A Better Calgary (ABC) is one of three political parties running candidates in Calgary’s upcoming municipal election. ABC recently received certification from Elections Calgary as a municipal political party, with candidates confirmed in seven of Calgary’s 14 wards. The party considers itself to be center-right and membership-driven, with policy to be developed by its candidates who are selected by members. ABC’s goal is to ensure conservative candidates do not split the vote in the next election by allowing members to hold a “bypass vote” and not contest incumbents in other wards that align with the party’s membership.
Communities First is another conservative-leaning party on the ballot, formed by four incumbent city councillors. Their shared priorities include getting back to basics, infrastructure, being accountable to citizens, and running an efficient city. Candidates will be selected based on a questionnaire and how they align with the party’s principles. Communities First aims to stay right of center but closer to the center compared to ABC. They have not yet announced a mayoral candidate, with a focus on getting a simple majority of at least eight council members elected.
The Calgary Party, led by mayoral candidate Brian Thiessen, is seen as the progressive-leaning slate in the municipal election. Their council candidates include individuals who prioritize building an effective city, transit, housing, and public safety. The party aims to create a positive vision for Calgary’s growth and move away from negative elements dominating the council’s conversation. Changes to provincial legislation allow for municipal political parties in Calgary and Edmonton, with the importance for voters to understand the platforms presented by each party.
Duane Bratt, a political scientist at Mount-Royal University, expressed the importance for Calgarians to understand the differences between the political parties running in the upcoming municipal election. He noted that while voters may have leanings towards certain parties, it can be challenging to dissect the ideologies of new parties like A Better Calgary. Many candidates have announced their intention to run without party affiliation, including Mayor Jyoti Gondek and other mayoral hopefuls such as Jeromy Farkas and Jeff Davision.
A Better Calgary does not yet have a mayoral candidate, with their focus on electing a simple majority of council members. Communities First also has not announced a candidate for the mayor’s race, but an announcement is expected at a downtown Calgary fundraiser. The competition between different political parties in Calgary’s municipal election reflects a diverse range of ideologies and priorities, providing voters with a variety of options to consider when casting their ballots in October. Ultimately, the upcoming election will shape Calgary’s future direction and governance based on the choices made by voters.
