Mayoral Candidates

Below you find the answers of City of Edmonton 2021 municipal election mayoral candidates who have responded to three key climate questions submitted to all candidates with an email address on the City of Edmonton electoral data base by June 30th, 2021 (listed in alphabetical order by last name)

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Brian (Breezy) Gregg
website - climate platform (note: there may be more than one on the candidate's site)

Question 1: Do you support a 2030 target of 45 per cent reduction in Edmonton greenhouse gas emissions from 2010 levels, as recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?

Yes 
  
Question 2: Which policies would you propose or support to reach the 45% greenhouse gas emission reduction target?                     

Free Public Transit, 
De-centralization of the delivery of City Services, and private services to reduce the need to use motorized travel  
incentivize solar installations on building roofs
incentivize geothermal heating for buildings
promote local food production 
promote repair industries
promote local production of all goods for the local market 

Question 3: Are there any areas of special interest to you that you feel could contribute significantly to reducing Edmonton’s carbon footprint?

Of special interest to me is the idea of de-privatizing the content access sector of the communications industry. A huge but almost invisible engine driving accelerated combustion is the private content access sector of the communications industry. That industry is financed by advertising which is constantly pushing the message — buy more.  Buying more almost always involves more burning. Buy more means burn more. We need to burn less. We need a communications system that is pushing the message burn less or at least a system that is neutral.  What do I mean by the content access sector of the communications industry? Google, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., are private content access services. They do not produce content. They all amplify the message of burn more. We need legislation to create a public content access service that does not charge user fees, nor surveil the audiences and expose the audience to advertising.  We need to educate the electorate on the economics of media content access so voters will understand it is in everyone’s best interest to de-privatize media content access services. Not only so we will have more money in our own pockets but so we will not be persistently pushed into buying more and consequently burning more. We do not need to regulate existing businesses. We only need to create a public service. It will due to its superior value to the audience, quickly replace the advertising financed private services that presently are monopolizing the aurdeicces.  I am not sure why those concerned with the climate emergency are not considering this as a major factor in the current paralysis we see in climate action.  I am a solutions expert. I look to identify underlying problems and solve them. 

Kim Krushell
- website - climate platform (note: there may be more than one on the candidate's site)

Question 1: Do you support a 2030 target of 45 per cent reduction in Edmonton greenhouse gas emissions from 2010 levels, as recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?

The City of Edmonton has already committed to these targets and we will continue to establish and expand on the existing strategies that the city has provided. A significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is a necessary step in the fight against climate change and we must be open to innovative strategies to reach this target.  
  

Question 2: Which policies would you propose or support to reach the 45% greenhouse gas emission reduction target?                     

The City of Edmonton has an existing Greenhouse Gas Management Plan that details the city’s current policy strategies for reaching its 45% emission reduction target. In order to reach these targets by 2030 our priority must be pursuing strategies which prove to be effective, while maintaining the ability to review and improve strategies if necessary. 
 
We can significantly reduce carbon emissions by collaborating with developers and other levels of government to improve insulation in our homes and buildings, encourage the use of solar panels by making them more accessible, upgrading the capacity of residential electricity grids to ensure they can accommodate an increase in electric vehicles, and ensure sustainable building practices. Additionally, we must continue to encourage green transportation alternatives by expanding a zero emissions public transit system and provide a comfortable active transportation system that enhances walking and cycling.  


Question 3: Are there any areas of special interest to you that you feel could contribute significantly to reducing Edmonton’s carbon footprint?

Protecting our River Valley is becoming increasingly important due to the role trees play in removing carbon dioxide from the air. I have a history of being a strong supporter of our River Valley system and will continue to support its protection and preservation. It is critical that we develop a robust fire mitigation plan to protect The River Valley and prevent carbon emissions caused by fires. 
 
