Current, former members of council not ‘target’ of RCMP investigation: Calgary mayor

Calgary’s mayor says he doesn’t believe current or former city councillors are the focus of an ongoing RCMP investigation, even as several confirm they’ve been contacted by police or had devices seized.

Jeromy Farkas told reporters Wednesday that while investigators have requested material from some councillors, “no member of council, past or present, is the target of an investigation,” adding that police are instead seeking evidence such as texts or emails that councillors may have received.

The comments from the mayor come after Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot confirmed RCMP officers seized two phones from his home. Chabot said he has no information about the nature of the investigation.

A lawyer for former councillor Sean Chu said his client has cooperated fully. Former mayor Jyoti Gondek also confirmed she is involved, calling the process “very invasive” and saying she and her lawyer will be reviewing whether the search was justified.

CBC has reported, citing unnamed sources, that the RCMP is leading a corruption investigation and has executed search warrants at the homes of Chabot and Gondek, at a property owned by Chu, and at a local Calgary business.

Some councillors say the lack of information is creating unnecessary turbulence during a major public hearing on blanket rezoning.

“It’s really frustrating to have to sit there and navigate what could or couldn’t be,” said Ward 14 Coun. Landon Johnston.

The investigation stems from a complaint first received by Calgary police in October 2025.

CityNews asked Elections Alberta whether the matter was connected to the municipal election held that same month. The agency declined to comment, citing legislation prohibiting confirmation or denial of investigative activity, and directed inquiries to the RCMP.

The RCMP has said it will not release further details “to protect the integrity of this ongoing investigation.”

Even Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Wednesday she learned of the probe through media reports, noting she has “no understanding of what it is about” and that she, along with the public, will have to wait for the process to unfold.

“I saw the news stories, I have no understanding of what it is about at all,” said Smith.

Both the province’s municipal affairs minister and Mayor Farkas say their offices have not been contacted by the RCMP.