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 Mayoral Candidate, Don Scott. 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?
Having served our region as an MLA, Alberta Government Minister, RMWB Councillor, and Mayor, I’ve seen firsthand how much we can accomplish when we work together with purpose and respect. Over the last four years, Mayor Bowman made tremendous progress for our community, from restoring local RES dispatch to rebuilding confidence in municipal leadership. But progress takes a team. A strong Mayor needs a strong, experienced Council behind them, one that brings knowledge, collaboration, and balance to the table. My motivation is simple: to help build that team and keep our region moving forward.
Harvard: What qualifications make you suited for office?
Experience matters. I’ve led at every level of government – municipal, provincial, and community – and I understand how to get results through collaboration, advocacy, and sound decision-making. I’m a former small business owner who knows the realities entrepreneurs face, and I’ve worked with Indigenous organizations, gaining valuable insight into the partnerships that define this region. As a lawyer, I bring a clear understanding of bylaws, governance, and what is legally achievable. I also serve on the board of Keyano College because I believe deeply in the power of education to strengthen our community. Fort McMurray is where I’ve chosen to live, work, and raise my family, and I’m committed to ensuring it thrives for generations to come.
Harvard: What three issues will you bring before Council that are of key interest to you?
Three priorities drive me: cutting red tape, growing local jobs, and expanding education opportunities for youth.
- Cutting red tape: Let’s create a “culture of yes” at the RMWB by streamlining permits, adopting assumed approvals after reasonable timelines, and making processes more resident- and business-friendly.
- Local jobs: We must continue to push back on the FIFO model by advocating with both industry and the province for policies that make living and working here the first choice.
- Education: Strengthening Keyano College and advancing it toward polytechnic status would create new pathways for youth to study, stay, and build their futures here.
These are actionable goals that will build a stronger, more sustainable Wood Buffalo.
Harvard: How familiar are you with the Municipal Government Act?
Very familiar. The MGA is the foundation of municipal governance. It defines what we can and cannot do. Understanding it isn’t optional; it’s essential. Too often, council time and energy are spent on motions or promises that fall outside our legal authority. My background ensures we stay focused on what’s possible, so we can move from debate to real, measurable results for the people we serve.
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