Today, I'm sharing my decision about the 2021 election.
I will not be running for Mayor this October.
Calgary, thank you, for everything. It's been the honour of my life.
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Naheed Nenshi
@nenshi
Not the mayor anymore.
CommunityCalgary, AlbertaJoined April 2009
Naheed Nenshi’s Tweets
When Muslims hear of a death, we say Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un - We belong to God, and to him we return. I say for Quebec tonight.
Today, City Council took the necessary step to mandate the wearing of masks inside all public space as of August 1. This wasn’t an easy decision; when our Council meeting started on Monday, we were only going to be making this mandate on Transit.
…I really haven’t.
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Calgary Mayor @nenshi reacts to Alberta Premier Jason Kenney’s apology to Albertans, saying he has “never seen a government this incompetent”
Watch more at ctvnews.ca/ctv-news-chann
#ctvpp #Elxn44
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Once again, my heart breaks. Not because I am Muslim, but because I am human. But as we condemn the horrific terrorist act in New Zealand, we also must commit ourselves to fighting hatred wherever we find it. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. We belong to God to him we return.
There will be a lot of time to say a lot of things in the upcoming days and weeks but tonight just one thing: thank you!
I generally ignore hateful people but wasn’t I just saying yesterday about how the cheapest insult is “playing the race card”? (I also won 12 of 14 wards and biggest margin was in Mr. Wilson’s neighbourhood if memory serves) xx
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Replying to @DrPaulND @betsy01557244 and @ABDanielleSmith
No. The NE voting block that rose up when Nenshi play the race card was what won the day. Smiths views on the GreenLine were irrelevant.
Congrats to Prime Minister Trudeau and all those elected tonight. The results, particularly in Alberta, show there is a lot of work to do. I hope Calgarians’ deep concerns are heard and the federal government will work with us to make sure our very real issues are addressed.
We are not immune to hatred in this country. But we will always always always stand up to it together.
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Tonight, Canadians grieve for those killed in a cowardly attack on a mosque in Quebec City. My thoughts are with victims & their families.
This is a very big deal. We are ranked the best city to live in North America and fourth best in the world. Let’s shout that from the rooftops! #Liveability
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3 Canadian cities make top 10 on global ranking of most livable cities ift.tt/2MPepw0
I wasn’t on a horse. And I wasn’t tweeting. But got to hang out with my little buddy. Happy Stampede everyone!
So I’ve never done this before. I take being purple very seriously (despite what Twitter trolls say). But this election is so important. This is about our future. So I’m sharing (in many many words) why I am proud to support in this election.
For every retweet this receives, is donating $1 (up to $10,000), to the !
In times like these, the generosity and community-minded spirit of Calgarians is needed more than ever.
Every $1 in donations buys $5 in food.
Is ... that why? Or is it because global oil prices soared and perhaps the federal government covered off many of Alberta's COVID expenses?
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Last week, Alberta posted one of the most remarkable fiscal updates in the history of the province.
And why is that?
Because Alberta’s Recovery Plan 
is working.
is working.
Owen Bonnar with the Calgary Fire Pipe Band performed Amazing Grace atop Scotsman’s Hill today in honour of the national tragedy in Nova Scotia.
Calgary is thinking of you.
#NovaScotiaStrong
I certainly hope that Premier and all the UCP leadership candidates join regular Albertans in condemning the dreadful treatment of the Deputy Prime Minister (who is from Peace River, don't forget) in Alberta today.
Today, City Council voted, once and for all, to approve the Green Line.
This isn’t a big day for Calgary. It’s the biggest day.
This project is going to change the way Calgarians get around, shape reinvestment in our communities, and help stimulate our local economy.
I generally don't cuss. But sometimes I am sorely tempted. I think the mayor here uses a remarkable economy of words to get to what we are all thinking.
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People have been asking me to comment on the events of the past weekend in #ptbo. I hate giving airtime/spotlight to these imbeciles. Here is my comment: fuck off, you fuckwads. 
It's simple. He must step down. If he does not, then the provincial government must act using powers under the Municipal Government Act to remove him. They've spent years threatening school boards with dismissal. Can't have cold feet now.
