Ken Johnston (Alberta politician)
Kenneth Charles Johnston | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1954 Newfoundland, Canada |
| Occupation(s) | Public official, politician |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Known for | Mayor of Red Deer, Alberta (2021–present) |
Kenneth Charles Johnston (born around 1954) is a Canadian public official who has held the position of mayor in Red Deer, Alberta since 2021.
Early life
Hailing originally from Newfoundland, Johnston relocated to Alberta in 1980 and made Red Deer his home by 1996. Prior to his political career, he devoted four decades to working as a personal financial advisor at Scotiabank and also held the role of president for the Red Deer Rotary Club.
Electoral career
Johnston began his political journey in May 2013 when he secured a seat on the Red Deer City Council during the October municipal elections, receiving more than 7,000 votes. His initial term was marked by challenges stemming from Alberta’s economic downturn in 2015, which he recognized as a significant issue for the council.
After being re-elected in 2017 with a similar vote count near 7,000, Johnston concentrated on enhancing community safety, improving policing services, and supporting hospital growth. He was particularly vocal against shutting down the Cannery Row homeless shelter without providing alternative solutions.
In August 2021, Johnston declared his intention to run for mayor in the 2021 municipal elections, highlighting key priorities such as economic recovery, public safety, responsible budgeting, regional collaboration, and equitable health care access. He won the mayoral race by a wide margin and has since focused on revitalizing downtown Red Deer as well as tackling issues related to social housing and homelessness.
During his tenure as mayor, Johnston has pushed for the expansion of the Red Deer Regional Hospital following serious concerns about emergency room wait times. In 2024, he publicly opposed a provincial initiative aimed at introducing political parties into municipal governance.
Personal life
While serving as mayor, Johnston entered into marriage with Carolyn—his former sister-in-law—in an intimate backyard ceremony held in August 2023. Carolyn was previously married to Johnston’s late brother, who passed away in 2016.