Question 1: Cultural Diversity

32.8% of Bow Valley residents — about 1 in 3 — were born outside of Canada (Statistics Canada, 2021 Census). Some face racism and discrimination. How will you actively celebrate and support our community’s cultural diversity while tackling racism?

“My grandparents immigrated from Italy to Banff in the late 1950s, giving me a personal connection to and deep appreciation for our community’s diversity. Building on this appreciation, I will actively participate in cultural events, traditions, and celebrations to honour and support our vibrant social fabric. I am committed to addressing racism by promoting inclusivity through education, awareness, and open dialogue. By supporting multicultural initiatives and collaborating with local groups like BVIP, I aim to create safe spaces where all residents feel valued and respected. Together, we can celebrate our diversity and build a more welcoming Banff for everyone.”

Question 2: Inclusive Decision-Making

Many residents, including Permanent Residents of Canada, cannot vote in this election. What specific steps will you take to actively include all residents in community decision-making, regardless of citizenship status?

“I remain strongly supportive of Banff Town Council’s motion to advocate to the province to allow Permanent Residents to vote in municipal elections, as they deserve a voice in shaping our community. I’m also proud to have supported Council’s decision to open committee participation to non-Canadian residents, creating more inclusive opportunities for decision-making. Moving forward, I will ensure our public input policy delivers equitable and accessible consultation processes that engage all community members, regardless of citizenship status. This includes exploring innovative approaches to better connect with diverse communities and fostering active partnerships with community groups to ensure every resident feels heard, valued, and respected in community decision-making.”

Action Plan

Pending

Question 1: Cultural Diversity

32.8% of Bow Valley residents — about 1 in 3 — were born outside of Canada (Statistics Canada, 2021 Census). Some face racism and discrimination. How will you actively celebrate and support our community’s cultural diversity while tackling racism?

“I believe Banff has incredible cultural diversity. We welcome visitors from all over the world and have an opportunity to interact them daily but we also have a very diverse workforce, with again, people coming to Banff to work from all over the world.

We get to experience different backgrounds, languages, traditions on daily basis. Cultural diversity is important because it opens our eyes to different cultural, racial and ethnic groups and teaches us understanding and enriches our community in the process.”

Question 2: Inclusive Decision-Making

Many residents, including Permanent Residents of Canada, cannot vote in this election. What specific steps will you take to actively include all residents in community decision-making, regardless of citizenship status?

“I believe the best way to celebrate and support Banff’s Cultural diversity is to continue to support our friends and neighbours, treat them with respect and let them know they are welcome.”

Action Plan

Pending

Question 1: Cultural Diversity

32.8% of Bow Valley residents — about 1 in 3 — were born outside of Canada (Statistics Canada, 2021 Census). Some face racism and discrimination. How will you actively celebrate and support our community’s cultural diversity while tackling racism?

“I truly believe in the vision of creating a Livable Banff for Everyone. I view the fact that 32.8% of Bow Valley residents are foreign-born as a powerful cultural asset. I would like to see Administration aggressively pursue provincial and federal Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program (MARP) grants to fund partners like the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP). I would also like to see anti-racism efforts built into existing municipal systems. This means requiring mandatory anti-bias training within municipal HR and Enforcement departments to foster an inclusive community.”

Question 2: Inclusive Decision-Making

Many residents, including Permanent Residents of Canada, cannot vote in this election. What specific steps will you take to actively include all residents in community decision-making, regardless of citizenship status?

“It is literally indefensible that residents who pay taxes and build this community, our Permanent Residents, cannot vote. Council must continue to actively lobby the provincial government to grant municipal voting rights to Permanent Residents. This is crucial. Second, we must overhaul our public engagement model for efficiency and access. Just because you can’t vote doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a say in what happens. Council decisions must reflect the needs of the entire community, not just those who can vote. I want to see an overhaul of the public engagement process to include those voices. Workshops during shift changes, online engagement, and community panels involving non-voting residents are key to finding solutions that are going to work for everyone”

Why did you decide to join this campaign?

