'So crazy': Nenshi critical of Alberta bill giving extra powers over municipalities
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Former Calgary mayor and current NDP leadership candidate Naheed Nenshi says the Alberta government is operating out of spite with new legislation that would grant it sweeping powers over municipalities, including the right to fire councillors, overturn bylaws and postpone elections.
Former Calgary mayor and current NDP leadership candidate Naheed Nenshi says the Alberta government is operating out of spite with new legislation that would grant it sweeping powers over municipalities, including the right to fire councillors, overturn bylaws and postpone elections.
The proposed law would also allow political parties to run on municipal ballots in Edmonton and Calgary as soon as next year.
“It's so crazy. It's very clear that this government is now operated on spite and arrogance,” Nenshi told reporters in Lethbridge Thursday evening.
“They're clearly doing this out of revenge on the voters of Calgary and Edmonton who didn't vote the way they wanted them to.”
Nenshi, 52, was elected mayor of Calgary in 2010 and won three terms before deciding to bow out before the 2021 municipal election.
He along with MLA's Kathleen Ganley, Sarah Hoffman, Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse and Alberta Federation of Labour President Gil McGowan were taking part in the NDP's first leadership debate.
Alberta Municipal Affairs Minster Ric McIver says the new powers are justified to ensure fair elections and accountability from municipal leaders, and they would only be used as a last resort.
