From the Canadian Taxpayers Federation

Author: Kris Sims

Between 2014 and 2023, total spending at the city went from $2.2 billion to an estimated $3.4 billion, a spending increase of about 54 per cent. The population of Edmonton increased by about 17 per cent over that same period.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on Edmonton City Hall to rein in its salaries and spending splurges in the wake of its 6.6 per cent property tax hike.

“Ordinary working people didn’t get a nearly seven per cent pay increase this year, so what makes Edmonton city hall think these folks can afford this property tax hike?” asked Kris Sims, CTF Alberta Director. “The city clearly has a spending problem and it’s wasting taxpayers’ money on electric buses that don’t work.”

Edmonton city councillors passed a 6.6 per cent property tax increase at city hall Tuesday afternoon.

Budget documents show spending at Edmonton city hall has jumped.

Between 2014 and 2023, total spending at the city went from $2.2 billion to an estimated $3.4 billion, a spending increase of about 54 per cent. The population of Edmonton increased by about 17 per cent over that same period.

Meanwhile, the city has a growing list of spending issues.

Reports show Edmonton spent about $60 million on a fleet of electric buses, but about 75 per cent of them are stuck in maintenance bays, needing constant repair and adjustments. The company that manufactures parts for the electric bus fleet has since gone bankrupt.

Last year, Edmonton City Hall decided to spend $100 million on bicycle lanes, in a city that can see snow on the roads from September to May.

After taking a raise this year, Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi is paid a salary of $211,488 per year, while the city’s 12 councillors are each paid $119,484. The premier of Alberta, by comparison, is paid $186,180 per year.

“The people of Edmonton should remember they have the option of recall legislation and they can force a byelection for their city councillor if they think they’re doing a bad job,” said Sims.

From the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) 

“One of the victims, a 13-year-old girl, was part of a missing persons investigation earlier in the year”

Four teens have been rescued following an ALERT Human Trafficking investigation in Edmonton. Two men and a 17-year-old face a total of 48 charges.

ALERT’s Human Trafficking unit charged three suspects on October 12, 2023 in a case that dates back several months and involved underage victims. ALERT alleges that the youths were recruited and groomed into working in the sex trade and were being sexually exploited at a local hotel.

One of the victims, a 13-year-old girl, was part of a missing persons investigation earlier in the year. ALERT worked with the Edmonton Police Service on the case, which also led to the identification of other youth victims.

“These youths met their perpetrators over social media and were lured and groomed into working in the sex industry. As is often the case, there are a bunch of false promises of money, relationships, gifts, but those never seem to materialize and these survivors endure tremendous hardship,” said Staff Sgt. Chris Hayes, ALERT Human Trafficking.

All four survivors are receiving the appropriate supports and resources with partner agencies.

Obinna Nwanekezi, 19 years old, faces 22 charges, including:

• Trafficking a person under 18;
• Procuring a person under 18;
• Luring a child;
• Sexual exploitation;
• Material benefit from trafficking a person under 18;
• Making child pornography;
• Distributing child pornography;
• Possessing child pornography;
• Agreement/arrangement of sexual offence against child; and
• Assault.

Jelani Ried, 19 years old, faces 21 charges, including:

• Trafficking a person under 18;
• Procuring a person under 18;
• Luring a child;
• Sexual exploitation;
• Material benefit from trafficking a person under 18;
• Making child pornography;
• Distributing child pornography;
• Possessing child pornography; and
• Agreement/arrangement of sexual offence against child.

Five additional charges have been laid against a 17-year-old youth who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. They have been released with conditions.

ALERT encourages anyone who believes they are a victim of sexual assault or abuse to report it to police. Victims of sexual exploitation can report it to the Edmonton Police Service by calling 780-423-4567, or 9-1-1 if they are in immediate danger. Alternatively, anyone seeking supports is encouraged to contact the Safety Network Coordinator with CEASE at 780-471-6137. There is no time limit on how long a victim has to report a sexual assault in Canada.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.