Meet the candidates running for Halifax mayor

Pictured on June 22, 2023 is Halifax's city hall building.

Sixteen people have thrown their hats in the ring for the upcoming Halifax Regional Municipality mayoral race. CTV News Atlantic reached out to them to ask about their political backgrounds, the big issues they believe are facing the region, and why they feel they’re best-suited for the job. Some of their answers have been edited for grammar and clarity.

CTV News Atlantic reached out to candidate Bob Anders, but did not receive a response before publication.

Alex Andreas

What is your political background?

I’m not a career politician, nor do I lean to either side; I’ve built my experience on the ground as a former Level 2 compliance officer for the municipality, enforcing bylaws and provincial acts and the MGA and Halifax Charter. I worked directly with planners, developers, contractors, other enforcement agencies, communities, businesses, and residents to solve problems and ensure our city’s standards were met. This background has given me firsthand insight into the challenges Halifax faces and a clear understanding of the complexities of municipal governance.

What do you think are three major issues facing Halifax?

Why do you think you're the right person for the job?

I’m running for mayor because I know Halifax’s strengths and challenges. My hands-on experience as a compliance officer taught me the importance of integrity, accountability, and collaboration in public service. I’ve seen the gaps in leadership and the consequences of ineffective governance, and I’m committed to leading Halifax with a clear vision, decisive action, and a focus on results. I’m not just promising change—I’ve lived it, and I’m ready to bring that drive to the mayor’s office. Halifax deserves leadership that listens, acts, and builds a future where every resident can thrive.

Paul David Boyd

What is your political background?

(I) started running for office in 1992 for the MLA seat in Fairview on the Nova Scotia Party ticket. (I) ran twice for Dartmouth/Cole Harbour. (I) helped write the constitution for the Canadian Alliance Party, and also ran on the Atlantica Party ticket. The closest (I’ve) come to winning was a 100-vote loss. Over the years, (I have) also worked on Liberal and Tory campaigns. (I have) been a returning officer in dozens of elections.

What do you think are three major issues facing Halifax?

Why do you think you're the right person for the job?

I am the right person because I am born in the HRM. Gradated from high school and NSCC in the HRM. As a small business operator and security officer, people are not afraid to tell you what think. And they know a lot about politics.

Sean Dibbin

What is your political background?

This is my first time entering a political election.

What do you think are three major issues facing Halifax?

Why do you think you're the right person for the job?

I feel I’m someone who takes the time to listen and picture myself in people’s shoes where they are telling me the problems they are facing. And that is, in my opinion, what someone should be good at if taking up the position of mayor.

Ryan Dodge

What is your political background?

While not extensive, from the ages of 17-19, around 2005, I helped create and sat on the rendition of the HRM Youth Advisory Committee that was overseen by councillors Linda Mosher and Gloria McCluskey. I feel in the years since their guidance, I've grown a fondness for how the City of Halifax operates, and want to step in to take the reins in the foreseen tougher times ahead. If there's another level the city could get to, I can find it.

What do you think are three major issues facing Halifax?

Why do you think you're the right person for the job?

I think I am the right person to be mayor of Halifax because of my resiliency … my will to survive, and my drive to move forward in the face of adversity. I struggled through school growing up, I've been homeless twice in the last five years after I tragically had to drop out of NSCC's Business Administration Program. I lost my children to the Children's Aid Society of Toronto when my wife and I were homeless, but since returning to Halifax in March 2023, I have fought my way out of poverty. I've since lived in the south end of Halifax, and my wife and I have great jobs. I always had the drive to work as hard as I can to help others, but I didn't have the life experience to understand why I do the things I do. Now, I want to implement that on a grand scale of the office of mayor of Halifax.

Andy Fillmore

What is your political background?

Member of Parliament for Halifax, first elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2021. During that time I have held numerous roles in government, including Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs, and Parliamentary Secretary appointments to Democratic Institutions, Canadian Heritage, Infrastructure and Communities, and Innovation Science and Industry. Most recently, I served on the Defence Committee.

