09/18/2026
ABC Party Calls on Calgary Mayor to Keep City Hall Focused on Calgary
CALGARY, AB - September 18, 2026: A Better Calgary Party (ABC) is calling on Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas and City Council to remain focused on the municipal responsibilities and issues that directly affect Calgarians.
Responding to Mayor Farkas’s recent public comments and his stated intention to seek a discussion at City Council regarding Alberta’s upcoming referendum, ABC President Marilyn Elliott said, elected officials have the right to express their personal political views, but should exercise caution when using the office, they hold to advance a position on a divisive provincial matter.
“The Mayor has every right to his personal views, just as every Calgarian does. But the Mayor’s primary responsibility is to represent all Calgarians,” said Elliott. “Calgarians hold a wide range of views on Alberta’s future. City Hall should represent all Calgarians, not become a platform for taking sides on a provincial political question.”
Elliott said, Calgary continues to face significant municipal challenges, including property taxes, infrastructure, water and utility systems, affordability, public safety, transportation and the overall cost of operating the city. These are areas where municipal leadership has a direct responsibility and an immediate impact on residents, families, businesses and communities.
“Calgarians need their Mayor and Council focused on Calgary,” Elliott added. “Families are concerned about affordability, businesses are concerned about operating costs, and communities expect reliable infrastructure and essential services. These are the issues City Hall has the responsibility and authority to address.”
ABC also emphasized that Albertans should not be divided into political camps over the referendum debate. Regardless of whether someone identifies primarily as Canadian, Albertan, supports Alberta remaining in Canada, supports independence, or holds another view, every Albertan has the right to participate peacefully in the democratic process and make their own decision.
“This is not about telling Calgarians what they should believe,” Elliott said. “It is about respecting the diversity of views in our city and ensuring municipal government remains focused on the responsibilities Calgary voters entrusted to their elected representatives.”
ABC maintains that provincial and national political questions will continue to generate strong opinions but believes Calgary’s municipal leadership should keep its attention on the city’s priorities and its record of delivering essential services.
“Our message to the Mayor and Council is simple: Calgary deserves your attention, your accountability and your leadership,” Elliott said.
