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CBC
11-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
As Calgary Party launches, Alberta's major cities brace for big change to local politics
Social Sharing The Calgary Party officially launched on Saturday, marking the beginning of a long road ahead introducing its candidates to voters around the city, amid a range of new party names on the ballot in this fall's municipal election. Alongside Communities First and A Better Calgary Party, the Calgary Party will vie for the mayoral and councillor seats as part of a major shift in local politics that Alberta's two biggest cities are undergoing. This fall's election will be the first in Calgary and Edmonton to include official political parties. The Calgary Party is a centrist party led by mayoral candidate Brian Thiessen. A lawyer and former chair of the Calgary Police Commission, Thiessen said the new party will run candidates in every ward who have agreed to develop policy and vote together on four key policy areas: public safety, housing, transit and critical infrastructure. Otherwise, he says the party won't whip votes on any other issues. "I think it was a sea change day for municipal politics in Calgary," Thiessen said on his party's launch. While he acknowledges political parties aren't a popular addition to local politics, Thiessen is optimistic about what his party can accomplish. He argued that if a party can get eight or more candidates elected, it will be able to follow through on election promises more effectively and efficiently by co-operating from day one, which he contrasted against Calgary's current council that is often criticized for its dysfunction. "I've talked to councillors who say it takes up to two years for council to get to know one another and learn how to work together. This one never did. We'll be working together on day one," Thiessen said. Calgary's political sea change Municipal parties are being introduced after new provincial legislation was unveiled last year in Bill 20, that among other things allowed parties and slates to run in Alberta's two biggest cities for mayoral and councillor seats. School boards are excluded from the change. Albertans have no idea what to expect from municipal party politics, said Duane Bratt, political science professor at Mount Royal University. He argues it will be difficult for voters to familiarize themselves with what these new parties offer and know what to expect from them. "People know what the NDP stands for, the Liberals stand for, the Conservatives stand for. Instead, we're going to get a whole bunch of parties with the word 'Calgary' in there," Bratt said. "[Federally], people have history and tradition to get a sense of where they stand. But A Better Calgary? The Calgary Party? What's the difference between those?" The Communities First party presents itself as more of a known commodity for voters, with Ward 1 Coun. Sonya Sharp running for mayor and incumbent councillors Andre Chabot, Dan McLean and Terry Wong seeking to retain their seats under the party banner. Sharp said the party also won't be whipped, as its members may disagree, but they'll work to support each other's interests. Communities First has already pledged to work together to repeal blanket rezoning. Sharp said she initially had reservations about the introduction of political parties, but the idea has grown on her because she thinks co-operation between eight candidates is needed to accomplish anything at city hall. "We thought, why don't we build a unique caucus of like-minded individuals committed to individually representing our constituents," Sharp said. She added that Calgary has never seen a more divided council than the one it currently has, and she doesn't believe the same division will be seen with political parties. The third registered party is A Better Calgary, which launched last summer. Its organizers have said it intends to run on a platform of common sense and fiscal responsibility, and that it was formed out of frustration with decisions made by Calgary's current council. The party has not yet selected a mayoral candidate. Along with Calgary's three registered parties, the Principled Accountable Coalition for Edmonton party and Edmonton First slate are set to run in Alberta's capital. City councillor Tim Cartmell is also expected to launch the Better Edmonton party. While the practice is new in Alberta, other major Canadian cities like Vancouver and Montreal already have municipal political parties. While most of the focus around political parties may lie in the mayor's race, Bratt is interested to see how the successful candidate's victory will influence the make-up of council around them. "Where it could impact are councillors that are directly affiliated by party status with a mayoral candidate, and so we'll have to see if they've got coattails," Bratt said. Most of the discussion around this shift in municipal politics has revolved around campaigns, but Bratt said not enough focus has been given to the way parties could shift how councils govern. He added that voters don't know whether to expect voting discipline once parties are in power, or whether city hall will see opposition party leaders. Independent pushback Some independents running in this fall's election are skeptical about the addition of parties. Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek is set to run as an independent when she seeks re-election, and she's called political parties "the kiss of death for local representation." Former city councillors Jeff Davison and Jeromy Farkas are two other mayoral candidates who currently aren't running under party banners. Farkas said he opposes a "takeover of city hall" by political parties. He added that the level of dysfunction and vitriol that can be seen between parties at various levels of government in Canada and the U.S. should be a warning for Albertans. He added that instead of partisan politics, voters want to see council work across ideological divides to push good ideas forward. "When you have an environment of party politics where an idea is judged based on the jersey colour rather than is it a good idea or is it what Calgarians need, I think we all suffer," Farkas said. The 2025 municipal elections in Alberta are scheduled for Oct. 20.