Except ... your expensive inquiry found there weren't any of those. I look forward to your inquiry on foreign funding of causes you support.
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Will the Trudeau government now seize the bank accounts of the foreign funded eco-terrorists responsible for this violence? twitter.com/FNLNGAlliance/…
I highly recommend blocking racists on twitter. Let them yell into their own little echo chambers.
Folks, this is really wrong. This was a government announcement not an election announcement. It’s part of the job to answer questions no matter how tough. Why i scrummed almost daily. Not answering means you’re either hiding something or your staff are scared of what you’ll say.
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Premier Danielle Smith limits reporters to ONE QUESTION. No follow-up.
She says "because it's an election" she won't take more than 1q per reporter to get to more reporters... but she answered fewer q's from fewer reporters.
#abpoli #ableg #Alberta
Her exchange w/@audreyneva
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Annual public service announcement: as we approach Hallowe'en, I need to remind everyone that "Sexy Mayor Nenshi" is a bad costume idea.
My thoughts on the upcoming Calgary election - if it helps you make a decision on Election Day.
Here. It happened here. On this land. In this place of pluralism and unbounded opportunity. Our nation did this. To children. To their families. 1/21
I get it. The election is really close. You can’t afford to lose a candidate. But she called children — from a group that already has much higher rates of suicide — not only subhuman but literally pieces of crap. Smith has to determine what lines can’t be crossed for power.
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Danielle Smith needs to tell the poop-cookie candidate she won't be in UCP caucus #yyc #ableg #abpoli #abvote
Column by @DonBraid: calgaryherald.com/opinion/column
One of my favourite classes in university was Executive Federalism. One of the profs was Peter Lougheed. One of my classmates was Danielle Smith. What she said here is NOT what we learned. (And we didn't have "founders" writing from divine revelation either)
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Danielle Smith says the "founders" (is that an American term?) never intended the provinces to be subordinate to the federal government. She should get government constitutional lawyers to give her a basic primer on the division of powers in Canada's constitution.#cdnpoli #abpoli
Perhaps rather than personal insults, you may wish to explain your budget. You have increased your “admin fee” on fines, with is about a $10 million cut to the police and increased fees for testing, another $2 mm blow, plus a $1 mm cut to cannabis funding as per the Chief.
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Trudeau’s mayor is out to lunch. We made tough decisions in our Budget but didn’t reduce police grants by one dollar. Unlike his friend in Ottawa, he should get his fiscal house in order. #AbLeg #abpoli calgaryherald.com/news/local-new
I have to go back to Toronto? NOOOO! twitter.com/trader2025/sta
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Today I got my shot now that I'm eligible! It was easy and safe, and I’m feeling great! Vaccines are safe, effective and save lives. I encourage everyone to get a vaccine as soon as you are eligible. Let’s keep each other safe and protected.
Read this thread. Please.
The asked me for my thoughts on the status of the topic of race in Canada.
Here they are:
Nothing to see here, folks. Just a city where it’s too cold to let the penguins outside...
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Please note the Penguin Walk has been cancelled for today, January 14, due to extreme cold weather conditions.
We have set specific weather parameters to ensure the birds’ safety & welfare. We will resume the walk when the parameters are met. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Interesting thing about many UCP supporters on this app lately. They insult me, they whine about not being able to reply (because hitting a different button is painful, I guess?) but you know what they almost never do? Defend their party or come up with good things they’ve done.
Someone thought of this, thought it was a good idea, ran it by people who thought it was a good idea, probably including the guy whose name is on it, made it and posted it. (And we pay them all massive salaries by the way). They've completely lost the thread.
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This past weekend, there were multiple disgusting incidents of hatred, specifically against the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Hate will never win. Not here. Not in Calgary.
There is no tolerance for this behaviour. It’s on us, more now than ever, to show what Calgarians are made of.
That was oddly emotional. But efficient and easy. In and out in under 10 mins. Thanks to the great staff. If you're in line by 8 pm you get to vote! Bring your kids! Info and how/where to vote: electionscalgary.ca
As you know, only Chief Sampson can give you orders under a State of Local Emergency.
So, I’m STRONGLY SUGGESTING you all go for a walk today.
