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 8
Monique Auffrey
Running for: Ward 8 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Monique Auffrey 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 the threads that make up the fabric of who we are. Whether music, film, mural, it all helps in uplifting us and creates vibrancy in our souls. The arts educate and civilize us and help with mental health and wellbeing. We are nothing without the arts."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Monique Auffrey's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.votemonique.ca
Paul Bergmann
Running for: Ward 8 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Paul Bergmann has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Personal arts statement: Paul Bergmann has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Paul Bergmann's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.bergmann4ward8.ca
Gary Bobrovitz
Running for: Ward 8 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Gary Bobrovitz has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Personal arts statement: Gary Bobrovitz has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Gary Bobrovitz's platform includes a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.garybobrovitz.ca
Yogi Henderson
Running for: Ward 8 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Yogi Henderson has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Personal arts statement: Yogi Henderson has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Yogi Henderson has not made a platform publicly available
Campaign website: Yogi Henderson does not have a public campaign website at this time.
Madina Kanayeva
Running for: Ward 8 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Madina Kanayeva 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: "Arts and Culture in Calgary represents an important pillar in Calgary’s local economic development. Storytelling through various creative mediums fosters an inclusive and connected community, which ties the fabric of social and cultural life. It is crucial that we foster and retain local talent as we continue to grow and become the next creative and cultural hub of Canada."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Madina Kanayeva has not made a platform publicly available.
Campaign website: Madina Kanayeva does not have a public campaign website at this time.
Philip Mitchell
Running for: Ward 8 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Philip Mitchell 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: "Like all things that add to the cultural fabric of Calgary, the arts are necessary. Funding should be maintained and potentially increased providing we do not place and more burden on residents or businesses."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Philip Mitchell's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.philipmitchellyyc.com
Courtney Walcott
Running for: Ward 8 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Courtney Walcott 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: "There is a clear fiscal argument to the arts. A vibrant arts and creative sectors is an integral part of a thriving economy. However, I think this sells the significance of the arts short. Someone smart told me that "The arts help us preserve our humanity." As I look at our current world, we need this more than ever."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Courtney Walcott's platform includes a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.courtneywalcott.com
Cornelia Wiebe
Running for: Ward 8 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Cornelia Wiebe 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: "I believe that investing in our arts community is critical to a vibrant, cultural experience for residents and visitors. We must support creatives by providing spaces for work and employment opportunities. Additionally, we must allow for artists voices to be heard and valued in decision making processes. A thriving arts community recognizes our shared values of people and places."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Cornelia Wiebe's platform includes a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.corneliawiebe.ca
Natalie Winkler
Running for: Ward 8 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Natalie Winkler 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 the heartbeat that keeps Calgary vibrant. As a city, we need to show our support for the Arts and encourage growth in this area."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Natalie Winkler's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.winkler4ward8.ca