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.