🧵 Today, I walked alongside Ukrainian-Edmontonians and their allies as they called for an end to Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine in our downtown core. #StandWithUkraine#YEG
The high spirits and resilience of Edmonton’s Ukrainian community is nothing short of inspiring, and I was honoured to join them in advocating for sovereignty and peace today. ✊🏽
It is essential that we denounce war and Imperialism in all its forms, and hold compassion for one another as we reflect on the profound impact that this conflict is having on the entire world.
I urge you all to be kind to one another through difficult times, and show solidarity for all global communities facing oppression. 💛
#YEG is holding Ukraine in our hearts, and today was a clear indication that we are always stronger together. Slava Ukraini. Слава Україні! 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine
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🧵Today’s announcement by the Premier to take away local government’s ability to make our own decisions is deeply disappointing. The implications of such an overreach will go far beyond the mask bylaw. Here’s why 👇 #YEG#YEGcc
It can affect all municipalities across the province if the GoA decides to alter the MGA whenever they dislike a policy a municipality has in place. This means the province can take away our responsibility to decide what works for our residents. It is deeply problematic.
If this overreach goes unchallenged, the province could, for example, restrict our smoking bylaws or affect how we build our cities by changing our zoning bylaws or decide how we manage traffic in our neighbourhoods to protect our children.
🧵Our office has received a number of inquiries on what happens tomorrow once the province’s mask mandate goes away, and I’d like to explain that to you. #YEGcc#YEG
During the pandemic, the Alberta government encouraged and expected municipalities to pass their own health and safety bylaws based on local realities and what was in the best interest of their city or community’s residents.
With that in mind, City Council implemented its own mask mandate that has been in place for the majority of the pandemic in an effort to keep Edmontonians safe.
🧵I want to take a moment to share my thoughts on something that I know has been top of mind for everyone in recent weeks. Weekends are a time that we all look forward to.
They’re a time to spend with family and friends & I know that this precious time has been ruined for the last 3 weekends by the ongoing unruly & disruptive convoy protests. Just like you, I am tired of it. Edmontonians deserve to enjoy their weekend & should feel safe doing so.
I hear your frustrations because I also feel them. I have heard from local business owners who are facing harassment when they ask people to put on their masks.
🧵 I am thrilled that the federal government has met our needs for transit operating shortfall funding, but in order to retain this offer, we need the province to step up too. #YEG#YEGtransit
I am passionate about Edmonton transit and I know how life-changing accessible, affordable and functioning transit can be. Provincial funding would help increase ridership, maintain service levels and create jobs here in our city - this is a reasonable ask. #YEG#YEGtransit
I sincerely hope the province will join the federal government in supporting our city as we improve our transit systems and economically recover from COVID-19. If they do not meet this ask, we will lose funding from our federal partners. #YEG#YEGtransit
🧵I know that the past few years have been difficult and last night’s announcement caused mixed emotions for Edmontonians. While I am disappointed by the changes the GoA announced yesterday without consulting us, I am pleased to see #yegcc taking a united front to keep us safe.
Municipalities are empowered to implement safety measures that are specifically designed to protect their residents. The previous and current #YEGcc have both already exercised this right, and we will continue to explore all options.
To the HCWs, teachers, parents, elderly and immunocompromised folks who have reached out to express their fears and anxieties - we see you, we hear you, and we want you, and all Edmontonians, to feel safe in this city.
🧵As Mayors of the two cities that straddle Member of Parliament Michael Cooper’s riding, Mayor @CathyHeron and I are troubled by a photo of MP Cooper that is being circulated with an upside down Canadian flag with a hateful symbol of a swastika on it.
This type of symbolism is never okay, but it is even more troubling as we just marked the anniversary of the Holocaust, and today, we remember the victims who lost their lives in the hate-based Quebec City Mosque attack five years ago.
We want the rest of the country to know that MP Cooper’s presence at this rally in no way reflects the values of Edmontonians and St. Albertans. Our communities are diverse, inclusive and welcoming—hate has absolutely no place here.