We hope to feature all the candidates who attend the forum organised by LCCMEDIA.
Rupesh Patel (he/him) is an independent candidate for City Council in Ward pihêsiwin bringing a wealth of experience as a public policy professional with both the City of Edmonton and the Government of Alberta. His career in government has been driven by a deep commitment to public service and a passion for tackling complex challenges head-on.
Throughout his career, Rupesh has led high-performing teams and shaped policy on some of Alberta’s most pressing issues, including climate change, health care, electricity reform, traffic safety, and transportation. He’s known for leaning into tough problems, not away from them, and believes that in times of uncertainty, Edmonton has a unique opportunity to lead with courage and innovation.
Michael Elliott is a proud father and seasoned public safety leader who’s spent his life standing up for people and doing the right thing. From serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force to leading the Edmonton Police Association, he brings real experience keeping communities safe and working with others to get results.
But Michael’s leadership goes far beyond the uniform. He’s helped secure mental health supports for first responders, pushed for meaningful justice reforms, and worked alongside city leaders to find common ground on complex issues. His contributions have been recognized nationally with the Order of Merit of the Police Forces and two Queen’s Jubilee Medals.
Throughout his career in public service, Michael has demonstrated his ability to navigate challenging situations, bu
ild consensus among diverse stakeholders, and deliver practical solutions to real-world problems. His extensive experience in public safe
ty gives him unique insights into the issues that matter most to residents, from neighborhood security to emergency preparedness.
As a long-time resident of southwest Edmonton, Michael understands the challenges and opportunities facing Ward pihêsiwin
. He’s raised his family in the area and has been actively involved in community initiatives, youth sports, and neighborhood improvement projects. This personal connection to the ward drives his commitment to making it an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.
Now, as a candidate for Ward pihêsiwin, Michael is focused on the issues families care about most: safer streets, affordable taxes, and infrastructure that actually works for the people who live here. His approach is about bringing steady, principled leadership to City Hall—so Edmonton can be a place where families feel safe, heard, and proud to call home.
Michael is running with the Better Edmonton Party because he believes our city needs a practical, responsible approach to governance that respects taxpayers while investing strategically in Edmonton’s future. He is committed to the party’s core principles of fiscal responsibility, practical solutions, collaborative leadership, transparent governance, and strategic vision.
