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 5
Anand James Chetty
Running for: Ward 5 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Anand Chetty 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: "Public art is a necessity but the art needs to be from local artists. The city has failed the arts community by commissioning artists not from the region. I believe the city should work with local businesses and artists on future projects."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Anand Chetty's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.anandchetty.com
Raj Dhaliwal
Running for: Ward 5 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Raj Dhaliwal 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: "Calgary needs to continue to be a place that attracts new industry, and young people to choose to make a life here. Investing in our city, the amenities and industries that enhance our quality of life are crucial for achieving our best future. The Arts bring enormous economic value but also cultural value to our City. I strongly support doing what I can to enhance access and support a thriving Arts scene in our city."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Raj Dhaliwal's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.voteraj.ca
Tudor Dinca
Running for: Ward 5 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Tudor Dinca 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: "I am a big fan of architecture and I believe it serves an important artistic role. If I were to be elected I would work with the private, public and non-for-profit sectors to create new developments that put an emphasis on the artistic side of architecture and the public space."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Tudor Dinca's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.tudor4ward5.ca
Tariq Khan
Running for: Ward 5 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Tariq Khan has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Personal arts statement: Tariq Khan has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Tariq Khan's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.electtariqkhan.ca
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Tahir Merali
Running for: Ward 5 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Tahir Merali 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: "The arts are critical to foster Connected Communities - a tenet of my vision for Ward 5 and the City. The most vibrant cities of the world invest in the arts which facilitate both functional and enjoyable public spaces to live, work and play. Central Library is a wonderful example!"
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Tahir Merali's platform includes a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.votemerali.ca
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Aryan Sadat
Running for: Ward 5 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Aryan Sadat has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Personal arts statement: Aryan Sadat has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Aryan Sadat's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.aryansadat.com
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Stan Sandhu
Running for: Ward 5 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Stan Sandhu has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Personal arts statement: Stan Sandhu has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Stan Sandhu's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.votestan.ca