Host Jann Arden interviews Naheed Nenshi, the former mayor of Calgary and current candidate to become premier of Alberta. They discuss the challenges of navigating politics in a polarized world, the importance of empathy and understanding, and the role of social media in shaping public discourse. Nenshi also shares his insights on the rise of divisive politics and the need for politicians to prioritize the well-being of all citizens. The conversation touches on themes of unity, hope, and the desire for a better future, exploring economic insecurity, the need for public services, and the importance of community resilience. Nenshi also discusses the challenges faced by young people, the importance of public assets like healthcare and education, and the need to support mental health. Naheed and Jann share their personal experiences growing up in Calgary and the importance of community support. They emphasize the role of public service and the need to encourage more women to get involved in politics. While Jann, Caitlin and Sarah learn about Naheed Nenshi's decision to run for the leadership of the NDP party in Alberta, the conversation really revolves around hope and optimism for Canada and the entire world.
Naheed Nenshi's early life was marked by his family's resilience during the '80s recession and how, through access to strong public services, the foundation was laid for his future.
After returning to Calgary following his education and early successes, Nenshi served as a tenured professor at Mount Royal University. It was on leave from his tenured position that he would become Mayor of Calgary, serving three terms over 11 years. Despite the downturn in global resource prices, under Nenshi's leadership the city was continually listed in the Top 10 of global livability (as high as third!), and often listed atop all cities in the western hemisphere.
Leading Calgary through a deadly and unprecedented disaster in the 2013 Southern Alberta floods, he turned a catastrophe into a celebration of a community's resilience. In the years that followed, he continued his work to guide record-setting investment in his constituents quality of life including transit, roads, recreation centers and libraries. Along the way, he was named "the best mayor in the world" by The City Mayor's Foundation. Among all of this building, Calgary's taxes were the lowest among big cities.
He is a proud first-generation Canadian of Indian ancestry, whose parents immigrated from Tanzania. His family and his Ismaili Muslim faith instilled in him the ethic of seva--service to the community--something he tries to live every day.
Now, he's running to be leader of Alberta's NDP and the next premier of the province. Find out more about Naheed Nenshi's campaign: https://nenshi.ca/
