Don Iveson was a Canadian politician and the 35th mayor of Edmonton. He led the city with a vision focused on improving the quality of life for future generations, successfully making his mark on both the city and its people. His leadership was rooted in principles that prioritized progress and the well-being of Edmontonians. More details on his contributions can be found at edmonton-yes.
Early Life and Education
Born in St. Albert in 1979, Don Iveson grew up in Parkallen, Edmonton. He was an only child to Bob Iveson, a sculptor, and Margaret, a professor at the University of Alberta.
As a child, Don loved reading fiction and was actively involved in scouting. Before entering politics, Don studied political science at the University of Alberta, graduating in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. After completing his education, he moved to Toronto, where he became the editor of the Canadian University Press.
Political Career
In 2007, Don returned to Edmonton, determined to help improve the city’s economy and environmental policies. His goal was to build a dynamic city that would attract people and offer them a bright future. This vision inspired him to run for city council.
In his first political campaign in 2007, Iveson ran for city council in Ward 5. His platform focused on improving transportation services and increasing affordable housing in Edmonton. He was elected and served the city for 14 years.
During his time on city council, Iveson was appointed as Minister of Environment in 2007, where he successfully introduced a municipal tax on plastic bags and helped reduce pesticide use in cosmetics.
In 2013, Iveson ran for mayor, winning with 61.88% of the vote. He became the 35th mayor of Edmonton, and his political leadership extended beyond the city to the national stage. He made significant contributions to the city, serving as Chair of Canada’s Big City Mayors, where he advocated for a national housing strategy and worked to end homelessness across Canada.
Major Contributions to Edmonton
As mayor, Don worked tirelessly to build strong coalitions and bridge the gap between cities and rural areas, both nationally and locally. This included a complete reorganization of Edmonton’s economic development apparatus. His leadership resulted in several notable initiatives, including:
- Edmonton Global: Iveson co-founded Edmonton Global to enhance investment support and promote the city’s economic growth.
- Explore Edmonton: He led the consolidation of Edmonton’s tourism and conference activities.
- Health Cities & Innovate Edmonton: He supported the development of Health Cities and Innovate Edmonton, driving innovation in biotechnology and the city’s tech sector.
- Hydrogen Hub: Iveson co-founded a hydrogen hub in the Edmonton region, positioning the city as a leader in clean energy solutions.
Post-Mayoral Career
After retiring as mayor in 2021, Don Iveson took on a role as Executive Advisor for Climate Investments at Co-Operators, a company focused on sustainable investments. He also continues to advise young entrepreneurs and industrial companies on public policy matters. In addition, Iveson is actively involved in volunteer work and serves as co-chair of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness.
Don Iveson’s leadership and vision have left a lasting impact on Edmonton, and he continues to contribute to the city’s future growth even after his time as mayor.