Advertisement 1

Alberta Premier Smith's idea of an Edmonton 'council' of unelected still up in the air

"If the governing party would like to know what Edmontonians think they should probably consult with their (NDP) MLAs"

Article content

After Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she would consult UCP candidates defeated in Edmonton for advice, her office said Thursday no specific plans have been made.

Advertisement 2
Story continues below
Article content

Smith’s United Conservative Party was re-elected to a majority government on Monday, but was shut out of the capital city, where all 20 seats went to NDP MLAs.

Article content

Appearing Tuesday morning on 630 CHED, Smith said she will assemble a “council” of UCP candidates who lost in Edmonton to give her advice on local issues, sparking concern that those who were elected in the capital city will be sidestepped.

Responding to questions from Postmedia Thursday, her office left the idea of a formal advisory board up in the air.

“No decisions have been made. The premier understands the importance of including views and issues of all Albertans — including residents in Edmonton. As always, she will continue to work with Edmonton city council to continue to address local priorities. Additionally, elected representatives in Edmonton provide valuable perspective for their constituents and are always welcome to provide feedback to the government,” said press secretary Becca Polak in an email.

Advertisement 3
Story continues below
Article content

Polak did not indicate whether such a council would receive taxpayer-supported pay.

Recommended from Editorial
  1. Danielle Smith speaks after the election results at the Big Four Building in Calgary on Monday, May 29, 2023.
    Alberta Premier Smith to consult losing UCP candidates after Edmonton shut out
  2. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi responds to the provincial election results on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, in Edmonton.
    Edmonton mayor sees chance to 'reset' relationship with province, congratulates Smith on UCP win

‘They don’t have the mandate’: Sohi

In a statement to Postmedia, Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi encouraged Smith to work with city council.

“Premier Smith is free to seek advice from her party members, but I want to be clear, they don’t have the mandate to speak on behalf of Edmontonians. That responsibility and accountability is vested in duly elected Edmonton city council. It is our job to represent Edmontonians and engage with other orders of government,” he said.

Advertisement 4
Story continues below
Article content

NDP Leader Rachel Notley pointed to her team in a statement Wednesday.

“For the record, the Alberta NDP has a 20-member ‘council of the elected’ ready and happy to advise on the priorities of Albertans living here in Edmonton,” she said.

Three UCP candidates in Edmonton contacted by Postmedia said they were unaware of any formal plans for an advisory committee.

Angela Duncan, vice-president of Alberta Municipalities, told Postmedia Smith’s idea is concerning for some in the organization, which represents villages, towns and cities.

Duncan, who is the mayor of the Village of Alberta Beach, about 70 km west of Edmonton, said elected officials should be consulted about local issues.

“Edmonton was very clear that they want the NDP values, they want the NDP platform. I mean, it was an orange wave over Edmonton. So, if the governing party would like to know what Edmontonians think they should probably consult with their (NDP) MLAs,” said Duncan, adding that local elected officials hear from constituents directly and should be consulted by the province.

Advertisement 5
Story continues below
Article content

“It would be amazing to see a party reach across the aisle and say, ‘Clearly, you represent the people of Edmonton. Tell us what will work there, tell us what they need,’ instead of saying, ‘We’re going to form another committee of people who think like us to advise us on your needs,'” she said.

On election night, Smith pledged to serve all Albertans no matter how they voted.

“It is time to put partisanship division and personal and political attacks in the rearview mirror,” she said.

Duane Bratt, political science professor at Mount Royal University, called the idea of unelected advisers “absolutely horrible,” adding that Smith should be consulting with elected officials, including city council.

“From a political perspective it’s dumb, and from a policy perspective it’s dumb.”

— With files from Lauren Boothby and Matthew Black

lijohnson@postmedia.com

twitter.com/reportrix

Article content
Comments
You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.
Join the Conversation

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

Latest National Stories
    News Near Prince George
      This Week in Flyers