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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
The Indian couple killed in a wrong-way police chase crash on Highway 401 earlier this week has been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.