• I want to help make the Bow Valley more welcoming

• I believe everyone should feel like they belong here

Action Plan

David has made the following action plan as part of his ongoing commitment to interrupt racism, celebrate diversity, and welcome newcomers:

• Gain a deeper understanding of immigrant inclusion in the Bow Valley

  Schedule a formal meeting with Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP) within your first 100 days in office to discuss immigrant inclusion priorities and establish ongoing collaboration. This demonstrates your commitment to immigrant voices in local decision-making and ensures you start your term with clear understanding of community needs and partnership opportunities.

• Play an active leadership role in promoting the ‘Bow Valley: A Place For All’ campaign

  Share campaign materials on your social media and in your communications. When candidates actively promote inclusion, it shows voters and all residents that welcoming people from around the world is a community priority and encourages others to get involved in creating a more inclusive Bow Valley.

• Join a BVIP Community Working Group

  Join a Working Group advancing the 2025-2029 Bow Valley Immigrant Inclusion Strategy. Your involvement shows you are committed to action beyond election promises and helps you stay connected to immigrant community needs throughout your term.

• Ensure immigrant perspectives are actively included in decision-making processes

  Establish a formal process to engage with non-citizen residents to advise on municipal decisions that affect them. Many residents cannot vote but are deeply affected by local decisions. Two-way communication ensures their voices are heard and policies work for everyone in the community.

• Champion inclusive emergency preparedness and planning

  Ensure municipal emergency plans include language accessibility, cultural considerations, and trauma-informed approaches. This creates emergency procedures that work for everyone in our community, ensuring all residents can access critical information during emergencies. This also supports community recovery.

• Support workplace inclusion

  Encourage employers to create welcoming workplaces. When the municipality leads by example and supports inclusive hiring practices, the local economy and community benefits.

• Facilitate accessible faith and cultural spaces

  Work to provide spaces that accommodate diverse spiritual and cultural practices. This supports community belonging by ensuring all residents have access to spaces where they can maintain their cultural or faith-based traditions and connect with their communities.

Question 1: Cultural Diversity

32.8% of Bow Valley residents — about 1 in 3 — were born outside of Canada (Statistics Canada, 2021 Census). Some face racism and discrimination. How will you actively celebrate and support our community’s cultural diversity while tackling racism?

“As a white-passing individual myself, I firsthand appreciate the diversity we have in the Bow Valley and the sad reality of those that face discrimination. But, the Bow Valley is rich with learning opportunities through organizations that host a variety of cultural events and celebrations to help myself, and others, better understand their past experiences, listen to their current situations, and make a plan for their future ones. I am extremely open and ready to better listen to also learn how I can better educate myself on how to be more approachable, and accessible to these community members.”

Question 2: Inclusive Decision-Making

Many residents, including Permanent Residents of Canada, cannot vote in this election. What specific steps will you take to actively include all residents in community decision-making, regardless of citizenship status?

“As someone who has a partner that is not a Canadian Citizen, this issue is very near to me. I'm very fortunate to work in an environment where I am surrounded by community members that are not Canadian and I get the opportunity to listen to their concerns, and learn from their experiences. I will continue to listen to learn, and expose myself to different viewpoints through varying events and attending different organizations. The Town of Banff also has made changes in the public input policy to better seek and include those marginalized, and who have historically not had the opportunity to participate.”

Action Plan

Pending

Question 1: Cultural Diversity

32.8% of Bow Valley residents — about 1 in 3 — were born outside of Canada (Statistics Canada, 2021 Census). Some face racism and discrimination. How will you actively celebrate and support our community’s cultural diversity while tackling racism?

“Through my experience working alongside many different groups in the Bow Valley, I’ve seen firsthand how our cultural diversity truly strengthens this place. Everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and represented.

I support policies and partnerships that celebrate diversity, through inclusive events, translation and accessibility supports and funding for community-led initiatives. I also advocate for anti-racism training, equity-based hiring, and taking further action to implement the principles of the Workplace Inclusion Charter where possible. Continued collaboration with groups like the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership and local Indigenous voices will be key.

Banff’s strength lies in our differences.”

