Meet the Edmonton Council Candidates from All 12 Wards – Don’t Miss Your Chance

Edmonton’s 2025 Municipal Election: Meet the Candidates

On October 20, Edmonton will see residents heading to the polls to elect a new mayor and 12 councillors. But eager voters will get an early start with the chance to cast ballots during advance voting, starting from Tuesday until Saturday, October 11, for all of Edmonton’s municipal electoral wards. To help Edmontonians make informed decisions, Emegypt contacted candidates, asking them to introduce themselves and explain why they deserve your vote. Here’s an overview of 66 of the 81 contenders striving for a council seat, with responses edited for clarity and conciseness.

Ward Anirniq: Candidates Prioritizing Fiscal Responsibility and Community Safety

• Ali Al Kassab, 56: A small business owner with nonprofit and community engagement experience, Al Kassab advocates for fiscal responsibility, safer communities, and reliable core services.
• Nurmaiya Brady, 36: Operating two small businesses and with a background involving several government agencies, Brady is running to challenge the status quo, focusing on outcomes that improve daily life in Edmonton.
• Rob Fediuk, 54: With roots in real estate development and education board engagement, Fediuk envisions low taxes, business attraction, and efficient services. He is part of the Principled Accountable Coalition for Edmonton.
• Ali Haymour, 55: As an Alberta sheriff and Canadian Armed Forces veteran, Haymour aims to control spending, freeze taxes, and focus on reducing crime and ending homelessness.
• Erin Rutherford, 43 (incumbent): Former Ward Anirniq councillor relying on her expertise in public engagement, Rutherford’s platform focuses on affordability, public service improvements, and effective city governance.
• Aggripa Wajo, 63: A business owner with global experience, Wajo is campaigning for infrastructure improvements, addressing homelessness, and streamlining services for Edmonton’s growing populace.
• Jesse Watson, 42: With a history in community service and city operations, Watson is advocating for basic improvements and putting residents’ needs at the forefront.

Ward Dene: Platforms Aiming for Safer Neighborhoods and Economic Growth

• Lana Palmer, 48: An oral surgeon, Palmer is focused on cutting bureaucratic processes, creating jobs, and addressing homelessness challenges.
• Aaron Paquette, 51 (incumbent): A seasoned city councillor and creative professional, Paquette is interested in stable taxes, improving amenities, and fostering economic development.
• Jean Pierre Valois, 63: With experience supporting newcomer families, Valois stands for safer neighborhoods, affordable housing, and constituent accountability.
• Albert Mazzocca: A home-builder, Mazzocca is committed to sensible taxes, better services, and transparent governance, aligning with the Principled Accountable Coalition for Edmonton.
• Banisha Sandhu: Campaigning with the Better Edmonton Party, Sandhu lacks further public information.
• Paul Brake: No additional details provided yet.

Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi: Advancing Community Safety and Affordable Housing

• Ramey Demian, 60: A real estate broker, Demian prioritizes managing taxes, enhancing community safety, and boosting city service quality.
• Jon Morgan, 43: With a transit management background, Morgan’s campaign focuses on improving neighborhood safety, infrastructure, and transit reliability.
• Fahad Mughal, 43: A business analyst intent on safer communities, dependable transit, and budget-balancing measures safeguarding tax dollars.
• Funke Olokude, 44: An academic leader, Olokude is driven by affordability, economic growth, and collaborative community leadership.
• Nicholas Rheubottom, 39: A consultant focusing on transparency, cost management, helping Indigenous housing efforts, and city council accessibility.
• Jennifer Rice (incumbent): Seeking reelection on a platform of fiscal pragmatism, Rice is keen on infrastructure and service development.
• Beth Mathison: No further information available.

Ward Karhiio: Emphasizing Transportation and Local Business Support

• Jason Bale, 41: With a background in city administration, Bale focuses on infrastructure development and zoning policy amendments for population growth.
• Joti Buttar, 36: A media adviser running with the Better Edmonton Party, Buttar is centered on community safety and core service efficiency.
• Hali Kaur, 23: Kaur’s platform advocates fiscal discipline, safer streets, and local business support, running with principled allies.
• Atiq Rehman, 55: With transportation and project management expertise, Rehman emphasizes economic strength, reliable transport, and essential city services.
• Keren Tang, 40 (incumbent): A former councillor focusing on community-driven budgeting, climate action, and infrastructures that meet city’s needs.
• Avinash Soochit: Further details are not provided.
• Yogesh Garg, Manny Bautista, Paul Mah: No data available.

Ward Métis: Platforms Focused on Affordable Living and Infrastructure

• Abdulhakim Dalel, 39: A tradesman volunteering locally, Dalel highlights housing affordability, crime prevention, and infrastructure development.
• James Gosse, 26: With property management experience, Gosse is interested in restoring fiscal order and enhancing transit services.
• Caroline Matthews, 64: Business owner and former law enforcement, Matthews’ platform supports safer streets, controlled taxes, and prudent infill strategies.
• Norm Paradis, 61: A truck driver aiming for efficient governance contrasting current spending patterns.
• Ashley Salvador, 31 (incumbent): An urban planner prioritizing housing, infrastructure renewal, climate response, and community safety.
• Justin Thomas, 40: Law enforcement veteran concerned with strategic budgeting, public safety, and essential services quality.

