Communities First (political party)
Communities First | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Leader | Sonya Sharp |
| Founded | December 2024[1] |
| Ideology | Conservatism[2] |
| Political position | Centre-right[3] |
| Colours | Blue |
| Seats on council | 4 / 15
|
| Website | |
| communitiesfirstyyc | |
Communities First is a conservative municipal political party in Calgary, Alberta, founded by four incumbent city councillors ahead of the city's 2025 municipal election.[1] Councillor Sonya Sharp is running as the party's mayoral candidate.[4]
History
[edit]Communities First was founded in December 2024 by four independent councillors and was registered with Elections Calgary on February 18, 2025.[5] The party was founded in response to the Alberta government's legalization of municipal political parties in Calgary and Edmonton ahead of the province's 2025 municipal elections; though several of their candidates criticized the introduction of parties to municipal politics, they expressed concern that incumbent councillors could be defeated by candidates from other parties if they did not form their own.[1][6] The party intends to run a full slate of candidates for mayor and council.[6] On March 31, 2025, councillor Sonya Sharp announced she would be running as the party's mayoral candidate.[4]
Positions
[edit]Communities First's candidates have described it as a "non-party party" and "a caucus with like-minded individuals" that will not impose strict party discipline on its councillors.[1] They have criticized city council as "dysfunctional" and failing to represent the views of constituents, promising to focus on community representation over ideology. Their priorities include government efficiency, a focus on basic responsibilities such as filling potholes and fixing roads, maintaining low taxes, and public safety.[7][8][9] They are opposed to Calgary's blanket rezoning policy, instead favouring development policies that allow higher density while preserving community character.[1]
Candidates in the 2025 Municipal Election
[edit]| Seat | Candidate[9] |
|---|---|
| Mayor | Sonya Sharp |
| Ward 1 | Kim Tyers |
| Ward 2 | |
| Ward 3 | |
| Ward 4 | |
| Ward 5 | |
| Ward 6 | |
| Ward 7 | Terry Wong |
| Ward 8 | Cornelia Wiebe |
| Ward 9 | |
| Ward 10 | Andre Chabot |
| Ward 11 | Rob Ward |
| Ward 12 | |
| Ward 13 | Dan McLean |
| Ward 14 |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Stolte, Elise (January 29, 2025). "Political parties bring clarity to Calgary politics, say members. Here's what we know so far". CBC News. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
- ^ MacVicar, Adam (March 29, 2025). "Trio of political parties to officially make the ballot in Calgary election". Global News. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ Klaszus, Jeremy (April 5, 2025). "How Calgary municipal parties are hoping to avoid a conservative vote split". The Sprawl. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
- ^ a b "Calgary councillor Sonya Sharp announces bid for mayor". CityNews. March 31, 2025. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- ^ "Registry and disclosures for local political parties and slates". Elections Calgary. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
- ^ a b MacVicar, Adam (December 10, 2024). "4 incumbent councillors launch new political party in Calgary's next election". Global News. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
- ^ Krause, Darren (December 10, 2024). "Four sitting councillors behind new Communities First Calgary municipal party". LiveWire Calgary. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
- ^ Kanygin, Jordan (December 10, 2024). "Four current Calgary councillors make up latest municipal political party". CTV News. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
- ^ a b Klaszus, Jeremy; Arnett, Kelsea (April 5, 2025). "Meet the Calgarians running for mayor and council in 2025". The Sprawl. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