Outside is not closed and the weather is perfect. Get out, say hi to everyone you see. Ask how they’re doing - we’re in this together.
1/ I know people are very nervous about the COVID situation — I am too— but please don’t wait for government to tell you to do the right thing. In addition to the stuff you’ve been doing — was your hands, wear a mask, keep distance, get a flu shot — it’s time to do more.
Truly the honour of my life. I was told I am now a warrior, and I must keep up the battle for justice for all.
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Together with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Drummers, Mayor staff & Honoring Mother Earth Committee members, we beared witness to a Ceremonial Transfer of a Blackfoot Headdress awarded to outgoing Mayor Nenshi. in recognition of his commitment to reconciliation.
@nenshi
Calgary, I’ve been saying three things so far when it comes to our COVID-19 response.
Clean hands, clear heads, open hearts.
With the situation evolving, I’ve got three more.
Stay home, be kind, save lives.
It's time we talked about COVID-19.
The City of Calgary has been working extremely diligently with our partners at Alberta Health Services to monitor and prepare for the impacts of this virus.
I've been focusing on three basic principles. Clean hands, clear heads, open hearts
I still cry at every citizenship ceremony I attend. This is and always will be a place of sanctuary, safety, welcome and opportunity.
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15 yrs ago I took the oath of citizenship. What an incredible feeling to welcome 21 new 
at my 1st citizenship ceremony as Minister.
at my 1st citizenship ceremony as Minister.
61% of American oil imports come from Canada. 8% Saudi. The others aren't in the top five. And Biden just banned Russian oil. Is it wise to mislead and insult your biggest market in this way?
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The Biden Administration’s energy policy:
Russian oil
Iranian oil
Saudi oil
Venezuelan oil
Canadian oil twitter.com/WSJ/status/150…
Russian oil
Iranian oil
Saudi oil
Venezuelan oil
Canadian oil twitter.com/WSJ/status/150…I mean, there was a Naheed before.
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Jyoti Gondek just became mayor in Calgary and Amarjeet Sohi just became mayor in Edmonton. Two Punjabi mayors in two of Alberta’s largest cities.
Who woulda thought? 
So her newest argument is that nothing she has ever said or believed is fair game and none of it has any influence on who she is or what decisions she makes. Isn’t that … worse? Like she has no intellectual or ethical core and will say or do anything?
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UCP Leader Danielle Smith:
"People have been asking me all kinds of questions over whether past things I've mused about over 27 years impact the kind of decisions I'll make today, and I've been able to say 'no.'"
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Nenshi and "people like him" are politicizing the niqab issue, says Jason Kenney calgaryherald.com/news/politics/
Lies. This isn’t AI. I’m pretty sure this is just a pic from last Friday night.
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For a bit of fun, I leveraged photoshop and a handful of generative AI tools to imagine Calgary's former mayor @nenshi as a 1980s-style professional wrestling bodyguard.
I think this one turned out really well.
#yyccc #yyc
I mean, I tried not to take pics with people in Oilers sweaters or Riders jerseys …
Regardless of what we end up doing for 2026, it’s undeniable that 1988 has left an extraordinary legacy. This is amazing!
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Of Canada’s 27 medals, 22 (or 81%) were won by athletes who have trained or competed at WinSport’s facilities at Canada Olympic Park or Canmore. We are so proud to work with talented athletes from all over Canada!
I’m voting #YesForCalgary because this is an extraordinary deal for our city. For $390 million from Calgary, we would see over $4 billion invested here. I’m voting yes because I believe #YYC can host the cleanest, most cost effective games in history. Let’s dream big and vote yes
Setting aside the impossibility of going to a meeting when you have no idea who the guest of honour is, did you leave the room when she started speaking and it became apparent? Or did you enjoy your meal and pose for smiling pictures after?
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I profoundly regret attending a meeting without having sought the input of my staff and without having undertaken a fulsome vetting of the individuals or organizations with whom I was meeting – which is my usual practice. I, alone, own this mistake. I will do better. #Oshawa
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Calgarians also send way more to the government of Alberta than we receive back in services and investments but he never seems to talk about that for some reason.
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Albertans are paying billions more to Ottawa in taxes that they are getting back.
