Dedicated Civic Leadership for Fort Saskatchewan
Over the past while, I’ve taken the time to closely observe City Council meetings—both in person and online—to better understand how our city is governed and how decisions are made. I’ve also had meaningful conversations with Councillors, gaining valuable insight into the challenges they face and the skills that make an effective representative. What I’ve learned is clear: strong leadership, financial acumen, and a deep commitment to community are essential. Equally important are the abilities to collaborate, build consensus, and make thoughtful, timely decisions. These are the strengths I bring—and the values I’ll uphold.
Why Financial and Leadership Skills Matter on City Council
One particular skill was especially crucial: strong financial skills. The City of Fort Saskatchewan is projected to manage an operating budget of approximately $100 million, along with $18 million in capital expenditures (not including the Aquatic Centre and new fire hall). Understanding the structure of this budget and being able to interpret financial statements is not just helpful—it’s fundamental to the role. One Councillor described their early experience with the city’s budget as “like drinking from a fire hose.” The volume and complexity of information a Councillor must absorb is immense.
In addition to financial literacy, a solid grasp of economics and market dynamics is critical. Fort Saskatchewan, located in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, is home to world-class businesses that operate on a global scale. Our city both influences and is influenced by international economic trends. A Council that understands these forces is better equipped to make informed decisions for our community.
My Background and Qualifications
I bring a strong educational foundation to the table:
A Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in finance
A Bachelor of Science in actuarial science, which blends finance, probability, and statistics
A Master’s degree in economics
Actuarial science, for context, is a field that applies mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in industries like insurance and pensions. This background has given me robust quantitative and analytical skills, which I believe are directly relevant to the work of City Council.
Professionally, I’ve worked in small business, giving me firsthand insight into the challenges entrepreneurs face. I’ve also served in the federal government, specifically in economic policy related to business taxation with a focus on small business taxation. In that role, I helped coordinate business income tax policy submissions for the federal budget and contributed to determining optimal corporate tax rates to keep Canadian businesses competitive globally.
Currently, I teach finance, statistics, and mathematics at MacEwan University’s School of Business. This keeps me engaged with the latest developments in the field and ensures my skills remain sharp.
I recognize a pressing reality, as do many of you: many residents are feeling the squeeze of inflation and stagnant real wages. This makes it more important than ever to ensure that every dollar the City spends is not only justified but also delivers real value. We owe it to our community to be thoughtful stewards of public funds. That’s why I’m inviting your ideas—together, we can find smarter, more effective ways to stretch those scarce dollars and make a meaningful impact.
Leadership and Community Involvement
Effective councillors must also be strong leaders, particularly in the nonprofit sector. I’ve held several leadership roles at MacEwan University, including Chair of the Curriculum Committee and member of the Core Courses Ad Hoc Committee. These roles required building consensus among colleagues with diverse perspectives, always with the goal of delivering the best possible outcomes for our students.
In the nonprofit world, I’ve served as:
Chair of the Heartland Air Monitoring Partnership, which oversees ambient air quality monitoring in our region
Treasurer of the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank, where we turn approximately $500,000 in operating costs into over $2.2 million worth of food annually for distribution into the community
Chair of the Fort Saskatchewan Policing Committee, which acts as a bridge between the public, law enforcement, and City Council.
Each of these roles has required collaboration, diplomacy, and a deep commitment to community service. Whether it’s ensuring ambient air quality, addressing food insecurity, or enhancing public safety, I’ve worked with dedicated volunteers and stakeholders to make a meaningful impact.
Consensus Building: A Core Skill for Council
On City Council, each member holds one vote out of seven. That means building consensus is not optional—it’s essential. I believe in creating space for every voice to be heard and understood, and then working together to find common ground. My experience in both academic and nonprofit leadership has taught me how to do this effectively and respectfully.
If elected, I hope to bring my financial expertise, economic insight, leadership experience, and collaborative spirit to serve the people of Fort Saskatchewan. I’m ready to listen, to learn, and to lead—together.
Ability to Make Data Informed Decisions
One of the most important qualities a City Councillor must possess is the ability to make sound, timely decisions. For over 20 years, I’ve taught data-informed decision-making to future business leaders at MacEwan University’s School of Business—instilling in them the importance of evidence, analysis, and accountability. As a small business owner, I’ve lived those lessons every day, making decisions that directly impacted my team and my bottom line. In my work with MacEwan University and non-profits, I’ve consistently had to take a stand, justify my position, and be accountable for the outcomes—because that’s what real leadership demands. My foundation in decision-making was initially forged through leadership training with the Canadian Reserves, where I first learned the weight of responsibility and the value of standing by your choices. I’m ready to bring that same clarity, commitment, and integrity to City Council—because our city deserves nothing less.
How can we shape a Fort Saskatchewan where opportunity grows, and every resident has a chance to thrive?
Above all, connecting with the people of Fort Saskatchewan to hear their views is what matters most—because this community belongs to its residents, and their voices should guide the decisions that shape the future of our city. Together, we can build a community where opportunity is more than a promise—it’s a fiscally sustainable reality for everyone:
Start or grow a business with the support and resources to succeed
Raise a family in a safe, welcoming, and connected community
Enjoy recreation with access to parks, programs, vibrant public spaces, and a trail system that is a local treasure
Feel safe and secure in every neighbourhood
Participate fully in civic life, culture, and everything Fort Saskatchewan has to offer
Belong to a community that values inclusion, collaboration, and shared success
Let’s create a Fort Saskatchewan where opportunity lives—together.
