Harvard Media News reached out to each candidate running for office to ask a set of questions about the office for which they are running. The following is our Q&A with Fort McMurray Ward 1 Candidate, Luana Bussiers. All responses are from the candidate or their agent and are unedited by Harvard Media News.
Harvard: Why are you running/what is your motivation?
I’m running for council because I believe local government should be focused on people, listening to residents, responding to concerns, and making decisions that improve daily life in meaningful and lasting ways.
With nearly four decades of experience as a social worker and over 25 years in nonprofit leadership, I’ve spent my entire career working alongside individuals, families, and communities to find practical solutions to real challenges. I understand how systems work, and how they sometimes don’t work, and I want to bring that systems level thinking, collaborative approach, and commitment to people to the council table.
As I move toward retirement from my professional career, I now have the time, experience, and energy to give back in a new way. My motivation is grounded in service, not politics and my goal is to be a strong, informed, and transparent voice for the people of this region.
I’m running because I love this community, and I believe in its potential. I want to help shape a local government that is responsive, transparent, and truly committed to the wellbeing of all residents.
Harvard: What qualifications make you suited for office?
I bring nearly 40 years of experience as a social worker and over 25 years in nonprofit leadership, where I’ve worked closely with all levels of government, Indigenous communities, nonprofits, and people. Throughout my career, I have led strategic initiatives, developed policies, managed budgets, and built partnerships to improve service delivery and community outcomes.
As a social worker, I’m trained to look at the root causes of issues, which are often systemic, and to approach challenges with empathy, strategic thinking, integrity and accountability. I have spent my career collaborating across sectors, problem solving in complex situations, and rebuilding trust where it’s been broken.
I understand how systems work, and more importantly, how they can work better. Throughout my career, I’ve listened to people, advocated for vulnerable populations, and worked to improve quality of life for individuals and families across all walks of life. I have a proven track record that supports this commitment. Combined with my dedication to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and people first leadership, I believe my experience makes me well suited to serve on council.
Harvard: What three issues will you bring before council that are of key interest to you?
After nearly four decades working in frontline and leadership roles, listening to people, advocating for them, and navigating complex systems, I have learned that real change starts with truly understanding how decisions affect people’s lives. I am not running for council to play politics. I am running because I care deeply about this community, and I believe we can do better with the right leadership at the table. My focus is on making government work better for the people who live here.
Transparency and Accountability Residents deserve to know how and why decisions are made. I believe transparency must be more than a buzzword and has to be built into the way Council operates. I will advocate for more accessible information, clearer communication, and greater public engagement. This includes limiting the overuse of in camera sessions, so it is not used as a tool to erode transparency and ensuring residents feel truly informed and not left in the dark.
Fiscal Responsibility with Long-Term Vision The RMWB has taken on responsibilities that rightly belong to other levels of government. Advocacy is important, but it’s not enough. Council needs a strategic plan for how we manage and potentially shift these responsibilities. At the same time, essential services like police, fire, EMS, and core infrastructure cannot be compromised. I will work to ensure we invest wisely, plan long term, and protect the financial health of both residents and local businesses.
Supporting Core Services and the People Who Deliver Them
High-quality service delivery begins with the people doing the work. That means ensuring departments have the staffing, equipment, and resources they need to meet the demands of a growing and diverse community, now and into the future.
But it’s not just about funding, it is also about fostering a workplace culture where staff feel respected, heard, and supported. There’s important work to be done to rebuild and strengthen that culture within the organization. That starts at the top. Council sets the tone and must send a clear message that we value our municipal workforce, and that we expect administration to lead with respect, transparency, and fairness.
This also means building stronger relationships with municipal staff and union representatives to better understand operational challenges so that we can co-create solutions that work. A healthier internal culture leads to better public service.
At the same time, we need to recognize that municipal services, staffing, and infrastructure all directly impact the health of our business community. A well run city with efficient operations, reliable core services, and strong partnerships is the foundation of a
resilient local economy. When we support the people who deliver services, we’re also supporting the environment that businesses rely on to thrive.
Harvard: How familiar are you with the Municipal Government Act?
I have a strong working knowledge of the Municipal Government Act (MGA), which has been developed through years of closely following Council decisions since 2013 and leading a nonprofit that regularly engages with various municipal departments. I understand the governance principles the MGA sets out including council’s role in setting direction and policy, to responsibilities around budgeting, land use planning, and intergovernmental relations. A clear understanding of this legislation is essential for any councillor, and I am prepared to use it responsibly to ensure good governance. I am also committed to enhancing my learning of the MGA if represented. Continuous learning is a commitment I made at the onset of my campaign.
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