Social justice activist Bonnie Devine is joining the race to become Calgary's next mayor.

The mother of four announced her campaign Wednesday, promising to put "people before profit" in a race she said has so far attracted mostly "business candidates."

14 declared candidates for Calgary mayor

  • Former news anchor Barb Higgins.
  • Businessman Alnoor Kassam.
  • Businessman Wayne Stewart.
  • Former alderman Craig Burrows.
  • Ald. Joe Connelly.
  • Liberal MLA Kent Hehr.
  • Paul Hughes, past president of the Calgary Food Policy Council.
  • Former alderman and Conservative MLA Jon Lord.
  • Ald. Ric McIver.
  • Ald. Bob Hawkesworth.
  • Mount Royal University professor Naheed Nenshi.
  • Derek McKenzie, utility company employee.
  • Retired railway worker Gary Johnston.
  • Social activist Bonnie Devine.

Devine's platform calls for public transit fees to be cut in half for a year, and eliminated entirely after that.

"Public transit, as a necessity for people to travel to work, shop, etc. should be a right," said Devine, who has run provincially twice as a communist candidate for Calgary-East.

Devine said Calgary's next council should also help to fund more low-cost housing and the food bank, eliminate all public school fees, and lower taxes for homeowners while increasing taxes on corporations.

"The role of Mayor is no more important than the people who take away the trash, fight fires, pack our groceries, stock our shelves, or pump our gas," she said, promising that she would take a 50 per cent pay cut if she were elected.

The municipal election is on Oct. 18.