, new Canadians, and Indigenous people. The Alliance for the Common Good would be among the organizations invited to participate. Kent also believes that providing free and accessible spaces (third spaces) for people to connect is an essential element of improving mental health in Calgary. He plans to ensure the City of Calgary allocates funding to the development of third spaces with the aim of building community and fostering connections.

Josie Kirkpatrick

Yes

Survey Response:

Through teaching, I have experienced and learned about many different cultures and their communities. I have spent time teaching in Taiwan, Brooks and Canmore Alberta, as well as many other communities in Calgary’s Ward 8, including Killarney, Rosscarrock, Elboya, Mission and Elbow Park. I support the idea of involving community representatives and strategy leadership teams to ensure initiatives include the voices of community members, especially of those most affected. I am committed to collaborating to further develop a comprehensive, community-based preventative, mental health strategy that focusses on cultural relevance, evidence-based approaches and meaningful community engagement. I would prioritize preventative measures when addressing mental health concerns in the community by securing funding and resources while advocating for dedicated funding streams to support those that need it most. I would also create and support the implementation of community driven, culturally supportive mental health initiatives focused on successful outcomes for those involved, including caregivers.

I will prioritize treatment, resources, support systems, education and low-income housing close to public transit that is government subsidized and strategically placed to create community and house those that are so desperately in need of care.

Nathaniel Schmidt

Yes

Interview Response:

He considers rent supports to be a provincial responsibility under the Residential Tenancies Act. He would like to develop purpose-built affordable rentals and provide by-law supports to ensure quality housing, because substandard housing at the end of its life-cycle has become the substitute for affordable housing.

We need to considers "land-use bylaw" to be only the starting point for affordable housing strategy. The land-use framework needs to change before commitment to building is made by qualified builders. Funding from other levels of government is required to build new housing.

Miguel Cortines

Yes

Interview Response:

Blanket zoning was supposed to provide supply, but it is not reducing prices in more established communities. The City needs to engage with communities to maintain the character of neighbourhoods. Land use should be developed in an integrated manner, incorporating amenities, such as through a master-planned community. Communities need to work with both buyers and renters, using high-end and affordable housing as solutions to the crisis.

Miguel suggests creating undermarket projects and fund affordable housing from public lands through partnerships.

Survey Response:

This is a complex issue. First, we need to work together in a long term vision and proper planning of housing options. We need to create housing options for everyone. We need alternatives that can provide options for renters, and buyers, from all type of economic levels. We need to work in collaboration with developers, city planners, non for profit groups, and community members to have a common sense of building communities, not just buildings. We need to create a sense of social responsibility when talking with different stakeholders.

Working with non for profit groups that are focus on creating affordable housing options in order to find suitable land that can be allocated to under market values. 30% of housing in new projects must be allocated to affordable housing. Continue to incentivize secondary suites that can be used for alternative options for living. Find pieces of land that can be used to create new communities with an integral approach like the one that was used when East Village was created.

Kent Hehr

Yes

Interview Response:

Create more rental housing and co-op housing. New housing remains unaffordable for average Calgarians. Edmonton has worked creatively to maintain CMHC financing and achieve affordable housing solutions that work for communities. Cannot afford sprawl.

The government should put pressure on developers to use all mechanisms possible to increase housing stock. Office conversions should be expanded, particularly for affordable housing. The city should not always focus on maximizing the value of land when it can offer immediate housing. The City should err on the side of more housing in land use decision-making

Survey Response:

Kent supports the writing and implementation of a Calgary renters' bill of rights protecting tenants from unjust evictions, unfair rent increases, and unsafe or unlivable housing. As Calgary's population grows, so may competition for housing. The municipal government must be ready to ensure fair treatment for residents and Kent is committed to developing strategies to do so in partnership with community groups.

Building more affordable housing is essential to accommodate Calgary's rapid population growth. Kent also understands that we cannot rely on costly and unsustainable endless urban sprawl to achieve this. Kent plans to achieve the development of affordable housing while limiting urban sprawl by making use of unused city land, further encouraging conversions of underused office buildings to residential buildings, and restructuring the zoning system to simplify regulations.

By making use of underutilized land and structures such as the greenfield space near Westgate Mall and vacant downtown offices, the city has the opportunity to simultaneously expand the affordable housing supply while revitalizing communities through the addition of vibrant and livable mixed-use spaces.

Currently, development is not serving the affordable housing needs of Calgarians. Despite vast quantities of new housing being developed, a small portion of that is truly affordable. In future developments, the City of Calgary should provide incentives for the construction of affordable housing and require affordable housing to compose a considerable portion of units in projects it partners on. It is also clear that the current zoning system is not working. Despite the intent to increase affordable housing through more density, not enough affordable housing is being built. To encourage the development of more affordable housing, Kent's plan looks to the community-based solution of co-op housing. To encourage the development of more co-op housing, the city should ensure more land is identified and zoned for co-op projects, organizations advocating for and building co-op housing are cooperated with, and civic partnerships are enabled.