Global News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Calgary police shakeup continues as interim chief sworn in, 2 deputy chiefs retire
Calgary's new interim police chief, Katie McLellan, officially took charge of the force on Wednesday following the surprise resignation of former chief Mark Neufeld on Friday, May 2. View image in full screen Calgary's new Police Chief, Katie McLellan, was officially sworn in on Wednesday in a small private ceremony with family and friends. Global News McLellan, who met with the media on Wednesday afternoon to talk about her priorities and challenges, also announced the surprise 'retirement' of CPS deputy chiefs Chad Tawfik and Raj Gill on Wednesday. Story continues below advertisement They will be replaced by Supt. Cliff O'Brien and Supt. Asif Rashid, who have both been promoted to deputy chiefs effective on Monday. View image in full screen The shakeup at the top of the Calgary Police Service continued on Wednesday with the announcement that Deputy Chiefs Chad Tawfik and Raj Gill have resigned. City of Calgary While McLellan refused to comment on the reasons for the former chief or deputy chiefs' departure, she did wish Neufeld well. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Of course, I'm sad to see him go. He was my boss. He was supportive of me and just recently extending my contract last year. And so he did amazing things for this service,' said McLellan. 'Other than that, I am not able to share anything, but we had a great relationship.' 2:01 Calgary police chief announces resignation One of McLellan's biggest challenges will be to improve morale after her predecessor's time as chief was plagued with reports of very low morale. Story continues below advertisement A report from the Calgary Police Commission last year said 75 per cent of CPS employees had concerns about morale on the force and almost half said their personal morale was low. 'Things like that don't change overnight, and we will continue to work at that,' said McLellan. 'We will continue to create a workplace where people want to come to work, where they feel valued, where they feel appreciated — and we will continue to listen and learn. 'We'll roll up our sleeves, we'll be at the table. We may have some differing of opinions, but people will be heard and their voices will be hard. I would say that every day we strive to do better and there's always room for improvement.' View image in full screen A report from the Calgary Police Commission, released in 2024, said 75 per cent of CPS employees had concerns about morale on the force. Calgary Police Commission Another of the big challenges McLellan said she hopes to address is 'resource shortages across the service, particularly on the front line.' Story continues below advertisement McLellan, who was sworn in during a private ceremony with family and friends, began her career with the Calgary Police Service as a summer student in 1986. She had been a deputy chief since 2019 and becomes the second woman to serve as chief — the first was Christine Silverberg, who headed up the force between 1995 and 2000. Because of the busy summer ahead, the Calgary Police Commission said it will not immediately begin looking for a new, permanent chief. 'The coming weeks and months are significant for our city as we prepare to welcome leaders into Alberta for the G7 Leaders Summit and prepare of course for our annual Calgary Stampede,' said McLellan. 'Our service has been working closely with our partners to plan for both events and this work will continue without interruption.' While the Police Commission has referred to McLellan's appointment as 'a new chapter,' it said it also wants to take time to consult with the community and with other CPS members 'on what should be sought in a future chief.'