Question 2: Inclusive Decision-Making

Many residents, including Permanent Residents of Canada, cannot vote in this election. What specific steps will you take to actively include all residents in community decision-making, regardless of citizenship status?

“Regardless of who can vote, every person who lives and works in Banff deserves to have their voice included in community decision-making. Civic engagement doesn’t stop at the ballot box, it’s about creating ongoing ways for residents to share ideas, feedback, and lived experiences that shape our town.

I’ll continue to advocate for accessible and inclusive engagement through plain-language communication, low-barrier consultation opportunities, culturally appropriate foods in community programs, and more welcoming public spaces. Working with groups like the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership helps ensure diverse perspectives are reflected in policy and planning.

When everyone feels heard and valued, our decisions are stronger, and our community more connected.”

Action Plan

Pending

Question 1: Cultural Diversity

32.8% of Bow Valley residents — about 1 in 3 — were born outside of Canada (Statistics Canada, 2021 Census). Some face racism and discrimination. How will you actively celebrate and support our community’s cultural diversity while tackling racism?

“In some ways, celebrating our cultural diversity is also tackling racism. As we celebrate each other, and normalize that everyone, no matter race, creed, background or orientation, are part of the community we reduce the power racism holds. Cultural diversity is one of our strengths and has been for a very long time. This land was traditionally used by many people. It has been and is considered sacred by so many of the people who visit and live here. And it draws people from around the world, it always has. And those people are part of its sacred nature; we need to make sure we are supporting all the people who visit and who call this place home. Everyone belongs here, and we need to celebrate and support their presence here. “

Question 2: Inclusive Decision-Making

Many residents, including Permanent Residents of Canada, cannot vote in this election. What specific steps will you take to actively include all residents in community decision-making, regardless of citizenship status?

“While I wish everyone who called Banff home was able to vote in the election, I also firmly believe that our voices are as powerful as our votes. One way that I demonstrate this is by listening to as many different voices as possible all the time, but especially while campaigning. I’ve been told many times when out in the community, door knocking, or just sitting on Bear St in case people want to approach me, “I can’t vote, sorry” with the assumption that I will just move on, or not want to talk. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, I care more about hearing from those who can’t vote, precisely because they can’t. Your opinion still matters, whatever your voting situation. Talk to me always, and I promise as a Councillor to actively seek out the opinions of all residents, no matter their citizenship status.”

Why did you decide to join this campaign?

I want to learn how to help fight racism, I'm looking for ways to make a real difference, I want to help make the Bow Valley more welcoming, I believe everyone should feel like they belong here

Action Plan

Allan has made the following action plan as part of his ongoing commitment to interrupt racism, celebrate diversity, and welcome newcomers:

• Gain a deeper understanding of immigrant inclusion in the Bow Valley

  Schedule a formal meeting with Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP) within your first 100 days in office to discuss immigrant inclusion priorities and establish ongoing collaboration. This demonstrates your commitment to immigrant voices in local decision-making and ensures you start your term with clear understanding of community needs and partnership opportunities.

• Play an active leadership role in promoting the ‘Bow Valley: A Place For All’ campaign

  Share campaign materials on your social media and in your communications. When candidates actively promote inclusion, it shows voters and all residents that welcoming people from around the world is a community priority and encourages others to get involved in creating a more inclusive Bow Valley.

• Take Intercultural Competence training

  Learn skills for working across cultures at this free training session on November 4-5, 2025. This 2-day session helps you understand different perspectives, communication styles, and more, making you a more effective leader who can serve all residents fairly and respectfully.

• Join a BVIP Community Working Group

  Join a Working Group advancing the 2025-2029 Bow Valley Immigrant Inclusion Strategy. Your involvement shows you are committed to action beyond election promises and helps you stay connected to immigrant community needs throughout your term.

• Ensure immigrant perspectives are actively included in decision-making processes

  Establish a formal process to engage with non-citizen residents to advise on municipal decisions that affect them. Many residents cannot vote but are deeply affected by local decisions. Two-way communication ensures their voices are heard and policies work for everyone in the community.

