Alberta municipal elections in Calgary and Edmonton are entering uncharted territory. For the first time, mayoral candidates can run under political parties — but that choice comes with a financial incentive that could shape the outcome of the race.The Canadian Press reported new campaign finance rules allow donors to contribute up to $5,000 per candidate and an additional $5,000 to a registered party. Corporate and union donations have also returned, giving parties more resources to redistribute among candidates. Independent candidates, by contrast, must rely solely on grassroots fundraising.Jeromy Farkas, former Calgary city councillor and independent mayoral candidate, said the choice isn’t about strategy, it’s about ethics.“For me, it’s a matter of right or wrong. Just because something is legal doesn’t mean you should do it,” he said..Farkas files nomination papers, officially enters race for Calgary's next mayor.Others, including Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Edmonton councillor Andrew Knack, have rejected parties for similar reasons.Gondek called the party system “the kiss of death for local representation," while Knack warned against being beholden to party agendas.Party candidates embrace the new rules. Edmonton councillor Tim Cartmell, running under the Better Edmonton banner, said a coordinated approach helps deliver change — and funds help get his message out.“It’s a giant marketing exercise … you’re not going anywhere without name recognition,” Cartmell said.Campaign consultant Stephen Carter, who is working with Calgary Party and Better Edmonton, added that success is tightly linked to fundraising.“Operating in a party system makes that easier. You have two forms of fundraising instead of one,” he said.Municipal affairs minister Dan Williams defended the rules, noting they align with provincial standards. “The introduction of local political parties was never about having more candidates run under parties than as independents, or about parties being able to fundraise more than independents,” he said.Political observers caution that the election’s outcome may hinge on voter response to these changes.Duane Bratt, political science professor at Mount Royal University, said, “I don’t know if we’re really going to understand the impact of this until it’s all over.”Alberta voters will decide on October 20 whether independence or party alignment will dominate city hall. This election is not just a contest for office — it’s a test of principle versus partisanship.
