Meet Kent

Born at Calgary’s Holy Cross Hospital and raised by dedicated educators, Kent Hehr has lifelong roots in Ward 8 and a deep commitment to public service.

An experienced legislator, Kent served as MLA for Calgary-Buffalo (2008–2014) and MP for Calgary Centre (2015–2019), including time as a federal cabinet minister where he championed fairness, inclusion, and opportunity. Since then, he has continued serving Calgarians—practicing law, leading growth at an early learning tech company, and working with organizations that drive civic engagement and accessibility. Currently, Kent sits on the board of the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good, and supports causes like the Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta and Barrier-Free Alberta. His long-standing dedication to building a more inclusive city spans decades, from chairing the City of Calgary’s Accessibility Advisory Committee to supporting youth and disability-focused nonprofits.

Kent lives with his partner of 13 years, Deanna Holt. Together, they believe in a Calgary where everyone belongs.

Ready to return to public service as your next Ward 8 City Councillor, Kent brings experience, heart, and a lifelong drive to build a better Calgary for all.

Experienced

From two decades of public service as an Alberta MLA, Member of Parliament, and Cabinet Minister, Kent brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for serving the community.

Accessible

As a deeply engaged member of the community, Kent understands the priorities of Calgarians. He’s always eager to listen, and have meaningful conversations with the people he represents.

independent 

As an independent candidate, Kent is free from party politics and focused solely on representing the interests of Ward 8 residents. As your councillor, he’ll make sure your voice is clearly heard at City Hall.

As Member of the Legislative Assembly, Calgary-Buffalo

During his time in the Alberta Legislature, Kent earned a reputation as one of Alberta’s hardest working MLAs. As shadow minister of justice, finance, education and other portfolios, Kent not only held the government to account but also took an active role in creating legislation for Calgary and Alberta’s future. Among many other things, Kent fought for:

  • Better management of the province’s budget and natural resources
  • Sufficient funding for public education
  • Equal rights for LGBTQ community members, including spearheading work that resulted in the protection of gay straight alliances in schools


As Member of Parliament, Calgary Centre

During the four years Kent was MP, Calgary received over

$2.6 billion

$2.6 billion

of investment from the federal government 

Housing & affordability

  • $13.6 million for Horizon View, which has 161 affordable housing units for individuals, families, and seniors. It includes a space for kids who would otherwise need to live in hospitals.
  • The Kanas apartment building near Glenmore Park will have 120 affordable units for individuals, families, and people with disabilities.
  • 200,000 Calgary kids supported by the Canada Child Benefit
  • The Downtown Fifth Avenue apartment building, with 74 affordable units providing a safe place to live for people at risk of homelessness. It includes 16 wheelchair-accessible units.
  • $3 million for the Maple, with 26 private suites for women escaping domestic violence and homelessness. It also provides counselling and other support.
  • $6 million for the YW Hub in Inglewood, a supportive, transitional shelter for 100 women and kids fleeing domestic violence.


Transportation & Infrastructure

  • $1.5 billion dollars for the Green Line LRT, which will take 10,000 cars off the road, improve commute times and reduce air pollution.
  • $43 million for the MAX BRT transit lines, a green and efficient way to help Calgarians get to major destinations around the city.
  • $333 million for Tsuut’ina Trail, making it easier to move around the city, as part of 100 km of connected, fast moving roads.

Jobs & Opportunity

  • $166 million for the BMO Centre Expansion that created thousands of jobs, boosted economic opportunities, and promoted tourism.
  • $2.5 million for cSpace, a social enterprise that supports communities of artists, non-profits, and entrepreneurs in the heart of Marda Loop.
  • Support for the Alberta energy industry with the federal purchase of the TMX pipeline.
  • Lowered federal small business tax by 18% (from 11% to 9%).

Quality of Life

  • $138 million for the Calgary Public Library: The federal government doubled its contribution to Alberta’s gas tax fund, helping fund more public spaces like the Central Calgary Public Library.
  • Funding for the Arts Commons
  • $168 million for the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir to help protect Calgary families, businesses, and communities from future flooding.
  • The Accessible Canada Act, aimed to reduce systemic barriers in society for Canadians with disabilities.

Connect With Kent