• Champion inclusive emergency preparedness and planning

  Ensure municipal emergency plans include language accessibility, cultural considerations, and trauma-informed approaches. This creates emergency procedures that work for everyone in our community, ensuring all residents can access critical information during emergencies. This also supports community recovery.

• Support workplace inclusion

  Encourage employers to create welcoming workplaces. When the municipality leads by example and supports inclusive hiring practices, the local economy and community benefits.

• Facilitate accessible faith and cultural spaces

  Work to provide spaces that accommodate diverse spiritual and cultural practices. This supports community belonging by ensuring all residents have access to spaces where they can maintain their cultural or faith-based traditions and connect with their communities.

Question 1: Cultural Diversity

32.8% of Bow Valley residents — about 1 in 3 — were born outside of Canada (Statistics Canada, 2021 Census). Some face racism and discrimination. How will you actively celebrate and support our community’s cultural diversity while tackling racism?

“I joined the Bow Valley: A Place for All Campaign and pledged to act. I will interrupt racism when I see it, safely and respectfully. I will learn about cultures different from my own, celebrate that diversity and help newcomers feel at home. I will be better than yesterday, and stand up when it matters.

I have taken the YWCA Be an Upstander training, which empowers people to speak out against sexual violence and discrimination.

The Town has supported gatherings and celebrations for people such as culturally led and organized community events such as Chinese lunch, Diwali celebration, Japanese social, Indigenous – Future of the Bison, and Filipino – newcome pot luck.

Presentation of Community Social Assessment to 23 organizations, community service sectors and groups helps the broader community realize the rich cultural diversity of Bow Valley residents.

I support the diversity, equity and inclusion training that is part of new council orientation. I support a community where everyone belongs and diversity is genuinely celebrated.”

Question 2: Inclusive Decision-Making

Many residents, including Permanent Residents of Canada, cannot vote in this election. What specific steps will you take to actively include all residents in community decision-making, regardless of citizenship status?

“ Everyone’s voice is important and needs to be included. I support the Town’s new policy on public engagement, especially the commitment to “go to where the people are”. I support hearing from everyone.

I also really like the in-depth community consultation that occurs for the Community Social Assessment. If specific groups of people identified in the federal census are not coming out to participate then staff specifically reach out to them. They reach out to everyone who lives in the community. They do not pay attention to citizenship status. This ensures something very important - everyone is included.

Permanent residents are a part of our cultural diversity. I'm sure you are aware of the council motion that the provincial government allow permanent residents to participate in municipal elections. I disagree with the province's strong response against this. ”

Why did you decide to join this campaign?

• I want to learn how to help fight racism, I'm looking for ways to make a real difference.

• I want to help make the Bow Valley more welcoming.

• I believe everyone should feel like they belong here, I've experienced racism or discrimination myself.

• The campaign materials inspired me

Action Plan

Chip has made the following action plan as part of his ongoing commitment to interrupt racism, celebrate diversity, and welcome newcomers:

• Gain a deeper understanding of immigrant inclusion in the Bow Valley

  Schedule a formal meeting with Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP) within your first 100 days in office to discuss immigrant inclusion priorities and establish ongoing collaboration. This demonstrates your commitment to immigrant voices in local decision-making and ensures you start your term with clear understanding of community needs and partnership opportunities.

• Play an active leadership role in promoting the ‘Bow Valley: A Place For All’ campaign

  Share campaign materials on your social media and in your communications. When candidates actively promote inclusion, it shows voters and all residents that welcoming people from around the world is a community priority and encourages others to get involved in creating a more inclusive Bow Valley.

• Ensure immigrant perspectives are actively included in decision-making processes

  Establish a formal process to engage with non-citizen residents to advise on municipal decisions that affect them. Many residents cannot vote but are deeply affected by local decisions. Two-way communication ensures their voices are heard and policies work for everyone in the community.

• Champion inclusive emergency preparedness and planning

  Ensure municipal emergency plans include language accessibility, cultural considerations, and trauma-informed approaches. This creates emergency procedures that work for everyone in our community, ensuring all residents can access critical information during emergencies. This also supports community recovery.

