Candidate Information
Welcome to Creative Calgary’s candidate information for the Calgary 2021 General Election. Creative Calgary’s goal is to educate voters on the extent to which candidates in the municipal election share its view that fostering support and strong investment in the arts sector is critical in building a vibrant and prosperous city.
We thank you for taking the time to visit our site and encourage you to do your own research on each candidate to ensure that on October 18, you cast your vote for the candidate that best aligns with your own values and priorities. A full list of candidates can be found here, and we have linked to candidates' public websites below, where applicable.
To read about Creative Calgary's process in researching each candidate, click here.
Ward 12
Craig Chandler
Running for: Ward 12 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Craig Chandler selected "I believe that the arts are a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have for Calgary. As Calgary recovers from low oil prices and the effects of the pandemic, cuts should be made to municipal arts funding."
Personal arts statement: "I will push for private arts funding, not funding from taxpayers."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Craig Chandler's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.electcraigchandler.ca
John (Chubby Hubby) Duta
Running for: Ward 12 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: John Duta has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Personal arts statement: John Duta has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Inclusion of the arts in platform: John Duta's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.johnduta.ca
Dirk Fontaine
Running for: Ward 12 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Dirk Fontaine has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Personal arts statement: Dirk Fontaine has not responded to Creative Calgary's request for information.
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Dirk Fontaine's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.dirkfontaine.ca
Teresa Hargreaves
Running for: Ward 12 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Teresa Hargreaves selected "I believe a thriving, prosperous city must have a vibrant arts scene in order to succeed. The municipal government should prioritize finding strategic ways to increase investment in the arts sector."
Personal arts statement: "Art is important as it shows diversity, colour, points of interests and tourism. We have great university and colleges here in Calgary and I feel we should create a work experience program to showcase our talents. When it comes to showcasing art from other cities (foreign content) we could create an exchange student program. This will lower the costs of art and show case our great talent. It is also another way to increase student enrolment which will in turn create more jobs etc."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Teresa Hargreaves's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.teresaforward12.ca
Mike LaValley
Running for: Ward 12 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Mike LaValley selected "I believe that the arts are a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have for Calgary. As Calgary recovers from low oil prices and the effects of the pandemic, cuts should be made to municipal arts funding."
Personal arts statement: "Mike agrees that the arts play a role in a vibrant city. However, increasing public funding of the arts will not help lift us from our current situation. Public art installations will not cease should we decrease funding in the arts. In fact, a couple of the best examples are privately funded ones in south Calgary. In order to ensure no one is left behind in the recovery, some of the arts funding is likely better spent on affordable housing and related social supports."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Mike LaValley's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.mikelavalley.ca
Steven Phan
Running for: Ward 12 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Steven Phan selected "I believe Calgary currently has many important civic priorities, including the arts. Current municipal investment in the arts is sufficient and should be maintained at its current level."
Personal arts statement: "I believe we should support local artists first and foremost by providing easier access for these artists to submit their creative work through an online portal that allows for public engagement. The City also needs to be mindful of taxpayers dollars and ensure projects truly enhances the city."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Steven Phan's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.stevenphan.ca
Evan Spencer
Running for: Ward 12 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Evan Spencer selected "I believe Calgary currently has many important civic priorities, including the arts. Current municipal investment in the arts is sufficient and should be maintained at its current level."
Personal arts statement: "The arts is very important to a thriving municipality. I would focus on protecting funding at its current levels with a priority on supporting local artists. I would love to see The City offering matching grants with the goal of increasing civic pride and ownership in our City."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Evan Spencer's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.evanspencer.ca
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Michael Streileine
Running for: Ward 12 City Councillor
Position on public investment in the arts: Michael Streileine selected "I believe a thriving, prosperous city must have a vibrant arts scene in order to succeed. The municipal government should prioritize finding strategic ways to increase investment in the arts sector."
Personal arts statement: "Art increases the beauty of everyday life in Calgary and helps our tourism industry. We need to invest in art that truly represents all cultures of Calgary, Alberta, and Canada. Let's great creative and strategic, and continue to support art in Calgary."
Inclusion of the arts in platform: Michael Streileine's platform does not include a positive position on the arts.
Campaign website: www.michaelstreilein.ca