Jett Schwaier/CHAT News

By Jett Schwaier

ELXN25

Over 300 people attend Medicine Hat election forum at Esplanade Wednesday

Sep 25, 2025 | 6:03 AM

Over 300 people attended a Medicine Hat municipal election forum at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre Wednesday night.

The 23 councillor candidates participating were asked a series of questions by mediator Aaron Fleming, also the current president of the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the event.

Primary topics discussed included government accountability and financial sustainability, services by the municipal government, strengthening and growing local businesses, and dealing with crime and homelessness in Medicine Hat.

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Many candidates had similar priorities on government accountability and financial sustainability, with topics focused on fiscal responsibility, solar power investments, economic development improvements, and opposition to a Municipally Controlled Corporation.

Candidate Jay Hitchen said improving the process of starting a business in the city could improve growth.

Hitchen hysterically said he almost had a heart attack when he found out about the process of opening a business in Medicine Hat.

Candidate Cheryl Phaff said it’s important to address that Medicine Hat is notorious for being difficult in terms of construction of business, adding it’s also important not to delay projects.

Candidate Yusef Mohammed said Medicine Hat as a whole, is a team, so it’s important to connect with businesses in the city to find out what their needs are.

Current councillor and candidate Alison Van Dyke said the non-profit organizations in the community helping with homelessness are the most collaborative she’s ever seen.

Candidate Stuart Young made the audience laugh when he apologized for jokingly saying Fleming’s question was garbage.

In closing statements, Christian Ellis said his campaign slogan is, “faith in the future.”

The audience applauded Ted Clugston after his closing statement in which he stood up and said running for council is not a popularity contest.

Audience member Ray Hoger said the event was fantastic.

“I applaud the Chamber of Commerce for getting this arranged for us,” said Hoger.

“It’s the easiest way, especially with 39 individuals, to get an idea of where they stand and the passion that they have, all the candidates. It’s just a positive element for us.”

The online stream of the forum was also a popular way to view the event with over 2,100 views by early Thursday morning.

Details on Friday’s event are listed on the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce website.

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READ: Online stream available for Wednesday’s election forum with Medicine Hat councillor candidates