Why I’m Running Again for Ward sipiwiyiniwak

When I first ran for Edmonton City Council in 2021, I was driven by a deep love for this city and the people who shaped me—especially here in the west end. I had lived experience, community service, and an unwavering belief that government should work for all the people who live in it.

I remembered that election night, when my husband and I went to the Prince of Wales Armouries to witness the counting of the advanced ballots while checking the live news coverage ballots from Election Day. I ended up second place, with just over 5,100 votes. Messages of support continued to pour over the next few days, thanking me for how well the campaigned performed especially as a first-time candidate.

I didn’t win that election—but I didn’t walk away.

Over the past few years, I’ve continued to serve. I’ve sat on city boards, and became the Chair of the Edmonton Transit Service Advisory Board for two years. I returned to my community leagues as a board member, signed up again when I moved to a new neighbourhood, and served a full six-year term as the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues board of directors. I served in other nonprofit organization and became a co-founder of one.

I’ve organized, volunteered, listened, and stayed connected. I’ve helped newcomers navigate city services, and regularly published media, artistic and literary content that touched the hearts and minds of readers across the country. In many of my interactions, I’ve heard—over and over again—that many people in our ward still feel unheard.

That’s why I’m running again.

So much has changed in our communities: the cost of living is up, infrastructure is aging, neighbourhoods are transforming rapidly, so many things are being constructed, and safety concerns are growing. But I’ve also changed. I’ve grown stronger, clearer, and more prepared.

Here’s what hasn’t changed: I’m still that same grounded, hopeful community advocate. I still believe in working across differences, in bringing a lens of care to difficult decisions, and in putting people first—not politics.

I may not have a high-profile job title. I may not be from a powerful family. But I’ve walked beside our neighbours. I’ve taken the bus through snowstorms. From long board meetings with challenging discussions, or the constant deadline for a newspaper column, I’ve shown up—even when no cameras were rolling.

This fall, we have a real chance to build something better—together.

Let’s talk. Let’s organize. Let’s build a city where everyone matters, and where decisions reflect the lives we actually live.

I’m ready. And I hope you’ll join me - again.