• Support workplace inclusion

  Encourage employers to create welcoming workplaces. When the municipality leads by example and supports inclusive hiring practices, the local economy and community benefits.

• Facilitate accessible faith and cultural spaces

  Work to provide spaces that accommodate diverse spiritual and cultural practices. This supports community belonging by ensuring all residents have access to spaces where they can maintain their cultural or faith-based traditions and connect with their communities.

Question 1: Cultural Diversity

32.8% of Bow Valley residents — about 1 in 3 — were born outside of Canada (Statistics Canada, 2021 Census). Some face racism and discrimination. How will you actively celebrate and support our community’s cultural diversity while tackling racism?

“It is sad and disappointing that so many in our community face such challenges, but I have no doubt it exists, and we need to do what we can to ensure everyone feels safe regardless of where they are from or who they are. I don’t see council having all the answers, so I have always been supportive of grassroots efforts that come forward. I think residents often have the best suggestions since they know their challenges and have great ideas. I want to make sure all the residents feel safe coming forward to share with us their challenges and how council can help them. I see FCSS and BVIP playing a huge role in facilitating and incubating those suggestions and bringing them to council for discussion. When residents have ideas, please let us know and help us to help others.”

Question 2: Inclusive Decision-Making

Many residents, including Permanent Residents of Canada, cannot vote in this election. What specific steps will you take to actively include all residents in community decision-making, regardless of citizenship status?

“I find this topic particularly frustrating. Permanent Residents have all the right citizens except the ability to vote, but they are no less important. I feel strongly that council needs to represent all residents in our community. Earlier this year I brought forward a motion that advocated the Government of Alberta change the voting rules in Municipal Elections to include Permanent Residents. The majority of council endorsed the proposal, but sadly it did not gain much traction with the province. But that doesn’t mean I will give up.

Similar to the question above, I also believe it is vital for the Town of Banff to do a better job of reaching out to underserved communities in Banff. Too often we see input from “the same ten people”. It’s important we reach everyone. I know the Town’s communication team is working hard to ensure that happens and I applaud those efforts. It will take creativity and new ways of thinking of how best to engage people.

It is so important that all residents in Banff feel they are a part of the community and their voice matters. I will continue to advocate for those who feel they don’t have a voice. We all live here; we all have an interest in making this the best place possible to live.”

Why did you decide to join this campaign?

• I want to learn how to help fight racism

• I'm looking for ways to make a real difference

• I want to help make the Bow Valley more welcoming,

• I believe everyone should feel like they belong here,

• I've experienced racism or discrimination myself

Action Plan

Grant has made the following action plan as part of his ongoing commitment to interrupt racism, celebrate diversity, and welcome newcomers:

• Gain a deeper understanding of immigrant inclusion in the Bow Valley

  Schedule a formal meeting with Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP) within your first 100 days in office to discuss immigrant inclusion priorities and establish ongoing collaboration. This demonstrates your commitment to immigrant voices in local decision-making and ensures you start your term with clear understanding of community needs and partnership opportunities.

• Ensure immigrant perspectives are actively included in decision-making processes

  Establish a formal process to engage with non-citizen residents to advise on municipal decisions that affect them. Many residents cannot vote but are deeply affected by local decisions. Two-way communication ensures their voices are heard and policies work for everyone in the community.

• Champion inclusive emergency preparedness and planning

  Ensure municipal emergency plans include language accessibility, cultural considerations, and trauma-informed approaches. This creates emergency procedures that work for everyone in our community, ensuring all residents can access critical information during emergencies. This also supports community recovery.

• Support workplace inclusion

  Encourage employers to create welcoming workplaces. When the municipality leads by example and supports inclusive hiring practices, the local economy and community benefits.

• Facilitate accessible faith and cultural spaces

  Work to provide spaces that accommodate diverse spiritual and cultural practices. This supports community belonging by ensuring all residents have access to spaces where they can maintain their cultural or faith-based traditions and connect with their communities.

Question 1: Cultural Diversity

32.8% of Bow Valley residents — about 1 in 3 — were born outside of Canada (Statistics Canada, 2021 Census). Some face racism and discrimination. How will you actively celebrate and support our community’s cultural diversity while tackling racism?

