Photo Courtesy Solom Okhifoh

By Tanner Smith

Candidate profile

City of Grande Prairie Council Candidate Profile: Solomon Okhifoh

Sep 22, 2025 | 12:07 PM

Solomon Okhifoh is one of over 20 residents running for a City Council position.

He 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?

My journey to this point has been inspired by a deep love for Grande Prairie, the city my wife and I have proudly called home for 11 years. I have seen our community grow and thrive, and I have also listened to the concerns that don’t always make the headlines—the challenges families and individuals face every day. My inspiration comes from a desire to turn those conversations into tangible solutions. I believe my purpose-driven approach, combined with a commitment to listening, can help build a stronger, healthier, safer, and more inclusive Grande Prairie for all of us.

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

My professional and community experience has uniquely prepared me for this role. As a Senior Project Manager, I bring over eight years of experience in strategic planning and fiscal responsibility. I am trained to look at the big picture, manage complex projects efficiently, and ensure every dollar is spent wisely. Academically, my Master of Public Administration and Advanced Certificate in Local Government Administration have given me a deep understanding of municipal governance and the tools needed to navigate the challenges that come before council. Beyond my professional life, I have served on several local boards, including the Grande Prairie Centre for Lifelong Learning, the John Howard Society, and the Grande Prairie Local Immigration Partnership. This extensive community work has taught me how to collaborate with diverse groups and advocate for meaningful change. It is this blend of business acumen, academic knowledge, and hands-on community service that I will bring to City Hall.

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

The key issues facing our community are the very pillars of my campaign. They are my top priorities because they are what I hear about most from my fellow citizens.

• Enhanced Healthcare & Mental Health Access: We must advocate tirelessly to attract more family doctors and improve local mental health resources.

• Safer, More Secure Communities: This means working closely with our RCMP, GP Police, and local authorities to address the root causes of crime and create safer neighborhoods for our families.

• Economic Resilience & Affordability: With my background in fiscal management, I will focus on strategic, responsible spending to ease the tax burden on residents while supporting a diverse and thriving local economy.

• Building an Inclusive Grande Prairie: We must ensure every voice is heard, from our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities to our valued New Canadians. True progress happens when everyone feels they belong and can contribute.

4. Where can people learn more about you?

You can learn more about my purpose-driven campaign and my detailed platform by visiting my website at www.solomonokhifoh.ca. I also invite you to follow me on my social media channels, Facebook: SolomonOkhifoh, X: SolomonOkhifoh, where I share updates and engage with the community. I welcome your questions and look forward to hearing from you.