Calgary mayor condemns gun violence, radical partisanship post-Texas school shooting tragedy

The mayor of Calgary says the increase in local gun violence and hate-based crimes needs to be addressed and it's past time the public demand better of its elected officials.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek made a series of Twitter posts Wednesday morning, in the aftermath of the Uvalde, Texas school shooting that left at least 19 children and two adults dead, in which she condemned the political inaction and radical partisanship that has served as a breeding ground for hate.
"You may believe that these are far away issues that do not affect you," said Gondek within the Twitter thread. "You may believe it is not the business of people like me to intervene in such matters. You may believe such things could never happen here. Stop and check your assumptions.
"Our own issues of safety, gun violence & hate-based crimes need to be addressed by policy makers. This only happens successfully by abandoning partisanship & focusing on the people we collectively serve. We must collaborate broadly for a stronger society.
"Radical partisanship & dangerous ideologies will not lead us to a just society; political extremism will only fail us all. Especially amongst elected officials, clinging to dated tropes & rhetoric is a losing game.
"It is up to all of us to demand better."
Gondek says she has "no quick answers or solutions" but will "continue to lead with humility and compassion" and that "we have to be unified in our quest for a just society."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
More Canadian troops headed to Latvia, Trudeau says at NATO summit
Canada will be sending more troops to Latvia as part of a pledge to upgrade and strengthen the NATO battlegroup it is leading there, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday.

'What were they waiting for?' Woman inside Saanich bank amid shootout describes 'calm' gunmen
A woman who was trapped inside a bank during a robbery and fatal shootout with police near Victoria on Tuesday says there is one question still plaguing her a day later: Why didn't the gunmen just leave with the money?
Supreme Court says expanded rape shield laws are constitutional
The Supreme Court of Canada says the expanded rules to further prevent a sexual assault complainant's past from being used against them in a trial are 'constitutional in their entirety.'
Nutrition warnings coming to the front of pre-packaged food in Canada
Canada will require that companies add nutrition warnings to the front of pre-packaged food with high levels of saturated fat, sugar or sodium in an effort to help grocery shoppers make healthier choices with just a glance.
New clean fuel regulations to raise gas prices, affect low-income Canadians most
New federal regulations to force down the greenhouse gas emissions from gasoline and diesel will cost Canadians up to 13 cents more per litre at the pump by 2030.
WHO: COVID-19 cases rising nearly everywhere in the world
The number of new coronavirus cases rose by 18 per cent in the last week, with more than 4.1 million cases reported globally, according to the World Health Organization.
What your Canada Day BBQ will cost with hot inflation
The Canada Day long weekend is the perfect time for burgers on the grill, cold drinks and time with family and friends. Yet a backyard barbecue comes with a bigger price tag this year as food prices soared 9.7 per cent in May.
Air Canada to reduce flights this summer amid 'customer service shortfalls'
Air Canada is planning to reduce its flights in July and August, according to a statement from the company's president, as the airline continues to deal with 'customer service shortfalls.'
Putin: Western leaders would look 'disgusting' topless
Russian President Vladimir Putin shot back at Western leaders who mocked his athletic exploits, saying they would look 'disgusting' if they tried to emulate his bare-torso appearances.