What do you think are three major issues facing Halifax?

The top issue facing Halifax is the need to ensure suitable housing for all of our residents. I also want to see the effective management of tax dollars, including reducing the tax burden on municipal taxpayers by freezing the tax rate. Additionally, I want to have a transportation network with reliable public transit across the municipality and where potholes get fixed in a timely fashion.

Why do you think you're the right person for the job?

As a city planner I have the experience to take on the issues facing our municipality and make growth work for us, not against us. I’ve worked in the municipal, provincial, and federal governments and I have a track record of bringing people together, finding common ground, and charting a clear path forward that everyone can get behind.

I want to apply my experience and knowledge to help our region from Sheet Harbour to Hubbards continue to prosper and to be a place we are proud to call home.

Greg Frampton

What is your political background?

I am a long time civil and public servant managing large numbers of staff and large budgets. Also I am a former N.S. Provincial Assessor, business owner. I ran as Conservative in the provincial elections in 1999 and 2013, as well as for HRM Council in 2020 where I learned council had recently passed Great Reset/Paris Accord legislation which will ruin the lives of many in Canada for an experiment of which the results will be only known hundreds of years from now. I am motivated by politics when I see things are going wrong and I think we all have sense that things are going wrong now and I wish to change it for the better.

What do you think are three major issues facing Halifax?

Why do you think you're the right person for the job?

I believe I am the best choice for Mayor given my education in business, construction and real estate appraisal/assessment - years of experience working in government - accounting, management, public housing, property assessment, construction and business. I have managed large budgets, and large numbers of staff. Also I am excellent at finding efficiencies in government and applying procurement rules, which is important. I will oversee spending of taxpayer funds in the most efficient and productive manner. Most importantly I want to protect the citizens from the fad of the Paris Accord Great Reset that is now entrenched in a number of bylaws and Federal agreements which will result of great transformation to the city and people's lives, only to be found out later to be huge policy error in the future.

Andrew Goodsell

What is your political background?

A lifetime of understanding addiction and mental illness. I've worked in the health field and the schools.

What do you think are three major issues facing Halifax?

Why do you think you're the right person for the job?

I'm a humanitarian who is not impressed by money. My campaign promise is to fight for public housing for all.

Nolan Greenough

What is your political background?

My political background is sparse to say the least. I haven't held office anywhere, and don't feel strongly represented with most current leadership.

What do you think are three major issues facing Halifax?

If I had to concentrate on three major issues, I'd likely say mobility, housing, and really just plain participation from the people of HRM.

Why do you think you're the right person for the job?

I'm honestly not sure that I am the right person for the job. I have no political experience and most of my connections throughout the municipality are fresh, to say the least. All I can do is promise everyone that I would do my best to listen, learn, and act accordingly in office.

Jim Hoskins

What is your political background?

I was a candidate in two provincial elections and two elections in HRM for councillor in District 11, the last one in 2016. I am not a member of any political party and I am not a career politician.

What do you think are three major issues facing Halifax?

Why do you think you're the right person for the job?

I am the best candidate for mayor, believing in a common sense leadership with (an) extensive public service record to HRM as a retired staff sergeant with 36 years in policing HRM and community service, particularly with youth. I know this area well and have the skillset to bring a fresh approach to politics at a time when accountability and focus is badly needed.

HRM is a growing municipality and our growth needs to be balanced with a responsible budget, which reflects what the people of HRM want as we move forward.

Darryl Johnson

What is your political background?

A candidate in the municipal election in 2020 for Cole Harbour District 4. A candidate in the provincial election in 2021 with the PC party.

What do you think are three major issues facing Halifax?

Why do you think you're the right person for the job?

I believe I am right the right person for the job because of my common-sense approach to issues. Not being connected to a particular party benefits in terms of making decisions. I am well connected in community and understand the issues faced by our demographics. Finally, I’ve always been in positions of leadership and advocating for others to be their voice.

