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‘Kiss of death to local representation’: Calgary mayor reacts to Bill 20 [Video]

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek says she’s worried new provincial legislation will bring more big money — and less leadership — to municipal elections.

The Government of Alberta unveiled sweeping new changes to the election process on Friday.

The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, or Bill 20, will — barring a massive UCP rethink — come into effect at the end of October.

It will introduce political parties into next year’s elections in Calgary and Edmonton, and will once again allow corporate and union donations.

Local leaders from around the province voiced their displeasure with the bill Friday, lamenting what they see as a lack of consultation.

Perhaps none were more upset than Gondek.

“It’s a kiss of death to local representation and local democracy,” she told reporters.

“The days of independent candidates who actually represent you look like they’re going to be over.”

Some on the councils of both Calgary and Edmonton have already agreed, voicing their …

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