Josie Kirkpatrick

Yes

Survey Response:

I would commit myself to working with you to implement Calgary’s affordable housing strategy, effectively ensuring that the needs of renters and those in housing crisis are at the forefront. To better support renters in crisis, I would hope to be able to work with the province in methodically and strategically expanding and coordinating subsidized low-income housing programs, including emergency rent assistance programs, and targeted subsidies and initiatives.

Additional Response

With strategic and purposeful planning, sufficient land can be readily made available for affordable, low-income and properly zoned housing facilities. I will advocate for land-use policies that will prioritize subsidized affordable housing developments that are strategically placed and created to ensure the success of those they house.

I would forge relationships with the province, as we can often link affordable housing with health care, and with Alberta being the richest province, there really should not be so much adversity to looking after our citizens. Blanket rezoning has nothing to do with affordable housing, and nothing being built today is catering specifically to low-income individuals or the issue of affordability. Government subsidized low-income housing that is strategically placed with support systems, resources, easy access to public transit, and tax breaks is what will create and contribute to renters in crisis.

I would work hard to ensure that sufficient and strategically located land is made available and zoned appropriately before being released. I would do this by adhering to my platform which is focused on PURPOSEFUL PLANNING. We should not be putting the cart before the horse!! Organization, critical thinking, community input, strategizing, researching and purposeful planning is how I'd like to address all issues. The more ideas are refined, the better one is able to figure out the best approaches to resolving issues.

Nathaniel Schmidt

Yes

Interview Response:

Nathaniel believes the Calgary Climate Strategy implementation was lacking. Decisions lack consistency, e.g., the procurement decision for electric vehicles was overridden by individual departments. Planning should include maintaining tree coverage in existing communities. The City needs a consistent, unified approach to decision-making impacting climate goals.

Miguel Cortines

Yes

Interview Response:

Miguel would encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and the use of hydrogen as a fuel source. We need to get the Green Line built and adopt clean technologies for buses. Overall, he supports the Climate Strategy.

Survey Response:

I always have believed that Energy and Environment are together and in harmony. We are blessed to live in a province that has abundant natural resources, and also blessed for having amazing technologies that have been developed here to improve our environment. Hydrogen is becoming an important source of energy that is being developed in Alberta. Electric vehicles. More charging stations for EV’s. We need to build the Green Line and the c-Train from the airport to downtown. More transportation options around the city that travel long distances making easy to connect neighbourhoods to work centres, so people can be motivated to use public transit instead of driving.

Kent Hehr:

Yes

Interview Response:

Sustainability is good policy and good economics. Calgary needs to encourage quality transit, liveable and walkable communities, bike lanes and intermodal transit. We need to encourage a public bike program like Montreal. The City's solar panel program should be greatly expanded. We need to work towards a zero-emission bus fleet and deploy the most feasible modern technology. Land-use policies should be efficient, effective, and climate-friendly, as they constitute 90% of the council's work. We also need to be mindful of the urban canopy.

Survey Response:

Climate action is an important element of Calgary's development, and Kent supports continuing with the implementation of Calgary's Pathways to 2050 climate strategy, including maintaining and expanding Calgary's urban tree canopy, transitioning city services to zero-emission vehicles, and providing incentives for upgrading homes to be more energy efficient. Kent also plans to address sustainability through further policies, focused primarily on transportation infrastructure. Currently, Calgarians rely heavily on personal vehicles for transport. While individuals may choose personally to transition to low or no-emission vehicles, the city should encourage sustainable behaviour by providing reliable and effective transit that can effectively replace personal vehicle transport. Kent's transit plan includes expanding the C-train free fare zone, incentivizing transit use with gamification, and ensuring last-kilometre mobility to and from transit stations to ensure Calgarians can rely on transit to get around. By providing alternatives and encouraging Calgarians to make sustainable decisions, the city can work towards a more sustainable future.

Josie Kirkpatrick

Yes

Survey Response:

I am still learning the details surrounding Calgary’s Climate Strategy. Addressing climate resilience and energy efficiency in our city’s housing infrastructure is an important aspect of our collective future. Fostering a balance and informed approach is essential. I am open to collaborating with you to understand more about the specifics of Calgary’s Climate Strategy, its goals, implementation plans, and expected outcomes. It is important to evaluate how these initiatives can align with the city’s broader priorities, and ensure they effectively address the resilience and sustainability of our infrastructure. I look forward to an engaging, educational and constructive dialogue while gaining further insight into these concerns.

