(Photo Credit: Sonja Raven)

By Nathaniel Leigh

Candidate Profile

County of Grande Prairie Council Candidate Profile: Sonja Raven

Oct 8, 2025 | 7:05 AM

Sonja Raven is one of four Division 5 residents running for a County Council position.

She was asked to answer the following four questions with a 600-word limit.

1. What has inspired you to run for mayor/council/school trustee in the Oct. 20, 2025, municipal election?

I believe I can be an effective voice for the residents of Division 5. I have a strong desire to serve my community and make a positive difference. I believe in vibrant communities with vibrant economies, and those only happen with the participation of people who are committed to the same.

2. What skills or experience do you have that you feel would make you a good fit for the role?

I have very strong communication skills and am a proven collaborator and team builder. The best solutions are ones that have buy-in through participation of all stakeholders. While challenging, building bridges between diverse viewpoints enhances and strengthens the fabric of our community.

I served over 14 years as Agricultural Fieldman for the County of Grande Prairie, where I was responsible for the effective development and management of a multi-million-dollar annual budget. My Municipal, Board, and (Professional Association) Council experience has given me an in-depth understanding of the internal workings of our municipality, and I have over twenty years of experience in working with Provincial legislation and regulation, as well as policy development, implementation and governance.

3. What do you feel are the key or main election issues in your community, and what are the issues of priority for you?

Roads, affordability, and effective economic development that balances the needs of the very important industrial sector with the needs of those who live near such developments are key. Residents have also communicated their appreciation of the rural lifestyle they experience, which requires support and investment at the local and provincial level.

The issues of importance to me are being responsive to my fellow residents’ and neighbours’ needs and concerns and bringing their viewpoints forward clearly at council. This includes contributing to wise and judicious financial decisions. Ultimately, the funds that operate the County come from the residents and businesses, and those funds must be spent wisely for the present and future generations. Fiscal management must be ethical and transparent, so County residents understand why and how their tax dollars are being spent.

The provision of services at the County level needs to also be supported by the traditional provincial investments for infrastructure, family and community support services, agriculture, including ag societies, education and health. Advocating at the provincial level for critical financial support to be at minimum maintained, if not increased in the face of the affordability crisis is vital work that I commit to applying my skills and connections to.

4. Where can people learn more about you?

I appreciated the opportunity to meet and talk with County residents at the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce Open House on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025. Special thanks to the GP Chamber for hosting this event.

I welcome texts and phone calls at 780-876-6936, or you can email sonjaraven@mail.com

Please visit my Facebook site: Sonja Raven Division 5 QR Code:

And, I am out in the Division, meeting residents door to door.