Zoran Jokic

What is your political background?

I am a seasoned civic leader and champion of diversity, with a proven track record of driving positive change. From student government to humanitarian aid distribution and workforce education initiatives, I've dedicated my career to empowering communities and creating opportunities for all.

What do you think are three major issues facing Halifax?

Why do you think you're the right person for the job?

I (have a) very pragmatic mindset and my proven track record of finding practical solutions will be invaluable in tackling the challenges that have long plagued our city. My fresh approach and innovative thinking will breathe new life into HRM, transforming it into the vibrant, thriving community we all deserve. The fiscal responsibility is something we all need to be able to move our municipality in a good direction.

Pam Lovelace

What is your political background?

Elected to represent Hammonds Plains-St. Margarets in 2020 and appointed deputy mayor of HRM in 2021.

What do you think are the three major issues facing Halifax?

Why do you think you’re the right person for the job?

I'm not a career politician. I am a mother fighting for sensible solutions to serious and complex issues to ensure future generations can build their lives here in HRM. My focus on Halifax Council has been to resolve legacy problems, modernize local government, and fix poor planning and policy decisions of the past.

Waye Mason

What is your political background?

I’ve been councillor for District 7 since 2012, and a lifelong non-partisan. I’ve worked hard to make a real difference in the community as a small business owner, volunteer, and entrepreneur and I’ve seen life and work from all sides. I have sat as deputy mayor, President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, and currently serve as a board member of the Halifax Partnership and on the national Green Municipal Fund Council.

What do you think are the three major issues facing Halifax?

Why do you think you’re the right person for the job?

I’ve been raised to serve and give back to the place I call home. Making a positive impact on the people and places around me — that’s how I have always shown up. Ready to work. I am experienced at navigating City Hall and will hit the ground in a full sprint, keeping projects moving that will directly impact housing and affordability over the next several years. I am motivated every day to deliver an affordable Halifax that my kids and your kids can enjoy. This is too crucial a time to elect a mayor who is inexperienced or who needs on-the-job training.

Riley Murphy

What is your political background?

I may not have a political background, but I've been actively involved in the community for as long as I can remember. For nearly five years, I’ve been managing Seaside-FM, where under my leadership, the station grew to become one of the top community radio stations in Canada, according to the NCRA. Now, I’m ready to take my leadership to the next level.

What do you think are the three major issues facing Halifax?

While there are many important issues, I place a strong emphasis on addressing the housing crisis, alleviating healthcare challenges, and making government more accessible to everyone. Although housing and healthcare are technically provincial responsibilities, our municipality can make a real difference through transparent collaboration with other levels of government.

Why do you think you’re the right person for the job?

I know I’m the right person for the job because I bring real solutions and fresh ideas. I will prioritize communication, transparency, and accountability in every decision. My ideas will uplift and strengthen our communities, and I will work with all levels of government—regardless of party—to make meaningful progress. Take the time to read my platform, and you'll see a strong leader ready to build a stronger community.

Ross Rankin

What is your political background?

I have been a proud Haligonian my whole life. As I worked and studied in our beautiful city, I have seen the struggles of everyday citizens from students to restaurant patrons. The last few years have been hard on our beautiful city. This is why I have been spurred to stand up for the city I love and run for office. I was lucky enough to secure employment with our wonderful "Tourism Nova Scotia" for the last two years and through that experience, I have seen how challenging yet possible it is to get stuff done in our province and city.

What do you think are the three major issues facing Halifax?

If elected, some of the major issues my administration would seek to tackle are the homelessness crisis we are currently facing, increasing our transit systems, and repairing and improving our current infrastructure which all go hand in hand with creating a city that can manage the population increase we see annually.

Why do you think you’re the right person for the job?

Although these problems seem monumental now, I believe in the hard work and dedication of Haligonians to come together and make this city we love as safe, happy, and prosperous as possible.

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