“Having lived in Banff for over forty years, I’ve seen firsthand how diversity makes our community stronger. People from around the world come here to live, work, and share their talents, and that mix of cultures is part of what makes Banff so special.

I am always open and helping and I’ve learned that compassion, patience, and respect are what truly build community. I’ve always been open to everyone, with no barriers. We are all human.

As a councillor, I will continue to promote understanding through open conversation, cross-cultural events, and education. I’m also fully bilingual in French and English, which helps me connect with people from many backgrounds. Together, we can keep Banff a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and respected. “

Question 2: Inclusive Decision-Making

Many residents, including Permanent Residents of Canada, cannot vote in this election. What specific steps will you take to actively include all residents in community decision-making, regardless of citizenship status?

“Everyone who lives and contributes here deserves to have a say in how Banff grows and changes — not just those who can vote. I’ve always believed that good decisions come from listening to many voices and finding common ground.

In my next second term, I’ll continue to encourage open communication by meeting people where they are — whether that’s in workplaces, community halls, or coffee shops. I support using plain language, more translation, and outreach through community partners so every resident can share ideas and concerns.

I’m fully bilingual in French and English, and I know how much it means when people are heard in the language they’re most comfortable with.

We build trust when we listen first, act fairly, and treat everyone with respect. That’s how we make Banff stronger — together. “

Action Plan

Pending

Question 1: Cultural Diversity

32.8% of Bow Valley residents — about 1 in 3 — were born outside of Canada (Statistics Canada, 2021 Census). Some face racism and discrimination. How will you actively celebrate and support our community’s cultural diversity while tackling racism?

“I think it could really be fun to host a Banff Multicultural Festival at some point during the year that could encourage people from different backgrounds to share some of their food, cultural practices or traditions with the rest of the community. On a more regular basis, I wonder if partnerships could be forged between different cultural groups and local food security programs like Food and Friends in order to support both programs.”

Question 2: Inclusive Decision-Making

Many residents, including Permanent Residents of Canada, cannot vote in this election. What specific steps will you take to actively include all residents in community decision-making, regardless of citizenship status?

“Firstly, I think we should continue to advocate with the Provincial government to allow permanent residents the right to vote in municipal elections. This should be something we are constantly in support of - residents pay taxes and the decisions made at the municipal level are far more likely to be directly impactful. I always try to encourage my non-citizen friends to get involved as much as they can. Supporting candidates who they agree with, volunteering, and applying for boards and committees are all ways they can influence municipal decision-making, often in more impactful ways than just voting!”

Why did you decide to join this campaign?

• I want to learn how to help fight racism,

• I'm looking for ways to make a real difference

• I want to help make the Bow Valley more welcoming

• I believe everyone should feel like they belong here

Action Plan

Mark has made the following action plan as part of his ongoing commitment to interrupt racism, celebrate diversity, and welcome newcomers:

• Gain a deeper understanding of immigrant inclusion in the Bow Valley

  Schedule a formal meeting with Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP) within your first 100 days in office to discuss immigrant inclusion priorities and establish ongoing collaboration. This demonstrates your commitment to immigrant voices in local decision-making and ensures you start your term with clear understanding of community needs and partnership opportunities.

• Play an active leadership role in promoting the ‘Bow Valley: A Place For All’ campaign

  Share campaign materials on your social media and in your communications. When candidates actively promote inclusion, it shows voters and all residents that welcoming people from around the world is a community priority and encourages others to get involved in creating a more inclusive Bow Valley.

• Join a BVIP Community Working Group

  Join a Working Group advancing the 2025-2029 Bow Valley Immigrant Inclusion Strategy. Your involvement shows you are committed to action beyond election promises and helps you stay connected to immigrant community needs throughout your term.

• Ensure immigrant perspectives are actively included in decision-making processes

  Establish a formal process to engage with non-citizen residents to advise on municipal decisions that affect them. Many residents cannot vote but are deeply affected by local decisions. Two-way communication ensures their voices are heard and policies work for everyone in the community.

