Darrell Friesen is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and lifelong learner who has called Edmonton home for over 30 years, raising his family in Ward sipiwiyiniwak. Born on a farm, he started his first business at age seven selling chickens – a lesson in hard work and perseverance that shaped his career.
He built Jet Label into Western Canada’s largest label manufacturer before selling the company in 2019, later serving five years in a senior leadership role within a multi-billion-dollar organization. Today, Darrell is involved in ventures like CleanTrace and PMotion Canada and serves as an operating director of FC Venezia. With decades of business experience and deep community roots, he’s running to bring a people-first approach to City Council.
Thu Parmar
As a proud Edmontonian, pharmacist, volunteer, wife and sports mom, I’m committed to bringing a community-focused approach to City Council. With over 20 years of experience working with all levels of government, I’ve worked to improve public health, access to medicine, and support community programs so we can all have a better quality of life. As a vice president at the Canadian Red Cross, I led emergency response efforts, including the Jasper Wildfire in 2024.
I believe strong leadership starts with vibrant, connected communities. As president of the Cameron Heights Community League, in 7 years, I helped raise $2.5 million for local projects, including a spray park, skating rink, and community hall. In my role as the West District representative at the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues, I addressed key issues like funding and social isolation.
I’m focused on building safer neighborhoods, ensuring responsible tax spending, and restoring trust between residents and City Hall. I believe in balanced budgets, transparency, and practical solutions that meet real needs. I’m running because I believe in leaders who listen, build relationships, and prioritize community. I’m ready to advocate for a stronger, safer, and more connected Ward sipiwiyiniwak—together with you.
Roger Kotch
Roger Kotch’s life experience began at an early age and, after
earning a business degree, he embarked on a multi-faceted career few would ever attempt. From
working as a heavy equipment contractor to running a building contracting business, Roger’s
ventures opened the door to diverse economic opportunities and a truly global perspective on
economic development. His ability to see how the global economy impacts regions far beyond
the major market hubs has given him valuable insight into emerging opportunities worldwide.
Key Achievements:
1. Financial Expertise – Former stockbroker with in-depth knowledge of creating and
managing publicly traded companies.
2. International Enterprise – Built and operated a fish processing plant in Belize, Central
America.
3. Renewable Energy Innovation – Attended universities in Ukraine, introducing an
innovative wind rotor system to Canada capable of generating electricity at a very low
cost per kilowatt hour. This rotor was validated by the Alberta Government and is now
awaiting prototype development by Red Deer Polytechnic.
4. Medical Biotechnology – Co-founded a biotech company with a world-leading
neurologist to combat Alzheimer’s disease. The company’s technology, which targets and
neutralizes toxic oligomers (the root cause of Alzheimer’s), is currently in a fast-tracked,
FDA-approved study enrolling 128 patients.
For more information, visit: Kotch.ca
Danny Heikkinen is a long-time resident of Ward 7 sipiwiyiniwak, born and raised in Lymburn and wolf willow, and currently residing in Gariepy.
A graduate of the U of A with a Bsc in psychology, a small business owner employing 13 people, and the former VP of the Lessard Community league and Community options for children and families, and former President of the Edmonton Intercultural Centre. These experiences and roles have given Danny the perspective and experience needed to create a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous city that we all call home.
Bassam Fares is a long-time West Edmonton resident, community leader, and educator with over 25 years of service in the area. As the founding manager of Rahma Mosque and co-founder of MAC Islamic School and MAC Creative Minds Preschool, he has led major community projects, strengthened civic engagement, and built inclusive spaces for families and youth.
He founded Rashid Youth Club and MAC Youth Edmonton, empowering hundreds of young people through mentorship and leadership opportunities. Bassam has also served on the Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council, as Vice-President of IslamicFamily, and on the Edmonton Council of Muslim Communities, working to advance equity and collaborative policy solutions. With a proven record of managing budgets, leading teams, and delivering results, Bassam is ready to bring practical, grassroots-informed solutions to City Hall and deliver tangible progress for Sipiwiyiniwak.
Giselle General for Edmonton City Councillor ward Sipiwiyiniwak:
Giselle General is a practical, community-driven leader running for Edmonton City Council in Ward sipiwiyiniwak. With a business degree, experience in the nonprofit sector, and a career as a public servant, she brings hands-on leadership to issues like affordability, safer communities, smarter development, and better city services — always putting residents first. Medium Bio Giselle General is a dynamic civic leader running for Edmonton City Council in Ward sipiwiyiniwak.
An immigrant from the Philippines and lifelong Edmontonian, Giselle combines practical leadership with deep community roots. Her experience spans nonprofit work, public service, and grassroots organizing, paired with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta. Giselle’s community involvement includes serving as Board Chair of the Edmonton Transit Service Advisory Board, director on community league boards and multicultural nonprofits, and a columnist for two multicultural newspapers. As a filmmaker, writer, artist and public speaker, she amplifies community stories and voices that often go unheard.
Her platform focuses on practical, community-centered solutions: making taxes more efficient, building safer and more inclusive communities, ensuring smarter development, and enhancing basic city services. Giselle’s grounded, inclusive leadership style challenges conventional politics, offering residents practical solutions rooted in community care. Long Bio Giselle General is a community builder and practical leader running for Edmonton City Council to represent Ward sipiwiyiniwak.
An immigrant from Benguet, Philippines, she moved to Edmonton in 2007, where she built a new life rooted in community service, advocacy, and public leadership. A survivor of tragedy, Giselle’s story is one of resilience and determination. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta, Giselle has spent her career at the intersection of public service and nonprofit work.
She brings a comprehensive perspective as a leader, with practical experience from the nonprofit sector, a career as a public servant, and deep community involvement. As the Board Chair of the Edmonton Transit Service Advisory Board and board director of West Meadowlark Community League and Rio Terrace Community League, and VP Internal of the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues, Giselle works tirelessly to improve accessibility, public services, and community engagement. An active presence in Edmonton’s multicultural media, she has written columns for two Filipino newspapers since 2017 and contributes to the local arts scene as a filmmaker, writer, and public speaker.
In addition, she had supported cultural organizations by serving in the boards of Edmonton Multicultural Coalition, The Resilient Immigrant Foundation, and initiatives of the Filipino community in Alberta.
Giselle’s campaign is guided by four key priorities:
1. Affordability and Taxes: Getting better value for every tax dollar spent.
2. Safe, Inclusive Communities: Investing in safety and services that support everyone
3. Development and Infrastructure: Supporting smarter development driven by community input.
4. Better City Services: Improving the basics — from snow clearing to transit — to meet residents’ needs. Giselle’s leadership approach is rooted in integrity, transparency, and hands-on involvement. She understands that practical, community-centered solutions are essential to effective governance, especially in a diverse and growing ward.
Her campaign slogan, Accessible. Accountable. Always There for You., reflects her dedication to making city politics more approachable and relevant for all residents.
Contact Information:
Website: www.gisellegeneral.ca
Email: contact@gisellegeneral.ca
Phone: 780-860-7715
Social Media: Facebook: @GiselleGeneralYEG
X (Twitter): @GiselleForYegCC
