Candidate Information
Welcome to Creative Calgary’s candidate information for the Calgary 2021 General Election. Creative Calgary’s goal is to educate voters on the extent to which candidates in the municipal election share its view that fostering support and strong investment in the arts sector is critical in building a vibrant and prosperous city.
We thank you for taking the time to visit our site and encourage you to do your own research on each candidate to ensure that on October 18, you cast your vote for the candidate that best aligns with your own values and priorities. A full list of candidates can be found here, and we have linked to candidates' public websites below, where applicable.
To read about Creative Calgary's process in researching each candidate, click here.
Ward 1
Tom Antonick
Running for: Ward 1 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Tom Antonick selected, "I believe a thriving, prosperous city must have a vibrant arts scene in order to succeed. The municipal government should prioritize finding strategic ways to increase investment in the arts sector."
Personal arts statement: "We need to continue to support the Arts in Calgary as it's a vital part of our culture. It is one of the few things in life that everyone can be involved in."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Tom Antonick's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.tomantonick.com
Chris Blatch
Running for: Ward 1 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Chris Blatch has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Personal arts statement: Chris Blatch has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Chris Blatch's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.blatchward1.ca
John Flip
Running for: Ward 1 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: John Flip has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Personal arts statement: John Flip has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Inclusion of the arts in platform: John Flip's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.facebook.com/Filp4Councillor
Jacob McGregor
Running for: Ward 1 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Jacob McGregor selected, "I believe Calgary currently has many important civic priorities, including the arts. Current municipal investment in the arts is sufficient and should be maintained at its current level."
Personal arts statement: "Arts are an important part of building vibrant communities and driving tourism and the economy but must have meaning to the community broadly and create an experience not merely be driven by."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Jacob McGregor's platform includes a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.jacobforward1.ca
Gaz Qamar
Running for: Ward 1 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Gaz Qamar selected, "I believe that the arts are a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have for Calgary. As Calgary recovers from low oil prices and the effects of the pandemic, cuts should be made to municipal arts funding."
Personal arts statement: "All for Art, just not funded by government."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Gaz Qamar's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.electgaz.ca
Shauna Sears
Running for: Ward 1 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Shauna Sears has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Personal arts statement: Shauna Sears has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Shauna Sears' platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.shaunasears.com
Sonya Sharp
Running for: Ward 1 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Sonya Sharp has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Personal arts statement: Sonya Sharp has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Sonya Sharp's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.sonyasharp.ca
Larry Tweedale
Running for: Ward 1 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Larry Tweedale selected, "I believe a thriving, prosperous city must have a vibrant arts scene in order to succeed. The municipal government should prioritize finding strategic ways to increase investment in the arts sector."
Personal arts statement: :"Art is an important element in making Calgary a most livable city. We must encourage it to thrive. People like to explore the city if it has creative and popular art installations. Tourism will increase if our city promotes the art industry."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Larry Tweedale's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.larrytweedale.com
Steve Webb
Running for: Ward 1 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Steve Webb selected, "I believe Calgary currently has many important civic priorities, including the arts. Current municipal investment in the arts is sufficient and should be maintained at its current level."
Personal arts statement: "The arts are an enriching aspect of our City. It gives us the opportunity to highlight and our local talent and display the rich culture in this great city. We need to ensure adequate and responsibly spent funding to promote and grow the arts in Calgary."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Steve Webb's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.webbforwardone.ca