As Canada’s third most diverse city, Calgary’s demographic makeup includes more than 300 cultural origins with more than 165 different spoken languages. With a city growing and diversifying as rapidly as ours, it is ever more important to establish a vision of a city where everyone belongs. Calgarians contribute to a rich diversity of culture, knowledge, and experiences, all of which help grow our economy and livability.
At the heart of this vision is a belief that to thrive, people need to feel they belong. As Mayor, one of my roles is to ensure every Calgarian feels welcomed, regardless of religion, gender (identity and expression), sexual-orientation, age, physical and mental ability, or ethnicity. The list goes on and the bottom-line remains the same: every person who chooses this city as home deserves a life of inclusion, safety and dignity.
In May, I had the chance to participate in the ‘Get On Board’ campaign run by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), which consisted of a ride-along on Calgary’s public transit with an individual with vision loss. Observing a person trying to navigate with the help of strangers of inconsistent accessibility features is stressful (let alone personally living them). It’s clear there are areas in which we can and must do better.
The importance of acknowledging gaps will help to shape more accessible systems in which all Calgarians can feel safe to independently utilize city-operated services. Calgary Transit has made strides towards a more accessible experience for people with visual disabilities, including a pilot program with blue tactile strips on train platforms at City Hall and Bridgeland Stations that help guide users with vision loss through a change in surface texture.
In the wake of discriminatory protests towards the 2SLGBTQI+ community, I pushed for City Council to pass the ‘Safe and Inclusive Bylaw’. In March 2023, this bylaw, which restricts protests that object to all topics of human rights within 100 metres of an entrance to public services or facilities, was approved. Protests play a critical role in healthy and resilient democracies. This bylaw does not eliminate the rights of Calgarians to participate in demonstrations or movements; rather it protects access into and within public facilities, so they remain safe for all.
Through a variety of resources and programs, the City of Calgary is continuously seeking new ways in which we can support the livelihoods and well-being of all Calgarians. In one consolidated application process, Calgarians experiencing financial challenges can access the Fair Entry program, which provides access to recreational facilities, public transit, supported property taxes and so much more. In 2023, we added the Connected for Success program by partnering with Rogers to provide clients with access to subsidized internet, wireless and TV.
As Mayor, I’m determined to open the doors of opportunity for Calgarians to fully participate in everything our city has to offer by eliminating the barriers of access to basic services and support.
Whether it’s the low-income ‘Fair Entry’ program or collaboration with non-profits to address homelessness or mental health, the services that the City of Calgary delivers are not a “one-size fits all”. By coordinating support systems from housing, health, and social services, I am focused on reducing the time spent on paperwork to receive help and instead connecting people to the appropriate resources for their situation. Living with dignity doesn’t mean you should have to choose between essentials like groceries or opportunities like swimming lessons. I’m determined to ensure that’s not a choice Calgarians are making.
While I recognize everyone is on their own journey of truth and reconciliation, my personal commitment is to start all my remarks with the traditional languages of those who stewarded these lands, that many of us know as the Confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. As Mayor, I’m making sure The City is doing everything in its capacity to support Indigenous communities. Our willingness and commitment to reconciliation is demonstrated with small steps such as the Indigenous Affordable Housing Funding Program or cultural celebrations like The Tipi Project, and we know our work isn’t done yet.
Understanding the contributions of Indigenous People and businesses to Calgary highlights the City’s role in ensuring equitable access to opportunities for these communities. These processes towards reconciliation, whether that’s social or economic, take time. By collaborating and learning from Elders and Indigenous communities, we can make sure that the solutions we find together will be meaningful and long-lasting.
My approach to solving problems is to never forget that I am the voice of Calgarians. I meet with diverse community groups to bolster my understanding of how city policies impact their lives. Hearing their voices and concerns, together with research and studies, help support a community-first, data-informed approach to decision-making. From there, I’m able to advocate on behalf of all Calgarians to City Council in order to make long-lasting impacts. As a Calgarian first and Mayor second, I want everyone to know that no matter who you are or where you come from, you belong in this city you have chosen to call home.