Randall Emmons

I grew up near South Cooking Lake. My first home was in Fort Saskatchewan, and now I live in Sherwood Park with my wife and our baby daughter. I have worked in the community as an Arena Operator for Strathcona County for the last 8 years. I have no formal political experience or schooling; however, I have worked on many different teams, in many different jobs, both as a leader and a team member.

My first introduction to the Green Party years ago was through my interest in renewable energy and the human cost of the fossil fuel industry globally in comparison. Activist pages led me to their websites, and to information on how to make real change.

Several close friends and family members have worked in the healthcare industry for decades, giving me insight into how things are going in their respective fields. Becoming a parent has made me think a lot more about the future, and how I don’t think the major parties are taking anywhere near enough action on the most pressing issues threatening our country, or even the entire planet. If people can’t get a good education, receive good healthcare, and find an affordable and sustainable place to live, they won’t be equipped with the basic needs to even think about tackling climate change, or extremism and hate in politics and their day-to-day lives.

Over the years, I’ve been vocal on social media and in my community about the issues that matter to me: better healthcare funding, stronger support for education, and the urgent need for climate action. I’ve followed politics at every level for over a decade. I’ve sat down and talked to anyone who will listen—online, in person, friends, family, colleagues.

More recently, I’ve started to feel helpless watching the rise of political division, populism, and hate. It’s disheartening to see people drawing hard lines instead of finding common ground, especially with the threat to our very sovereignty—both domestically and globally—in the form of right-wing extremism.

The Green Party is the only party that truly puts people and the planet first. Their platform reflects the same values I try to live by: honesty, transparency, sustainability, and compassion. I believe we need to start making serious investments in affordable housing, healthcare, education, and renewable energy. Not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it will build a more affordable and stable future, regardless of the intentions.

For over a decade, I’ve combed through the legislation put forward and voted on by each party, answered voting questionnaires, and filled out quizzes. Every time, it has been overwhelmingly Green for me, and I encourage everyone to do the same to really see where the parties stand compared to their own values.

I’m not a career politician, but I believe in showing up, listening to people, and trying to make things better. That’s why I’m putting my name forward. I think we can do better, and I want to help be part of that change. Even if it means passing the torch—I will gladly pass the role on to someone more qualified if the opportunity presents itself. But I felt as though I had to do something. I think anyone running, experienced or not, should put the concerns of those they represent, and experts on the issues, front and center in the role.

If you feel like politics isn’t working for you anymore, I get it. That’s exactly why I’m running—for the Green Party of Canada. And I hope you’ll pledge your support too if you feel the same.