Why I'm running

When I started telling friends and family that I was interested in running for City Council, everyone shared genuine positive encouragement at the idea. I heard things like “It was a matter of time”, “You are going to be great”, or “They need someone like you”. It’s definitely humbling to hear these things for sure. A few even called it brave. 

To be honest, the idea of ever going into politics was a wishful idea, a musing of some sorts I’d have with close friends. After all, I truly have enjoyed working in government as a public servant. As a public servant, I was part of the “information” arm of government, responsible for providing unbiased, evidenced-based advice to our elected political masters. It’s something I value so deeply about the public service and the hundreds of thousands of public servants who serve at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels of government. 

But something changed earlier this year in March. The country I care so deeply for, that has given me and my family so much, was under attack, not by a foreign adversary, but by our closest ally - the United States. My mind quickly went to, things are going to need to change. We can’t be in this position again, where we’re so dependent on America for our economic and security outcomes. 

The Federal election in April was centred on the US-Canada relationship and the threat of tariffs. Federal leaders of all parties signaled that changes would be needed, but yet I heard very little from municipal leaders about what this would mean for Edmonton. The change that our country and Alberta will be undergoing will likely be significant over the next 4-10 years, and I became concerned that Edmonton would be left behind and wouldn’t rise to this moment. Our city is growing and there are plans to accommodate and develop around this growth, but are we truly ready to manage the uncertainty ahead? It didn’t seem like it to me and that’s when a spark went off. 

So by the time early April rolled around the thought of serving in a different way was constantly on my mind, and let’s just say that when an idea takes roots, good luck getting it out of my head. I was soon talking to my wife about running for City Council, and once I got her support, off I went. 

Running in this election and politics is purely about service for me, and I want to serve now! Edmonton has a ripe opportunity to be a leading big city in Canada. We have the talent, leading academic institutions, a desire to win, and we take care of each other. 

We will need thoughtful and strategic minded leaders on Council who can work together. I know I have what it takes to meet this moment and represent you all well, and I'm excited to meet as many of you as I can leading into Election Day. 

Thanks for your time!

Rupesh Patel

Edmonton City Council Candidate for pihêsiwin

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