Shout out to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation for standing up for the taxpayers.
financialpost.com/opinion/franco
Like many of you, I have been profoundly disturbed by, well, everything this past week. We’ve been reminded of the reality of racism, here and everywhere. Divisions have been laid bare and there’s no clear way forward. I’m reminded of Langston Hughes’ famous poem, Harlem.
I couldn't sleep after learning this. Why has this never been publicly disclosed, even when he ran provincially in 2008 when the letter was presumably still on his personnel file?
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Let's try this again: Coun. Sean Chu disciplined for physical contact with 16-year-old girl when he was a 34-year-old police officer
cbc.ca/1.6212651
I’ve written a lot about this election and I’ve even made an endorsement, all of which you can read down my timeline. But for now, please vote. Take your kids if you can. It’s easy, and it feels so good after this election.
So, this just happened. is just as smart and thoughtful as you think. Thanks #CalgaryExpo! #mayorselfie
Let’s be clear - the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to stay at home.
I know how tough this is on kids, on grandparents, on families of all types. This is tough on individuals, and extremely tough on those living alone.
We must do this. We only get one chance.
Oh it’s real. And it’s spectacular.
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I'm pretty sure "Calgary" isn't a real city
Tonight, will be dark, and other downtown spaces lit in blue, white, and gold in solidarity with Quebec.
Yup. Still hate shootouts. But congratulations to the best hockey players in the world, the Canadian women. You always make us proud. Always. #Pyeongchang2018 #TeamCanada
Ok that really was a top ten cool moment to be on the screens in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. What an honour to be able to bring greetings from Calgary and Canada!
What a kind and unexpected note from a stranger in Washington DC. Thanks so much for making my day!
The most common question I get these days is “I’m a conservative but I don’t trust Smith or don’t support the current UCP policies. What should I do?”
I wrote a column about it. beta.ctvnews.ca/national/polit
TLDR: don’t vote UCP in the hopes they will then dump Smith. Won’t work.
Yet my faith was mentioned in pretty much the first line of every article about me when I ran. It took years for some media to call me the "mayor of Calgary" rather than the "Muslim mayor of Calgary". I'm not sure whether this is a step forward or not.
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Some folks were concerned I mentioned Toews is a Mennonite in context of his social conservatism. I agree that his denomination isn’t relevant. I’ve taken the words off the column, for print and online. @wittmeier
calgaryherald.com/opinion/column
#ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #ucpleadership
Replying to
Oh, and don't stockpile toilet paper. That just doesn't make any sense.
Like a free ride. When you've already paid. This is too easy. Don't UCP staffers have better things to do?
It is SO WEIRD to be sitting at my computer just working away on Election Day. I'm grateful for everyone who has put their name in to serve. Thank you. And thank you to all the campaign volunteers. Keep getting out the vote and good luck!
So, there's an illegal occupation at the border, hospitalizations are at record levels, and yesterday our leader focuses on fighting communism and today being insulted by something he misread.
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The premier accused Calgary's mayor of calling him a "potlicker" in a tweet. I assume he simply misread the tweet below twitter.com/JyotiGondek/st…
Read this. It makes me sick that she has been treated this way and even sicker to know how common it is. Too many politicians and leaders have stoked this rage and it has to stop. It begins with each of us showing decency, respect, kindness, and support.
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1/I have been asked by some people why I haven’t made a public statement about the assault on our Deputy Prime Minister. To be blunt, I had to sit with my thoughts for a couple of days. Because this incident is not isolated & it brings up too much pain. And fear. Yes, fear.
Ummm ... did no one tell you? About the whole sleep thing?
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Replying to @nenshi
How am I supposed to sleep now?
Thanks to our great neighbours. We share resources whenever we can to bring down the cost for everyone. We were “lucky” this time that the storm hit one of us and not the other. But tell me they didn’t give Don the keys.
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Hey @nenshi, help is on the way! 30 @CityofEdmonton 
plows rolling out today to help with that #yycsnow
plows rolling out today to help with that #yycsnow
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I mean, her literal actual words were "we get treated the exact same way from Ottawa". I can't imagine why anyone would draw the conclusion that she meant what she said.
