Former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi Enters Alberta NDP Leadership Race

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi in an Oct. 31, 2018 file photo. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)

Former long-serving Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the leadership of Alberta’s NDP.

He is now one of six contenders competing for the helm of the Alberta New Democrats, with the successor set to replace outgoing party leader Rachel Notley in June.

Mr. Nenshi announced his campaign via social media March 11, saying factors such as a struggling health-care system and the rising cost of living motivated the decision.

“We’re facing crises on every front,” he said in an announcement on his website. “Albertans are being asked to accept late ambulances and closed ERs, summers filled with wildfire smoke, no action to protect against flood and drought, and growing class sizes with under-resourced teachers.”

The 52-year-old said high housing and utility costs, a lack of housing, and excessive red tape for entrepreneurs need to be addressed. He was also critical of the governing United Conservative Party and Premier Danielle Smith, his former University of Calgary classmate.

Platform

The former mayor laid out a five-pronged platform, saying he plans to focus on strengthening Alberta’s economy through innovation and entrepreneurship, making life more affordable for families, investing in health care and education, addressing climate change while “mitigating the risk” of wildfire fires and drought, and protecting seniors and vulnerable citizens.

Mr. Nenshi didn’t go into detail about how he planned to accomplish his goals, but pointed to his 11-year tenure as mayor when Calgary was named the third-best city to live in globally.

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He served as Calgary’s mayor from 2010 to 2021, during which time he became known for wearing purple shirts or ties and using the colour in his election campaigns. He said it was meant to symbolize his non-partisan approach to getting things done in public office.”

Mr. Nenshi has been a regular broadcast pundit and column writer in his post−mayoral life. He remains a prolific poster on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and where his foray into city politics got much of its traction among young people.

Mount Royal University political science professor Keith Brownsey, in a recent interview with The Epoch Times, described Mr. Nenshi as “very high profile” and “very well thought of” among his supporters, with a lot of governing experience as well as a background in business and consulting.

The Candidates

Mr. Nenshi will face off against Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse, Kathleen Ganley, Sarah Hoffman, Gil McGowan, and Rakhi Pancholi for the top spot.

Perhaps his stiffest competition, Ms. Ganley is “well known in Calgary,” Mr. Brownsey said. “She represents Calgary and that’s certainly an advantage.” She served as justice minister while the NDP was in government and has been energy critic as a member of the Opposition.

Ms. Calahoo Stonehouse is a first−time legislature member representing Edmonton−Rutherford. She has been the Opposition critic for environment, parks and climate resilience.

Sarah Hoffman, the legislature member for Edmonton−Glenora, has been one of Notley’s key lieutenants, serving as deputy premier and health minister while in government. In Opposition, she has been deputy leader and the municipal affairs critic for Edmonton and Calgary.

Gil McGowan is a long−time leader of the Alberta Federation of Labour, which represents 28 affiliated trade unions and more than 170,000 workers across the province.

Rakhi Pancholi, elected after the NDP’s time in government, represents Edmonton−Whitemud in the legislature and has been the critic for children’s services and education.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.