Supporting the People Who Deliver Our City Services

One of the parts of campaigning I’ve really appreciated is talking not just with residents, but also with the people who make our city run every single day, the front-line staff who deliver services. At community events and while going door-to-door, I’ve had the chance to hear directly from City employees about what would make their jobs better, and in turn, how services for Edmontonians could improve.

I heard from staff who wish there were more people on their team so they could take proper breaks, cover for one another, and not risk injury or burnout from being stretched too thin. Others shared that better policies could prevent them from being overloaded or from having their efforts wasted when priorities suddenly change. And some pointed out that if there were more satellite branches for the services they provide, Edmontonians who live far from downtown would have easier access.

These are simple but powerful ideas that come from the people who know their work best.

City Staff and Unions

Many of the employees who deliver our services are represented by unions. For example, those in civic operations, transit, libraries, recreation facilities, and administrative support.

Others, such as management or specialized contract workers, are not unionized. Each group has different workplace challenges, but they are united by one thing: their commitment to serving Edmontonians.

Unions play an important role in protecting staff from unsafe workloads and advocating for fair wages and working conditions. But at the end of the day, whether unionized or not, what employees are asking for is quite reasonable, to have the tools, policies, and staffing levels they need to do their jobs well.

My Commitment

As a City Councillor, my focus will always be on making sure City services work properly.

That means:

• Supporting appropriate staffing levels, including hiring more people where it is necessary.

• Advocating for policies that reduce overload, ensure safety, and make work sustainable.

• Empowering departments to adjust services, whether that means expanding, reducing, or even closing, based on what best serves Edmontonians and the people delivering those services.

When the people who deliver services are well-supported, all of us benefit. Clean streets, safe transit that arrives on time, well-maintained parks, accessible recreation facilities, timely permits, these are the result of people doing their jobs well.

I am committed to listening to those voices and ensuring our decisions at City Hall set them up for success. Because whey then are supported, everyone benefits.