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Meet Your Council
Below: Council Meetings, Elections
Dawna Martin
Mayor
I was born in Nova Scotia and moved out west with my family when I was 5 to Calgary, then moved out to a farm just outside of Empress. After a year or so my family moved into town. I went to school in Empress from grade 4 to grade 9 then graduated in Oyen. I worked as a summer student for the town and for the hotel for my formative years. When I turned 20, I left for the big city lights and worked at a couple jobs waitressing and in the food industry at Old Dutch. I have a lot of administrative skills under my belt, working as Human Resources, Bookkeeping, and I also ran my own business. I moved back to Empress in 2004 to help my family run the grocery store. I am a DIY’er (Do It Yourself). My hobbies are: Sewing, Scrapbooking, Kayaking, working in my yard. Carman and I put on a pretty good display of Christmas lights. I volunteer for a few societies and drive the High School bus in my spare time. I’m looking forward to the challenges of being on council, because I love Empress and would like to try and keep its sustainability.
Empress is an awesome town with great neighbors, a rich history, the two rivers, and the beautiful landscape. We need to keep it a strong and viable community.
Kasmira Robson
Deputy Mayor
Hi, I’m Kasmira Robson, and I am honored to serve as Deputy Mayor of the Village of Empress. I am first and foremost a wife and mother of five, and my commitment to family shapes both my leadership and my vision for our community. Our home is a full one — alongside our children, we share it with five pets: two cats, two dogs, and one very loved hamster. I believe strong communities are built the same way strong families are — with care, accountability, and long-term thinking. My professional background spans many years in child care and education, respite work, and maternal support as a trained pre- and post-partum doula, lactation consultant, and sleep educator. Supporting families through life’s most formative seasons has given me a deep understanding of service, patience, and advocacy. I also hold my MOA/Unit Clerk diploma, bringing strong administrative and healthcare system knowledge to my work. As Library Manager for Empress, I oversee budgeting, grant development, programming, and daily operations — experience that naturally extends into thoughtful, fiscally responsible municipal leadership. Born in Winnipeg and raised in Drumheller — with many moves in between — I learned early how important it is for a community to feel stable, welcoming, and connected. That belief continues to guide my work today. I care deeply about the future of Empress. My focus is on responsible growth, transparent governance, and creating opportunities that allow families and businesses to thrive while protecting the heart of our village. When I’m not working or attending council meetings, you’ll find me reading, crocheting, or recognizable by what many say is my trademark — my hair.
It is a privilege to serve Empress, and I remain committed to leading with integrity, strength, and a long-term vision for the generations to come.
Amber Kennedy
Councillor
My name is Amber Kennedy, I grew up on Cape Breton Island with five sisters and one brother
My father was a coal miner, and my mother cared for our home. I have one son who lives in Cape Breton with his partner Cameron Lyn and their three beautiful children. most of my working life was in retail, where I learned the value of hard work, patience, and connecting with people. I volunteered in Cape Breton with different organizations and now here in Empress with the Friendship Centre. It’s a simple way to contribute but I really value being able to help out and be a part of the community. Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things I do. Its been almost two years since we moved to Empress, where I settled with my partner, Ralph, and our fur baby Georgia. Inspired by my love for community, I decided to run for village council. With the support of my neighbours, I was honoured to be elected.
Today, I bring the same dedication and care I’ve carried all my life to serving the people of Empress.
Council Meetings
Regularly scheduled Council meetings for the Village of Empress are held the third Wednesday of each month at 10:00 am at the Empress Village Office Building located at 6 – 3 Avenue West.
In total the amount of Regular Council meetings held are 12 meetings a year. This is not including Special meetings.
Agendas are posted on the office bulletin board and on our webpage a few days prior to the Council meeting.
During the meeting, if someone would like to speak to a topic, they may pose the question to Council, and it will be up to Council to determine if they will allow it. Spectators are there to listen to the process and discussion to understand how and why Council makes their decisions.
Presentations to Council
If you want to make a presentation during a Council Meeting, you must tell us ahead of time what you want to speak to Council about.
You must provide, in legible writing, or typed, or e-mail, what it is you wish to speak to Council about, and present it to the office the Wednesday the week before the meeting at the latest. A time will be allocated for you to make your presentation to Council.
Elections
The Council for the Village of Empress is composed of three Empress residents, chosen by election every four years. The roles of Mayor and Deputy Mayor are chosen by the Council amongst themselves once per year.
On October 2025 a regular election was held and the the elected officials are Dawna Martin, Amber Kennedy, Kasmira Robson.
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