Edmonton has the opportunity to be a leading city for innovation when it comes to green technology. We must support the attraction of investment and green technology start-ups that build on the region’s energy resources and innovation strengths. It is also important that we encourage creative ways to reduce waste and promote renewable energy by supporting innovative projects like Edmonton’s Waste to Biofuels Facility. 

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Amarjeet Sohi
- website - climate platform (note: there may be more than one on the candidate's site)

Question 1: Do you support a 2030 target of 45 per cent reduction in Edmonton greenhouse gas emissions from 2010 levels, as recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?

We have already seen and felt the impact of climate change, especially this summer with extreme heat and smoke. I support the recently adopted Community Energy Transition Strategy and Action Plan. My platform includes commitments that will protect the environment and investments in green jobs. We are living in a climate emergency and need to address it with that level of seriousness.  

Question 2: Which policies would you propose or support to reach the 45% greenhouse gas emission reduction target?                     

We’re in the early stages of one of the most significant energy transitions in history. The City needs to prepare for, and then lead the  transition as it happens. The City also needs to reimagine how we build our city and the way we get around to reflect changes that both benefit the climate, and facilitate people’s choices about where they decide to live and how they get around. I have released policy on four areas - energy transition, the 15-minute city (living within our communities), the natural environment, and the built environment which you can see on my website at https://sohi.ca/#platform 

Question 3: Are there any areas of special interest to you that you feel could contribute significantly to reducing Edmonton’s carbon footprint?

My plans include creating more natural spaces and parks, supporting infrastructure that allows us to live more locally, transitioning the City's fleet to zero-emission vehicles, supporting hydrogen and other clean energy industries, and creating a retrofit accelerator that will support home and building owners in making their spaces more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. 

Diana Steele
website - climate platform (note: there may be more than one on the candidate's site)

Question 1: Do you support a 2030 target of 45 per cent reduction in Edmonton greenhouse gas emissions from 2010 levels, as recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?

Unless I am mistaken I believe the city has agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emission by 50% by 2030. I would continue with this proposal, unless evidence was presented that we needed to do more, faster.
  
Question 2: Which policies would you propose or support to reach the 45% greenhouse gas emission reduction target?                     

I support the continued desire to achieve clean power & energy efficiency. Ensuring solar panels, led lighting etc are used in city infrastructure. Transition all city vehicles to electric over time. I would also continue to offer grants and rebates to citizens actively reducing their carbon footprint. 

Question 3: Are there any areas of special interest to you that you feel could contribute significantly to reducing Edmonton’s carbon footprint?

I am a big fan of electric vehicles and would be a supporter of phasing out gas vehicles over time. While I still drive a gas powered vehicle myself, the next car I purchase will be an electric vehicle.  

Side note- I am not using lawn signs, t-shirts, hats, buttons etc, in my campaign to do my part in not producing useless waste. 

Cheryll Watson
website - climate platform (note: there may be more than one on the candidate's site)

Question 1: Do you support a 2030 target of 45 per cent reduction in Edmonton greenhouse gas emissions from 2010 levels, as recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?

Within the means and mandate of a municipal government (as outlined in the Municipal Government Act) I do support this goal.
  
Question 2: Which policies would you propose or support to reach the 45% greenhouse gas emission reduction target?                     

Addressing climate change at a municipal level is difficult. While we can enable our residents to make the right choices to reduce their carbon footprint, we are governed by our province and further at the federal level. I believe this city has done a great job outlining the steps it will take to reduce GHG emissions including the Energy Transition Strategy. Policies like sustainable building codes and LEED certified construction are great practices. The recently passed City Plan also outlines the need for increased density in our aging neighbourhoods. Edmonton also has an opportunity to become a leader in Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilization as well as further developing our Hydrogen industry. As other industries look to transition, our city can provide the means for them to do that while accelerating our economic potential, creating jobs and more!  

Question 3: Are there any areas of special interest to you that you feel could contribute significantly to reducing Edmonton’s carbon footprint?

Beyond our City Plan and Energy Transition Strategy, Edmonton can and should look into innovating financing for building retrofits. 

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