Smoke in the Air, Compassion on the Ground: Leading with Care in a Smoky Summer

On our way home from an event at Fort Edmonton Park, my husband and I noticed the sky looking a bit hazy, and a hint of smoke in the air.

"The people sitting behind us were talking about a wilfire that already started," I told my husband.

The heat of summer in Edmonton isn’t just about patio season and festivals anymore. Increasingly, it brings something heavier — wildfire smoke that clouds our skies, burns our lungs, and reminds us how deeply connected we are to the land and to each other.

As someone who’s personally sensitive to poor air quality, I know how quickly a sunny day can become dangerous. I’ve felt the tightness in my chest. I’ve had to cut walks short because breathing became a chore. I've seen this, not only in 2021 when I was campaigning, but in the years since then, with all the festivals, volunteer opportunities and amenities to experience in the city.

And I know I’m not alone. Many of our neighbours, especially elders, kids, and those with chronic conditions, feel it too.

That’s why this campaign is about more than door-knocking and signs — it’s about care.

When smoke is in the air, we’ll lead with compassion, not pressure. Our team will:

✅ Monitor air quality daily and adapt plans as needed

✅ Provide KN95 masks, cold water, and cooling supplies

✅ Normalize taking breaks and skipping events when needed

✅ Offer virtual options so no one feels excluded

✅ Prioritize people’s health over optics or “pushing through”

This isn’t just a campaign strategy — it’s a reflection of the kind of leadership I believe in. A city where we protect each other. A council that takes climate realities seriously. And a political culture that makes room for empathy, not just urgency.

In a smoky summer, caring isn’t optional — it’s essential.

If that’s the kind of leadership you want to see on City Council, I hope you’ll join me.

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