Miguel Cortines Steps Forward to Lead Ward 8 into a New Era of Collaboration and Growth

A long-term resident living in Ward 8 for over two decades, Miguel Cortines brings experience, integrity, and vision as he steps forward to fill the vacant seat on Calgary City Council.

By: Donovan Martin Sr, Editor in Chief

As the race for Calgary’s Ward 8 City Council seat begins to take shape, it is quickly emerging as one of the city’s most engaging and unpredictable contests. The outgoing councillor, Courtney Walcott, one of three rookie councillors who have chosen not to seek re-election, leaves behind an open field and a sense that Ward 8 is at a turning point. In 2021, nine candidates sought the seat. This year, the field appears smaller—around six contenders—but no less competitive, with each hoping to define what the future of one of Calgary’s most dynamic districts should look like.

Among the names steadily gaining attention is Miguel Cortines, a long-time Calgarian known for his decades of leadership in both the nonprofit and business communities. To those who have worked with him, he represents the kind of steady, practical, and forward-thinking voice that resonates with residents who want progress grounded in experience. His candidacy has drawn quiet but genuine enthusiasm from people across the ward who see him as someone who listens first, speaks with purpose, and leads by example.

For more than twenty years, Cortines has worked to strengthen Calgary’s cultural and economic ties locally and internationally. Through his leadership of Casa Mexico Foundation, he has celebrated diversity and fostered dialogue between communities. As President and CEO of Innova International Corporation, he has guided entrepreneurs and small-to-medium-sized enterprises through the challenges of digital transformation and international growth. As head of the Canadian Council for the Americas Alberta, he has built bridges between Canadian businesses and Latin American markets, helping Calgary’s influence expand beyond its borders.

When asked why he is seeking a seat on City Council, Cortines’s answer is simple and heartfelt. “I’ve dedicated my life to connecting people, building communities, and driving meaningful change—from the grassroots to the global stage,” he says. “Calgary is growing fast, and I want to help shape that growth so everyone benefits.” His statement reflects a belief that effective leadership begins not with politics, but with people—listening, understanding, and finding common ground.

Cortines brings with him a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and professional training in strategic planning, stakeholder relations, finance, accounting, and project management. His résumé is impressive, yet his approach is humble. He sees public service as an extension of his lifelong commitment to helping others succeed, describing Calgary as “a city with incredible potential to create opportunity for all its citizens.”

Ward 8 itself is a microcosm of Calgary’s character—diverse, ambitious, and constantly evolving. Home to more than ninety-five thousand residents across twenty-three unique communities, the ward stretches from the historic charm of Mount Royal to the vibrant heart of the Beltline and the creative energy of Sunalta. Its residents are a mix of students, families, business owners, and innovators, all drawn together by a shared pride in their neighbourhoods. The area’s walkable streets, local shops, and parks make it one of the most livable parts of the city, while its cultural vibrancy keeps it at the forefront of Calgary’s urban identity.

Cortines understands both the opportunities and challenges that come with such growth. He speaks passionately about the need for accessible and reliable public services that enhance the safety, cleanliness, and wellbeing of residents. He advocates for development that respects community character while addressing housing affordability and infrastructure needs. And he envisions a city government that genuinely welcomes public participation—where citizens’ voices are not only heard but actively shape decisions.

His supporters say what sets Cortines apart is his ability to bridge divides and inspire collaboration. Having worked with municipal, provincial, and federal leaders across party lines, he has built a reputation for fostering dialogue and getting things done. Those who have seen him in action describe him as pragmatic yet visionary, calm under pressure, and deeply committed to serving others. It is this blend of professional expertise, empathy, and strategic insight that makes many believe he could be an effective councillor not just for Ward 8, but as part of Calgary’s broader leadership circle.

“Ward 8 deserves a councillor who listens, collaborates, and leads with integrity,” he says. “We need responsible development, reliable services, and a stronger sense of connection between citizens and their government.” His words capture both the simplicity and depth of his platform—a desire to restore trust and transparency while helping Calgary grow responsibly.

Cortines also sees Calgary as a city of ideas and innovation, one capable of fostering a vibrant local economy where entrepreneurs and creators thrive. He speaks often about supporting small businesses, enhancing community spaces, and creating opportunities for young people to lead. His campaign is not built on grand promises but on a clear belief that good governance is grounded in inclusion, accountability, and a shared vision for progress.

As election day draws nearer, the energy around Ward 8 continues to build. The conversations are less about politics and more about priorities—housing, growth, safety, and the quality of daily life. In this context, Miguel Cortines’s candidacy feels both timely and refreshing. He offers a steady hand at a time when Calgary’s communities are asking for thoughtful leadership—someone who will listen, unite, and act with integrity.

For Cortines, this campaign is not about ambition; it is about service. “Let’s build a better Calgary—together,” he says. “A Calgary that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and prosperous for everyone.” It is a message that resonates with Ward 8 residents who see in him not just a candidate, but a neighbour and advocate who has already dedicated much of his life to the city he calls home.

As voters prepare to make their choice, one thing is certain—Ward 8 is in for a race defined not by division, but by ideas, engagement, and the shared hope for a more connected, more compassionate Calgary. And at the heart of that conversation stands Miguel Cortines: a leader ready to serve, ready to listen, and ready to shape the future of Ward 8 with purpose and heart.