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Replying to @audreyneva
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she didn't intend to compare Indigenous People's suffering at the hands of Ottawa to Alberta's. She says she apologizes if her comments were understood that way #ableg
Congratulations to Calgary gal on her induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame! So well deserved! (And yes I've been a fan forever! She signed an Alberta driver's licence in Boston almost 25 years ago!)
Man, my back hurts now. I’ve been on Crowchild all morning.
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WHY HAS @NENSHI NOT PERSONALLY SHOVELLED THESE ROADS #yycsnow
Thank you, Prime Minister , for listening to our city’s priorities. Calgarians are in need now, from employment to housing to health.
This is the time for the partnership between all order of governments to grow stronger. That’s the only way through this.
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COVID-19 cases are rising across Calgary - Mayor @Nenshi and I spoke about that today, and I asked what more we can do to help keep people safe. We also spoke about infrastructure priorities, ending homelessness, and how we can support Calgarians through this pandemic and beyond.
Even though today is my final Council session, I didn’t expect it to be emotional - however the rally of supporters surprising me to start my day was so touching.
#ThankYouNaheed
Today was an important day. Today, together with our Prime Minister, we were able to reaffirm our commitment to the #greenlineyyc. Thank you for you unwavering support Mr. Prime Minister 🚊
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Live from Calgary – I’m here with Mayor @Nenshi to highlight the work we’re doing together to support public transit, reduce commute times, and fight climate change. Tune in now: bit.ly/3dV5Mjf
People say I look totally different in my western gear. I don’t think so at all. twitter.com/660news/status
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If those aren’t his best words, I’d like to know what the best are. Because every word here rings absolutely true. Take the five minutes to listen to this. Then take action. Demand better from our politicians, our leaders, our neighbours and ourselves.
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“You’ll have to forgive me, these won’t be my best words...”
On this heartbreaking day, Waleed reflects and calls for unity. #TheProjectTV
4:45
Thank you for reaching out, Prime Minister . I appreciate the collaborative approach to supporting Calgarians through this pandemic. We will get through this together.
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I reached out to Mayor @Nenshi and Mayor @DonIveson last night. We spoke about how serious the current COVID-19 situation is in Calgary, Edmonton, and across the province - and I let them know the federal government stands ready to assist in any way we can.
This was a nice treat. I was asked to be one of the international mayors to bring recorded greetings in Times Square for New Year’s Eve.
Check out for the broadcast starting at 7 pm MT tonight.
Happy #NewYearsEve everyone!
My number one rule of politics is “citizens aren’t stupid”. This kind of spin when you’ve been found guilty of an ethics violation, instead of an apology and a promise to do better, is something citizens will see right through.
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The Ethics Commissioner report has confirmed the CBC and NDP lied regarding Crown Prosecutor contact.
I was gratified to read the Ethics Commissioner’s findings confirming that neither I, nor anyone in my office, tried to or did contact any Crown Prosecutors regarding any… Show more
Absolutely crushed to learn that one of my colleagues, wonderful community leader Derick Lwugi, was amongst those killed in the plane crash this morning in Ethiopia. All our love to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those touched by his life of service.
First time in 12 years without a bunch of tv cameras! But I still didn't cry (not much anyway)! Get your free #FluShot at any pharmacy! (And thanks to Zainab at Whitehorn Pharmasave) #supportlocalyyc
What the heck just happened? (That sentence could apply to several things in Alberta tonight!)
UPDATE: a beautiful family from Okotoks dropped off the truck today making a little guy very happy. This website can actually do some good sometimes! And we do live in a place where people care for one another. Never forget that.
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I have a 9-year old pal with special needs who loves his truck. But it has stopped working and they don’t make them anymore. Anyone have one they would be willing to part with to make him happy?
I know you’ve been waiting patiently for this. Here’s my last one. I still have mixed feelings.
I got voted out?
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Replying to @CourtEllingson @nenshi and 2 others
That’s the best Notley could come up with to endorse her Nenshi.There is a reason he got voted out in Calgary,and the new mayor is on her way out also.
Omg. Forgot my annual Halloween public service announcement: sexy Mayor Nenshi is not an appropriate costume choice. Applicability may vary in other cities.