Calgary's Council: Where Are the Women?

Calgary’s newly elected city council, seated October 20, 2025, features a striking gender imbalance. With a mayor and fourteen councillors, only two women secured seats – a stark contrast to the five women on the previous council, which included the city’s first female mayor. This marks the lowest female representation in over a decade.

The composition, with thirteen men and two women, has ignited conversations across the city. Many Calgarians feel a council lacking diverse perspectives can miss crucial insights, especially as our city actively champions inclusion through various initiatives and programs. Nationally, women represent 31% of all municipal elected officials.

While progress towards gender parity in Canadian municipal politics has been a focus for organizations like the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Calgary's recent election results highlight that the work continues. It’s a powerful reminder for future elections: truly representing a vibrant, growing city means ensuring all voices are heard and valued at the decision-making table.