The Calgary municipal election is on October 20, 2025. On the evening of October 8th Creative Calgary, Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Calgary Association, and Calgary Construction Association hosted a Mayoral Debate. Held in the Jack Singer Concert Hall at Werklund Centre, the event began with a welcome from Tasha Komery (Vice-President of Werklund Centre), Lisa Mackay (Director of Storytelling at Rozsa Foundation and Project Lead for Creative Calgary) and Mark Garner (President and CEO of Calgary Downtown Association). The Debate was moderated by Deborah Yedlin (President and CEO of Calgary Chamber of Commerce) and featured the five leading Mayoral Candidates Brian Theissen, Sonya Sharp, Jyoti Gondek, Jeremy Farkas, and Jeff Davison.

 

This video clip shows their answers to the second question of the evening: “Calgary’s vibrancy, including the arts and culture sector, plays a central role in attracting talent, investment, and visitors, and is an economic driver contributing over $3 billion annually to our economy. Yet many organizations face chronic underfunding and rising operating costs.

If elected, how will you support Calgary’s vibrancy—including arts and culture—and ensure Calgary continues to build a globally recognized creative economy that anchors our city’s vibrancy long term?”