🧵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.

🧵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.

🧵 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. ✊🏽

🧵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 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 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.

🧵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.

🧵 It has been 5 years since a gunman entered the Quebec City Mosque. Six Muslims lost their lives and others were injured. Today, we observe the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia. I remember this dark day in our history. I was in Ottawa working as a federal minister, and I will never forget the despair, fear and trauma that my Muslim friends and colleagues were feeling. Canada would never be the same again.

🧵I have spent a large portion of my time as Mayor building relationships with our provincial and federal government partners. I believe that collaboration is how we move forward in our city, and I am grateful for the meaningful conversations we have had thus far. I have met with the Premier and many ministers to highlight what our city needs financially to succeed, to grow our economy, create jobs and support one another as we emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.

🧵 Today, on #HolocaustRemembranceDay, we remember the many Jewish peoples who lost their lives to violent Antisemitism and honour the survivors who are still with us. The Holocaust was the systematic persecution and murder of over six million Jews by the Nazi regime, its allies and collaborators. Many Jews still experience generational trauma as a result of this genocide, and we must reconcile with this.

This morning, Mr. Nickel made a serious allegation against me. It is a lie. As a leader, I hold myself to the highest standard and would never compromise my duty to the public. Let’s break down the facts.

The original buyer for Lot 38 purchased the lot at the same time I made my initial deposit and agreed to the price, in March 2010. I received no discount of any kind on the land purchase.

As a first generation immigrant, Canada holds a unique and special place in my heart.

But Canada also has a difficult past; one that includes neglect, abuse and violence toward Indigenous peoples, including on the Treaty 6 territory that #yeg resides on. (1/7) I came here when I was just 18 years old, excited to explore new opportunities, experience new cultures and make my dreams come true. (2/7)

Construction is underway on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, including here in Edmonton and in British Columbia. As of September 30, Trans Mountain and their contractors have hired more than 2,200 people, with a focus on Indigenous, local & regional workers. 1/ By the end of this year, 4,200 people will be hired to work on this critical project. In Edmonton, there is important work underway, including at stockpiling and construction office sites. 2/