If you’ve lived in Alberta—Edmonton in particular—for any length of time, there’s a good chance you are familiar with ACP’s newest Council member. Stephen Mandel served on Edmonton City Council from 2001 to 2013, including nine years as the city’s mayor. After a brief hiatus from politics, Stephen returned at the provincial level, serving as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Edmonton Whitemud and Alberta’s Minister of Health from 2014 to 2015.
On December 4, 2024, Stephen was officially appointed as a public member of ACP Council by the Minister of Health.
“I was pleased,” Stephen said of his reaction upon hearing the news of his appointment. “It sounded like a very interesting opportunity to get involved in an organization. I think it’s very important for our province that our healthcare system functions properly. The pharmacy profession has great growth opportunities within the health system, and I look forward to being part of that.”
Council will undoubtedly benefit from Stephen’s leadership experience in government. Now retired from politics, Stephen is choosing to serve his fellow Albertans in new ways, including as a public member on Council.
“Well, it’s tough not to do anything,” said Stephen, when asked why he continues to contribute to his community. “Being active and involved with organizations is important. I think this gives me an opportunity to, once again, contribute a little bit to the province. It is an important role, and I take it very seriously. It’s a great opportunity to become involved in the healthcare system and to help.”
Stephen only had a few days to prepare for his first Council meeting from December 10-12, 2024. His impression of Council and his experience working with the group were positive.
“It was great,” said Stephen. “Great people on Council. Well managed. Well organized. I need to continue to get a better understanding of how it functions, and the role of the public members versus the regulated members. I think it was enlightening to see how they work together, how they interact, and the importance of each role. It will be important to listen to the regulated members. They have the knowledge and understanding of what needs to be accomplished. It is important to make sure that we all have a voice and do what we can to ensure we have the kind of healthcare system that we all want to have.”
While he knows his background in governance will help him contribute at the Council table, Stephen also realizes that, as a new member, he will need to absorb as much information as possible to become an effective public member.
“My experience will be of benefit, but I need to listen and learn and shut up,” he said. “I think sometimes we can talk too much. It will be important for me to listen to understand what’s going on, and then bring input with the experiences I’ve had to be helpful to the Council, not a hindrance. I’m looking to be a productive member. I don’t have any agenda. I want to contribute to making sure that the system runs effectively and meets the needs of Albertans as well as regulated members.”