• Champion inclusive emergency preparedness and planning

  Ensure municipal emergency plans include language accessibility, cultural considerations, and trauma-informed approaches. This creates emergency procedures that work for everyone in our community, ensuring all residents can access critical information during emergencies. This also supports community recovery.

• Support workplace inclusion

  Encourage employers to create welcoming workplaces. When the municipality leads by example and supports inclusive hiring practices, the local economy and community benefits.

• Facilitate accessible faith and cultural spaces

  Work to provide spaces that accommodate diverse spiritual and cultural practices. This supports community belonging by ensuring all residents have access to spaces where they can maintain their cultural or faith-based traditions and connect with their communities.

Question 1: Cultural Diversity

32.8% of Bow Valley residents — about 1 in 3 — were born outside of Canada (Statistics Canada, 2021 Census). Some face racism and discrimination. How will you actively celebrate and support our community’s cultural diversity while tackling racism?

“Banff is one of the most diverse towns in the country, and that is something to be celebrated. I believe every person who calls Banff home contributes to its richness. To support cultural diversity, I would continue to foster spaces where stories and perspectives are shared with mutual respect. As Rector of St. George’s and Director of Banff Food and Friends, I have seen how meals, dialogue, and partnership can break down barriers. I believe the Town can lead by example through public recognition of cultural events, language access in communications, and ongoing education that deepens understanding. The goal is not uniformity, but unity rooted in shared dignity.”

Question 2: Inclusive Decision-Making

Many residents, including Permanent Residents of Canada, cannot vote in this election. What specific steps will you take to actively include all residents in community decision-making, regardless of citizenship status?

“Every voice matters, whether or not a person can vote. Banff depends on residents from all over the world who make this community thrive. If elected, I would diligently advocate that Town consultations and surveys include multilingual access and are shared through trusted community networks. I would also advocate for roundtable discussions that bring together international workers, local employers, and civic leaders to shape policies that reflect our shared needs. True representation requires listening to those who sustain this town every day, and ensuring they are not invisible in the decisions that affect them”

Why did you decide to join this campaign?

• I've experienced racism or discrimination myself

Action Plan

Seth has made the following action plan as part of his ongoing commitment to interrupt racism, celebrate diversity, and welcome newcomers:

• Gain a deeper understanding of immigrant inclusion in the Bow Valley

  Schedule a formal meeting with Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP) within your first 100 days in office to discuss immigrant inclusion priorities and establish ongoing collaboration. This demonstrates your commitment to immigrant voices in local decision-making and ensures you start your term with clear understanding of community needs and partnership opportunities.

• Play an active leadership role in promoting the ‘Bow Valley: A Place For All’ campaign

  Share campaign materials on your social media and in your communications. When candidates actively promote inclusion, it shows voters and all residents that welcoming people from around the world is a community priority and encourages others to get involved in creating a more inclusive Bow Valley.

• Join a BVIP Community Working Group

  Join a Working Group advancing the 2025-2029 Bow Valley Immigrant Inclusion Strategy. Your involvement shows you are committed to action beyond election promises and helps you stay connected to immigrant community needs throughout your term.

• Ensure immigrant perspectives are actively included in decision-making processes

  Establish a formal process to engage with non-citizen residents to advise on municipal decisions that affect them. Many residents cannot vote but are deeply affected by local decisions. Two-way communication ensures their voices are heard and policies work for everyone in the community.

• Champion inclusive emergency preparedness and planning

  Ensure municipal emergency plans include language accessibility, cultural considerations, and trauma-informed approaches. This creates emergency procedures that work for everyone in our community, ensuring all residents can access critical information during emergencies. This also supports community recovery.

• Support workplace inclusion

  Encourage employers to create welcoming workplaces. When the municipality leads by example and supports inclusive hiring practices, the local economy and community benefits.

• Facilitate accessible faith and cultural spaces

  Work to provide spaces that accommodate diverse spiritual and cultural practices. This supports community belonging by ensuring all residents have access to spaces where they can maintain their cultural or faith-based traditions and connect with their communities.