Edmonton mayor congratulates Smith, hopes city receives 'fair share' of support
Edmonton's mayor congratulated Danielle Smith, Alberta's premier-designate, for her United Conservative Party leadership contest win, and hoped for a collaborative partnership.
After a seven-candidate leadership race, former Wildrose leader Danielle Smith won the party's top job after six rounds of preferential ballot voting with 53.77 per cent of the vote.
Travis Toews, former finance minister, represented her closest challenger, garnering 46.23 per cent of support.
In a statement released Thursday evening after the UCP leadership result was announced, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi congratulated Smith, saying he looked forward to collaborating with her and would continue to "advocate fiercely" for Edmonton.
Sohi congratulated Smith for the win and for becoming the premier-designate, to be sworn in next week, after which she will be the 19th premier of Alberta.
"We, as Alberta's capital city, are ready to put in the work necessary to promote and improve Edmonton under her leadership," Sohi said.
The mayor said Edmonton is a leader in several fields, including hydrogen, health sciences, artificial intelligence, renewable energy technologies, and transportation technologies.
He wants the next provincial administration to continue growing not only Edmonton's economy but the region as a whole.
"In partnership with our new premier, we can help expand our economy, create well-paying middle-class jobs and tackle climate change to make our communities more sustainable."
Sohi called on Smith to fulfill the province's responsibilities when it comes to addressing houselessness, drug poisoning, and mental health.
"Tackling these issues will reduce pressures on the overstretched healthcare and justice system," he said. "We want it to be easy for everyone to do business in our city."
"Edmonton deserves its fair share, and I will continue to advocate for equitable funding," Sohi said.
"I look forward to sharing more ideas with Premier (Designate) Smith in the near future and wish her the best of luck in this role," Sohi added. "Together, we can build an Edmonton for all of us."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.