Get to Know Who's Running: Rob Bernshaw (Ward Métis)

By Emil Tiedemann

There happens to be a Municipal Election coming up in Edmonton on October 18, 2021, and I think it's important for locals to get to know the City Council candidates running for their particular ward (as well as their Mayoral candidates, of course). I chose to get more involved in the election this year and so wanted to give each candidate a chance to tell us a little about themselves, their vision, and why you should vote for them. I have sent a 10-question questionnaire to each of the 2021 Edmonton Municipal Election candidates and will post their responses (100% as written) here as they come in. With that said, let's get to know...

Rob Bernshaw

Ward Métis

Rob Bernshaw

"What the future will hold will be determined in the coming days. Remember folks that the sun rises and sets every day and hopefully the future will see all Albertans represented in an equitable and fair manner. That jobs will return and the economy will improve. May education prepare students to succeed in a future of unknown possibilities."

The Questions:

I♥E/ Why do you want to run for City Council?

Rob Bernshaw/ I have a passion for the voice of the people to BE HEARD. I have seen over the years where City Hall has lost the faith and trust of the people. That trust and Faith needs to be brought back by building a better relationship between the public and City Council. For the voice of the people to BE HEARD in a representative democracy, a better job of listening needs to occur.

I♥E/ Can you tell us about your past or current experiences that you think could possibly benefit/ translate to your position as a member of City Council?

RB/ I am currently in a position where I work with the public solving problems both locally and internationally. We work with each other SIDE by SIDE in a team environment where not one person has all the answers, but by listening and hearing each other out we always come to amicable solutions that are beneficial for all concerned.

I♥E/ What do you think are the 4 or 5 biggest issues facing Edmonton right now that you want to focus on most?

RB/ 1. Need more public involvement in how public money is spent to get more value for tax dollars contributed. 2. Protection of our public lands as public lands need to stay in public hands. 3. City Council needs to become better at listening to the citizens they represent and hearing what is being said, to come up with viable solutions that are beneficial for all, not the one or the few. 4. More Openness and transparency at City Hall. Mayor Iveson has done a great job towards providing more openness and transparency, but more still needs to be done on that file.

I♥E/ What do you think are some of the issues/struggles affecting your particular ward that you would like to focus on most?

RB/ Support disadvantaged neighborhood youth to provide more opportunities for a better quality of life and to break the cycle of poverty, crime, and violence. To work with each other to provide safe spaces and safe places for all people to live, work and play.

I♥E/ What are some of the city/community initiatives that you loved and would like to expand upon?

RB/ I am for: 1. More openness and Transparency 2. Safe Communities

I am against backroom closed-door deals where plans can be hatched on how to spend public money. Closed doors are only where it is a Human Resource or personal issue that regards privacy of individual{s}.

I will Advocate strongly for more open-door meetings. I will also work hard SIDE by SIDE with others to come up with viable safe community solutions, for the benefit and safety of all concerned.

I♥E/ What are some of the city/community initiatives that you are/were against, and what would you do differently?

RB/ I am against unnecessary closed-door meetings where council can hatch plans to spend public money behind those doors. Now closed-door meetings are fine if it is a Human Resource or personal issues facing people that no one needs to know about. I would whole heartedly advocate for more open-door meetings where public funds are being discussed.

I♥E/ Do you think elected officials, such as City Councillors, should be able to block people on social media sites like Twitter?

RB/ I fully believe that everyone deserves to live free of harassment and intimidation whether on the street or on social media. We are all human beings endeavoring to get along in a respectful courteous manner to feel safe and respected as we all deserve. If that is not happening on the street or on social media then Yes, I do think they should be able to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and block others, if that safe courteous discourse is not happening.

I♥E/ When it comes to COVID-19 restrictions, what do you think we got wrong (if anything) as a city or province, and is there anything you would want to do differently (municipally OR provincially)?

RB/ I cannot and will not comment either provincially or federally with respect to COVID-19. What I will say is that Edmonton Mayor and Council were very responsible when it comes to protecting Edmontonians. They used the mask mandate when required and that is one thing they did very well.

I♥E/ What is your favourite thing about living in Edmonton?

RB/ I love the people and the Green Spaces of Edmonton

I♥E/ Can you describe yourself in 5 words or less?

RB/ Listener, Honest, Empathetic, Respectful, inclusive.

Thank you, Rob! 

Follow along with the candidates on Twitter HERE! #yegvote2021

Find Rob on Facebook. 

Visit Rob's website HERE. 

Contact Rob HERE.