Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson will not seek re-election

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson will not seek re-election next fall but the 41-year-old says he will remain focused on his "day job" until his term ends.

Iveson made the announcement in a statement Monday morning. He said it has been the honour of his life to serve as mayor but it's time to step aside. 

"It is an incredible honour, and a humbling duty, to serve as your mayor and I am thankful for every day I get to serve our community," Iveson said in the statement.

"I had only ever hoped to serve two terms as mayor and, after lots of reflection, today I am announcing that I have decided not to seek re-election next fall." 

Iveson served two terms as a city councillor before he was elected as mayor in the 2013, replacing Stephen Mandel who had served three terms. Iveson won the 2013 municipal election with 62 per cent of the vote.

He was re-elected in 2017, garnering 72.5 per cent of the vote with a campaign that focused on embracing new technology, urban densification, transit improvements and affordable housing. 

The next municipal election will be held Oct. 18, 2021. 

Iveson not seeking third term as mayor

4 years ago

Duration 2:40

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson announced Monday that we will not be running for a third term as mayor next fall and will remain focused on the city's current issues for the balance of this term.

Born in St. Albert, Iveson studied political science at the University of Alberta, then served as president of Canadian University Press in Toronto before seeking public office. 

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With a year remaining in his second term, Iveson said his "singular focus" will be to protect and help Edmontonians impacted by COVID-19 and the economic challenges faced by the city. 

Iveson said much work remains at city hall in the year ahead, including a delivering a "tough budget," tackling homelessness and rooting out systemic racism in city institutions. 

"There is much to do, and not everything will be resolved by the election.  But in fact, part of the beauty of cities is that they are perpetually unfinished," Iveson said in a news conference Monday. 

"This complex, ever-evolving work demands thoughtful, compassionate and constructive civic leadership — which is why next fall's election will be pivotal and why I feel it's important to give people who may be considering a run, time and notice to make their plans."

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Iveson thanked his wife Sarah Chan, their two young children and his extended family for their support during his time in a "very demanding public role."

During a news conference Monday, he said the choice to not run again was a "family decision." He said there are "consequences of this life," and that he wanted to spend more time with his children. 

Iveson said his legacy in council chambers remains to be seen but he's proud of his accomplishments.

"I don't think anyone should ever define their own legacy. I think time will tell. I think my work isn't finished yet," he said. 

"It's not owing to me alone, but what I have seen change in this city over the last decade or so is the confidence of this community, whether it's to tackle complex problems like ending homelessness or making the most of this energy transition, while doing the right thing around climate change.

"The city has the confidence to take on those big issues and take leadership positions on these issues beyond our borders." 

The city has also proven "it can work well with others," Iveson said.

"We've worked with governments of all stripes to deliver key infrastructure priorities for the city, massive investments that not only create jobs, but change the fundamental DNA of the city." 

Iveson said he has faith that a "constructive, collaborative" mayor will take his place.

He said he is ready for something new, likely outside the political realm. 

"I'm really looking forward to some time to reflect about whatever I might get to do next, but haven't made any decisions at all in that regard," he said.

"And I'm not going to spend a lot of time thinking about that because I still have this day job and I'm not going to relent at all in my focus on the pandemic, the public health issues and the economic issues that we're facing for the balance of this term." 

NDP Leader Rachel Notley said Iveson has proven himself to be a hard-working mayor.

"I really want to offer Mayor Iveson my best wishes and certainly want to thank him as an Edmontonian for his years of public service to this city," Notley said Monday. 

"You're front and centre and you're the go-to person for everything that people complain about, and it's not an easy job and he's worked very, very hard for the people of this city for many years.

"I wish him all the very best in his next chapter." 

'Big shoes to fill' 

Coun. Bev Esslinger said Iveson will be missed in council chambers. She said he been a smart and strategic advocate for Edmonton, helping build the city's reputation across Alberta and the country.

"He was very passionate about our city and very passionate about our people, and creating a city that was great for everybody, and that is something that I will never forget," Esslinger said. 

"Someone will have big shoes to fill." 

Esslinger said the new mayor will need to be collaborative and bold. 

"You have to have big ideas but you have to convince other people to vote for them, so you need someone who can work with others well and you want someone who sees the big picture, beyond the city borders."

Former MP Amarjeet Sohi — who previously served on city council — said Iveson was an inspiration to generations of young Albertans.

"Don has served our city in a very admirable and effective way," said Sohi, who declined to comment on his own political plans. "I think he has inspired so many young people to think about politics differently." 

Sohi said Iveson's leadership at the national level elevated the importance of municipalities. Iveson is currently chair of the Big Cities Mayors' Caucus with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

"He has really made that point very clear, for Canada to thrive, municipalities must thrive, and that is something that I really admire," Sohi said.

"He was absolutely a strong voice for Edmonton and continues to be." 

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