Calgary Herald
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
After sudden departure, Mark Neufeld lauded, roasted for his time as Calgary's police chief
Article content Mark Neufeld's tenure as Calgary police chief was both praised and slammed by those who've closely watched his performance as the city's top cop. Article content Article content Neufeld abruptly resigned Friday after serving as chief since 2019 despite having two years remaining on his contract, and gave no reason for his departure. Article content Members of the Calgary Police Commission either didn't return calls about his exit or said they couldn't divulge the reason for it due to it being a personnel issue and thus confidential. Article content Article content 'When it comes to his choice of career, it's very private and confidential,' said Terry Wong, a member of the commission and Ward 7 city counsellor. Article content Article content But Wong said Neufeld led the CPS through 'a number of different challenges' and will be remembered as someone who strengthened its diversity and inclusion. Article content 'He inspired and the message he delivered to (CPS) cadets was that the future of policing should be one of diversity and that policing is about being respectful to the community,' said Wong. Article content Some have questioned the timing of Neufeld's exit, particularly since it comes just six weeks before the start of the G7 gathering at Kananaskis that brings with it the need for major security measures. Article content But Wong said those security preparations are now well-along. Article content 'You have to appreciate a lot of that planning's been done,' he said. Article content Neufeld took the helm of the police department in June 2019, replacing former chief Roger Chaffin, who had retired that January. Before Neufeld's arrival in Calgary, he was a 24-year veteran of the Edmonton Police Service and had served for two years as chief of the Camrose Police Service. He also spent time with the Vancouver Police Department, where he began his career in 1992. Article content Article content Neufeld also served as president of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police, was chair of the ALERT board of directors, and was a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police board of directors. Article content His contract as CPS chief was extended by three years in 2023, taking that pact to 2027. Article content Former deputy chief Katie McLellan has been appointed as interim chief, effective immediately, according to the police commission. Article content McLellan first joined CPS in 1987 and spent the first 13 years of her career working in front-line areas. Article content The commission said it won't immediately embark on finding a permanent replacement for Neufeld, due to a number of high-profile policing events coming to Calgary and area, including the G7. Article content Neufeld was successful in handling issues of internal gender-based harassment, a festering issue that contributed to his ascending to the CPS helm, said Mount Royal University criminologist Doug King.
Winnipeg Free Press
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Calgary's police chief resigns with two years left on contract, force says
CALGARY – Mark Neufeld has resigned after six years as head of the Calgary Police Service despite having two years left on his contract. The force says the Calgary Police Commission has appointed Katie McLellan as interim chief and that it won't immediately start a search for Neufeld's replacement due to 'significant events coming to Calgary this summer.' Commission chair Amtul Siddiqui says Neufeld made strides to improve how police misconduct is handled and that the commission wishes him all the best. Neufeld says it's been an honour to serve as the force's top officer and that he wishes his colleagues nothing but the best of luck moving forward. It is not known why Neufeld is resigning, despite the fact that his contract was to run until 2027. Interim Chief McLellan joined the Calgary police in 1987 and has worked in roles, including criminal operations, responding to people in crisis and addressing crime and disorder. 'Our commission fully supports and has full confidence in Chief McLellan,' said Siddiqui in a media release Friday. 'We are looking forward to working with her on the issues that matter to Calgarians and challenges facing members of CPS.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 2, 2025.
Global News
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Calgary police Chief Mark Neufeld has resigned, interim chief appointed
In a surprise move, Calgary police Chief Mark Neufeld has tendered his resignation after six years as head of the city's police force. Neufeld's resignation was revealed in a letter from Amtul Siddiqui, chair of the Calgary Police Commission, that was obtained by Global News. While the letter makes no mention of the reason's for Neufeld's resignation, it thanks him for 'leading the Service through a very turbulent time.' The letter says the commission has also appointed Deputy Chief Katie McLellan as interim chief, effective immediately. According to the Calgary Police Service website, McLellan, who has more than 35 years of experience with the force, has been a deputy chief since 2019. The Calgary police commission has appointed Deputy Chief Katie McLellan as the interim chief of the Calgary Police Service. Originally from Scotland, she first joined the Calgary Police Service in 1987. Calgary Police Service In the letter, Neufeld issued a statement expressing his gratitude and praising the members and employees of the force for their work. Story continues below advertisement 'Thank you to all the incredible members of the CPS, both sworn and civilian, for your commitment and dedication to serving Calgarians and to keeping our city safe,' reads the statement. 'It was an absolute privilege to serve our amazing community as a police officer and, in particular, to do it with all of you. You should all be proud of your daily efforts and the positive impact that flows from them.' Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy One of the immediate challenges facing the interim chief will be helping to organize and enforce security for the upcoming G7 Summit being held in Kananaskis from June 15 to 17. There's no word on when a permanent replacement for Neufeld will be made, but the statement said the commission intends to first focus on the busy summer and continue to address staffing concerns and morale. The statement said the commission also wants to take time to 'consult with the community and members on what should be sought in a future chief.' 1:52 Internal survey polling leadership 'deeply disturbing', says Calgary police chief
