Calgary councilors are trying to give permanent residents a voice

Some Calgary city councilors want to give permanent residents the chance to vote in municipal elections.

Notice of motion filed by the 8th Ward. Courtney Walcott is calling for the change and is supported by four other council members.

Walcott says many Calgarians have lived in the city for years but still can't make their voices heard come election time.

“You see Canadians as permanent residents in this country for years or decades before they can get citizenship,” he says.

“One of the conversations we're actively having in Calgary is making sure we make room for all the people who call this city home.”

Walcott said giving permanent residents a chance to vote in municipal elections helps build community and empowers them to vote.

“I've met many times with people who wanted to be part of this discussion about building communities and then told me they couldn't vote,” he adds.

If the notice of motion is approved, the city will be asked to issue a resolution to Alberta municipalities. The resolution calls on the organization to advocate for the provincial government to amend the Local Government Elections Act to extend voting rights to permanent residents.

Walcott says other communities around the country have talked about making a change.

“A lot of discussion, not a lot of action yet,” he says. “This conversation has started in many Atlantic provinces.”

3rd District District. Jasmine Mian, 5th District. Raj Dhaliwal, District 7 District. Terry Wong and the 11th District. Courtney Penner also lends her support.

The proposal will be discussed at a council meeting next Tuesday.