Ward Nakota Isga: Empowering Neighborhoods and Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility

• Reed Clarke, 43: Former sports executive prioritizing fiscal discipline, stable taxes, enhanced safety, and recreational engagement, with Better Edmonton Party support.
• Nicky Gocuan, 57: Media and government relations expert focusing on advocacy, regional collaboration, and strategic neighborhood improvement.
• Rajah Maggay, 25: Past policy adviser emphasizing affordability, enhanced city services, dependable transit, and youth opportunities.
• Joseph Mugodo, 53: Retail and international trade professional focusing on responsible budgeting and effective service delivery.
• Diana Steele, 50: Real estate and teaching veteran campaigning for financial sustainability, emergency support, and ethical governance.
• Jordon Woodruff: No public data available.

Ward O-day’min: Campaigning for Affordable Housing and Neighborhood Safety

• David Aaron, 67: Developer and NAIT graduate, Aaron runs on creating safer and inclusive communities while tackling living costs.
• James Miller, 74: Former reporter and educator proposing innovative solutions for urban challenges.
• Lee Permann, 65: Engineer and manager advocating for transit safety, revamped infill housing, and inter-departmental collaboration.
• Anne Stevenson, 42 (incumbent): Urban planning expert dedicated to affordable living, reinvesting in core services, and safety improvement.
• Patrick Stewart, 42: Realtor committed to voicing public opinion at city council and pedestrian-friendly initiatives.
• Mulugeta Tesfay, 53: Landlord and former military member focused on safety, housing, and mental health support.
• Stephen Hammerschmidt, 57: Economics instructor championing budgeting reform, service decentralization, and cultural neighborhood safety initiatives.
• Adil Pirbhai, Anand Benjamin Pye: No additional insight provided.

Ward papastew: Tackling Safety and Transparency

• Joshua Doyle, 38: Engineer advocating against misinformation, standing for increased city council transparency, and linked to the Better Edmonton Party.
• Mark Hillman, 33: Financial consultant focused on fiscal restraint and core service effectiveness, aligned with Principled Accountable Coalition for Edmonton.
• Terrie Holgerson, 42: Marketing professional keen on constituent engagement and sustainable city’s growth and development.
• Rozalia Janiszewska, 29: Community worker aspiring to enhance housing access and emphasizing police accountability.
• Michael Janz, 41 (incumbent): Previous school trustee focusing on housing variety, transportation improvements, and safety advocacy.

Ward pihêsiwin: Enhancing Community Safety and Government Accountability

• Sara Awatta, 37: Operation specialist focusing on infrastructure reliability, city service affordability, and reducing living costs.
• Michael Elliott: Aligned with Better Edmonton Party, more details not available.
• Mohammad Ali Kamal, 61: Medical professional prioritizing transit safety, red tape reduction, and inclusivity.
• Larry Langley, 62: Veteran police officer aspiring to make unbiased, urgent city decisions.
• Jackie Liu, 42: Pharmacist aiming for practical health results and city challenge solutions.
• Rupesh Patel, 41: Climate strategist concerned with council responsiveness and proper growth funding.

Ward sipiwiyiniwak: Advocating for Fiscal Discipline and Public Safety

• Bassam Fares: Missing additional information.
• Darrell Friesen, 56: National business founder discussing community pride and investment, aligned with the Better Edmonton Party.
• Giselle Quezon General, 34: Government adviser emphasizing efficient services and fiscal restraint.
• Danny Heikkinen, 41: Community volunteer proposing governance focused on transparency and accountability.
• Roger Kotch, 61: Biotech founder challenging infill policies, tax increases, and excessive fiscal outlets.
• Thu Parmar, 43: Pharmacist and Red Cross leader addressing recreational funding and property taxes.
• Ken Ropcean: Project oversight veteran eager to reconsider growth and development strategies.

Ward Sspomitapi: Empowering Community Engagement and Safer Living Environments

• Imran Bashir, 49: Entrepreneur focusing on community safety, infrastructure reliability, and living cost challenges.
• Annie Chua-Frith, 56: Civic leader committed to transparency, community inclusion, and effective boundary-setting.
• Harman Singh Kandola, 39: Lawyer advocating for affordability, accountability, effective spending, and small business support.
• Steve van Diest, 45: Marketing entrepreneur and volunteer with a fiscally responsible vision, Principled Accountable Coalition for Edmonton support.
• Jo-Anne Wright, 62 (incumbent): Former councillor focusing on programs and services for a strong Edmonton.
• Sukhi Randhawa, Ashok Sui, Sandeep Singh: No detailed data available.

Ward tastawiyiniwak: Ensuring Transit and Affordable Housing Improvements

• Fidel Ammar, 56: Safety manager supporting transit advancements, neighborhood safety, and housing solutions, affiliated with the Principled Accountable Coalition for Edmonton.
• Farhan Chak, 51: Academic with a focus on fiscal discipline, tax stability, and community affordability.
• Jimmy Clement idi, 60: Family business manager emphasizing transit, housing, and community service resilience.
• Jennifer Porritt, 47: School assistant aspiring to improve urban density, transit, and environmental initiatives.
• Karen Principe (incumbent): Missing further information.

In total, 81 candidates are vying for seats across Edmonton’s 12 electoral wards, each presenting unique visions and solutions for the future of the city.