Amalgamated transit Union Local 569 is proud to announce the following endorsements for election to Municipal Councils where our members are employed. It’s significant that we are able to endorse 8 current members of the Edmonton Council for election this October. Under outgoing Mayor Sohi’s leadership, NO work has been contracted out in the current term, jobs have been protected, many bad ideas have been discarded and a great record of governing has been established.
Mayor
ATU is proud to endorse Andrew Knack for Mayor. Councillor Knack has over a decade of experience on Council. He unwaveringly supports the issues that matter most to every-day Edmontonians – to ATU members – and he has stood with workers’ issues and Transit issues without fail.
Ward Anirniq
Incumbent Councillor Erin Rutherford is the easy choice here. Erin has been loyal, reliable and hard working on the issues that matter most to Edmontonians and ATU members – never supporting contracting out, saving hundreds of ATU members’ jobs that were on the chopping block, ending the push to outsource all of ETS through the Regional Transit Commission and ending the ill-conceived “Re-imagine” scheme. Erin ticks the box every time.
Ward Dene
Now seeking a third term as an Edmonton City Councillor, Incumbent Aaron Paquette is our preferred choice to continue. Aaron brings so many important attributes to Council that it is difficult to enumerate them. His status in the Aboriginal/Metis community, his artistry, his level-headed, thoughtful approach and his ability to Get Things Done all confirm that he’s a real asset to Edmontonians on Council.
Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi
Newcomer Jon Morgan brings so much fresh thought and consideration to the table that he is an easy choice for ATU. Jon’s electability is tied to an intense, months-long campaign and a deep commitment to the community. As an ETS Superintendent, Jon brings a depth of knowledge of transit issues along with a shoulder-to-shoulder understanding of workers’ issues. We look forward to a long and collaborative relationship with Jon.
Ward Karhiio
Incumbent Keren Tang, seeking a second term on Council has stood with ATU members throughout the past term of office. Whether it was on out-sourcing our jobs, adding thousands of service hours, new buses or closing the ill-conceived Regional Commission, Keren has been there and we are there for her now.
Ward Metis
Incumbent Ashley Salvador. An Urban Planner. On City Council? What an asset! And one with experience in affordable housing, climate change, social isolation and inclusion, infill policy, and seniors housing. How could we NOT endorse continuing such experience and knowledge to City Council?
Ward Nakota Isga
Only the second newcomer in our endorsement list, Rajah Maggay is our clear choice here. This is the Ward vacated by Andrew Knack in his bid for the Mayor’s seat. As Andrew’s Executive Assistant, Rajah Maggay has already served the people of Nakota Isga for the past five years. Clearly a City Hall insider, Rajah already knows the ropes and the workload, but there’s more to this woman. She cares about the issues that matter most to Edmontonians and ATU members. Issues like solving the housing crisis, like ensuring municipal services are available to everyone equally and that the City’s workforce is respected. We are proud to endorse this exceptional candidate.
Ward O-Day’Min
Now seeking a second term on City Council, Anne Stevenson is ATU’s choice in O-DAY’Min. When we look at Anne’s impressive body of education and experience, we can’t imagine NOT endorsing this exceptional woman. A Masters Degree in City Design from the London School of Economics? Worked in Industrial Land Use in Vancouver. Seven years experience working for the City of Edmonton Planning. A body of experience and education that serves the people of Edmonton and ATU members incredibly well.
Ward Papastew
An identifiable energy source powering the City of Edmonton forward into the future, Michael Janz has been there every single time supporting the issues that matter most to ATU members. This is a no-brainer for us as Michael stood strong to defeat the poorly thought out Regional Transit scheme and the poorly thought out Reimagine scheme and the contracting out of our bus cleaners. Strong on Transit, Strong on workers’ issues and strong on the municipal services on which we all depend. It’s Michael Janz for Ward Papastew.
Ward Pihêsiwin
With a background in healthcare and non-profit leadership, Jackie Liu is our pick for ward Pihêsiwin. Jackie is eager to listen, learn, and stand up for workers. He has heard what we have to say and has taken it to heart. Who better to tackle the opioid crisis than a trained pharmacist who understands the complex issues faced by vulnerable citizens? Using that knowledge, Jackie can improve safety for transit riders and transit workers with a compassionate approach to the issues of homelessness and public drug use.
Ward Sipiwiyiniwak
Running second in this Ward in 2021, Giselle General is ATU’s clear choice. With no incumbent and a very strong showing in the last election, Giselle’s winnability is high but there’s more. She’s steeped in Transit issues, having served on the Edmonton Transit Service Advisory Board for several years, both as Board member and as Board Chair. Hard working and independent minded, herself a dedicated Transit user, Giselle brings solid experience and passion to the job.
Ward Sspomitapi
Incumbent Jo-Anne Wright has spent the past four years standing tall and strong on Transit issues, Workers’ issues and everyday Edmontonians’ issues. Her work on City Council is one of the most hard-working, thoughtful and supportive Councillors. Jo-Anne is careful to reach out to stake-holders if she’s unsure of the territory – a welcome attribute for any politician!
Ward Tastawiyiniwak
ATU does not have an endorsement in this complicated Ward.