Global News Debate Questions
1. Council Sentiment
Nearly 60% of Edmontonians feel council is not on the right track. I agree. The right track means decisions rooted in action, accountability, and collaboration with residents. As mayor, I’ll move us forward by bringing clarity back into City Hall: ensuring motions are actionable, priorities are clear, and communities are genuinely consulted. Edmonton deserves leadership that not only listens but acts. I’ll focus on rebuilding trust through transparency, measuring outcomes against promises, and cutting through red tape that slows progress. The right track is a council that delivers — one that makes life easier for Edmontonians, not harder. Together, we can restore confidence and build a city where decisions feel like they belong to the people again.
2. Basic City Services
Core services like snow clearing, garbage pickup, and pothole repair are the basics Edmontonians count on. We cannot compromise them. To protect these services, the city must re-evaluate spending on initiatives that do not directly improve daily life. My approach will be to identify redundancies, streamline projects, and pause non-essential programs until we’ve secured our basics. A city is only as strong as its foundation, and ours begins with clear roads, reliable waste management, and safe, well-maintained infrastructure. By putting core services first, we protect quality of life for every Edmontonian — and restore confidence that City Hall can manage the essentials before reaching further. Basics done well build trust and make space for growth.
3. Taxes
Property taxes have risen more than 28% in four years. This is unsustainable. Families and businesses are stretched thin, and Edmonton cannot grow if affordability continues to decline. My approach is simple: freeze unnecessary spending, prioritize efficiency, and implement a tax strategy that makes sense for both residents and businesses. By streamlining services, renegotiating contracts where needed, and focusing on outcomes rather than bureaucracy, we can reduce waste. Lower taxes create breathing room for families and make Edmonton competitive for businesses. As mayor, I will put affordability at the center of every decision — because the city’s prosperity depends on people being able to thrive here without being priced out of their own neighbourhoods.
4. Jobs & Economic Development
Edmonton’s high unemployment and lagging GDP are urgent. Businesses also face disproportionate property tax burdens compared to residents, stalling growth. As mayor, I’ll champion a fair tax balance and foster a pro-business environment by streamlining approvals, cutting red tape, and opening doors for investment. Economic growth requires collaboration: with entrepreneurs, innovators, and our post-secondary institutions. We must attract new industries — technology, green energy, and creative sectors — while also supporting local small businesses that form our city’s backbone. Jobs aren’t created by government alone but by building conditions where businesses can succeed. My leadership will focus on action, ensuring Edmonton becomes a city where people want to invest, work, and build their future.
5. Downtown Revitalization
Our downtown should be the heartbeat of Edmonton — but it’s struggling. High vacancies and safety concerns keep people away. My priority will be to reimagine downtown as a safe, vibrant, people-first core. That means incentives for small businesses and entrepreneurs, supporting arts and culture, and ensuring safety measures are visibly enforced. We must also attract residents downtown — because people create life, not just buildings. By partnering with local developers, entrepreneurs, and communities, we can transform unused spaces into hubs of activity. A thriving downtown is key to attracting talent and investment. Edmonton deserves a core that inspires pride, welcomes visitors, and supports the businesses that keep our economy alive.
6. Transit, Infrastructure & City Services
Construction delays and cost overruns have cost Edmonton time, money, and trust. I am deeply concerned with how we plan and execute projects. My approach: implement stricter accountability at the planning stage, tie contracts to performance outcomes, and improve transparency in reporting. Edmonton must shift from reactive fixes to proactive, long-term planning. Transit and infrastructure are vital, but they must be managed with efficiency and clarity. Edmontonians are tired of construction chaos — they want results that match investment. As mayor, I’ll demand precision: projects built on time, on budget, and with a clear purpose that connects people and supports economic growth. Edmonton deserves infrastructure that moves us forward, not stuck in delay.
7. Core Safety
Safety in our core is not just a perception issue — it’s a reality we must face. Businesses and residents are right: crime and disorder are driving people away. As mayor, I’ll ensure visible, effective safety measures — not just policing, but a coordinated effort with outreach services, mental health supports, and community-driven solutions. People must feel safe to live, work, and visit downtown. That means addressing root causes while also ensuring immediate protection. Safety is the foundation of vibrancy; without it, investment and community cannot thrive. My leadership will restore confidence by making downtown a place where families, workers, and visitors feel welcome, secure, and inspired to spend time.
8. Homelessness & Poverty
Homelessness and poverty have increased, and encampments highlight the gaps in how Edmonton addresses these challenges. The City’s approach has often been reactive, not proactive. As mayor, I’ll push for better collaboration with the province, federal government, and local organizations to ensure housing, mental health, and addiction supports are properly resourced. But leadership also means practical city actions: streamlining permits for affordable housing, unlocking underused spaces, and ensuring services are coordinated. Poverty reduction is not a side issue — it is central to creating a thriving, safe city. Edmonton cannot thrive while so many are left behind. We must combine compassion with action to provide both immediate relief and long-term solutions.
9. Infill
Infill must balance growth with respect for existing communities. I support responsible infill — developments that enhance neighbourhoods rather than overwhelm them. This means thoughtful design, consultation, and infrastructure that keeps pace. City Council has too often pushed density without listening to residents’ concerns. My approach is to honour both: stop sprawl by focusing on smart growth, but do so with respect for community character. I also invite Edmontonians to share photos of infills that concern them and tag me on Instagram — because leadership requires seeing what people see. Together, we can create an Edmonton where density supports vibrancy, affordability, and sustainability — without sacrificing the unique spirit of our established neighbourhoods.
10. Provincial Relations
The relationship with the provincial government must be one of partnership, not conflict. I’ll work with the province on shared goals like infrastructure, safety, and affordability — but I’ll also protect Edmonton’s right to self-govern effectively. Provincial involvement should support, not dictate. Issues like bike lanes or city planning must remain in the hands of Edmontonians. My leadership will focus on building bridges: open communication, clear accountability, and collaboration that respects local decision-making. Edmonton is stronger when we align with other levels of government — but only if we stand firm in protecting our city’s vision and autonomy. I will be a mayor who works with, not against, but always for Edmonton first.
“Edmonton is ready for leadership that listens, acts, and inspires. I’m ready to move our city forward — with clarity, action, and the belief that together, we can raise Edmonton’s vibration.”
Vanessa Denman
Mayoral Candidate – City of Edmonton