Additional Response:

I will start with emissions and then speak on housing and infrastructure. I believe that if we want a reduction in emissions, we need to focus on where we locate our mass residential developments and densification. Our focus and implementation of densification should commence in the areas within walking distance of the LRT lines first and foremost. We also need a speed train from downtown to the airport, like most cities, and long-term planning of underground subway systems.

If we want people to leave their cars at home in -30 degree temperatures, we need heated LRT stations and bus stops that are functional, easily accessible and sensible. Resolve the comfort issue and it will become more attractive. People need to feel safe and at ease. If the LRT platforms were not a free-for-all, people had to pay to gain access, and there was a regular presence of peace officers and or security, people would be more inclined to use public transit because they would feel safe. As far as emissions are concerned, safety first and the reduction of emissions will follow.

I believe that the way to ensure that housing and infrastructure are climate resilient and energy efficient is by the use of alternative generations of energy, like solar and water power, while further recycling the water and not wasting it. Also the pressure on our current infrastructure due to the Blanket Rezoning's fast paced, unlimited, unscrutinized free for all approach to densification and development is going to be huge and effect everyone. Our sewer systems and roads should be upgraded and prioritized to properly manage and have the least amount of disruption to our ecosystems, environments, residents and businesses.

Nathaniel Schmidt

Yes

Interview Response:

Nathaniel supports creating an urban reservation, i.e. dedicating the Confluence to achieving this vision. Establishing an urban centre is crucial for Indigenous people, helping them overcome the barriers created by the Indian Act and to help advance reconciliation. We need greater buy-in from city councillors to attend anti-racism committees.

Miguel Cortines

Yes

Interview Response:

Miguel suggests that we need to utilize the C-Space model through a public-private partnership, renovating existing historic facilities. Need for public education. He supports engagement with indigenous groups.

Survey Response:

There are many historical buildings that are owned by the City of Calgary that can be assigned for this purpose. We need to identify a suitable building and an operational model that ideally can be auto sustainable. One example of this type of buildings is cSpace Marda Loop, where an historical building was converted to a community space of collaboration. I would propose a similar collaboration. cSpace partners include the City of Calgary, Calgary Foundation, and cSpace Projects, a social enterprise.

Kent Hehr

Yes

Interview Response:

Kent would like to see a dedicated space recognizing indigenous voices, based on a partnership between the council and an indigenous-led initiative. This is a non-partisan issue. Furthermore, we need to consider further nation-to-city partnerships.

Survey Response:

Kent believes it is essential for Calgary to be an inclusive city and that the next council needs to continue to advance truth and reconciliation in partnership with Indigenous communities. Having been a member of the federal government that endorsed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 calls to action, he understands the importance of holding to the commitments made in those calls to action by working in close partnership with Indigenous leaders and community groups to guide projects in support of truth and reconciliation. To overcome roadblocks to the development of an Indigenous gathering space, Kent plans to convene an advisory group of Indigenous leaders to establish what they need to see in a project and how the city can best support them. Once a project scope is established, Kent would advocate for the rapid allocation of suitable space and funding for the development of the gathering space. Furthermore, Kent would like to continue working with Indigenous groups beyond the gathering space to ensure they are included appropriately in decisions that affect them in Calgary, and that beneficial partnerships can be expanded. In addition, through his proposed introduction of participatory budgeting, he would be interested in seeing a budget allocated to the funding of Indigenous-led, planned, and developed projects reflecting cultural and community needs.

Josie Kirkpatrick

Yes

Survey Response:

As a former teacher in Canmore Alberta, and having taught many students from the Morley Reserve, I have much respect for Truth and Reconciliation. I think an Indigenous led gathering place in Calgary would be a much appreciated addition for many citizens. It would help foster relationships, support inclusivity initiatives and enable the City of Calgary to be better able to ensure the successes and longevity of long lasting respectful cultural relationships. Advancing meaningful reconciliation is a crucial part of moving forward. I look forward to learning more about an Indigenous Led Gathering Place in Calgary.

Additional Response

I would come at this with a respectful and education-focused approach in order to get government support at all levels. If we can incorporate education, opportunities for Reconciliation and visitation to gain insight and understanding, we could very likely advance this project. I would do my best to do so. I taught in Canmore for a couple of years and had students from the Morley Reserve. I love learning about Indigenous history, the Seven Sacred Teachings and am very much in support of including this heritage and history within our Ward 8. There are many grants that could help finance this as well.

Nathaniel Schmidt

Yes

Miguel Cortines

Yes

Kent Hehr:

Yes

Josie Kirkpatrick

Yes

Survey Response:

I appreciate the importance of establishing strong working relationships with open communication from the very start. In every new role, I am committed to engaging and collaborating with community partners as soon as possible. I look forward to having meaningful discussions about how we can work together to address the issues that matter most and will prioritize opportunities to connect within 3 months.

 Thank you for your consideration and please vote for me! [email protected]
www.JosieKirkpatrick.com