The vision of the organization was that newcomers to Edmonton will achieve full participation, strengthening and enriching the lives of the whole community.
Previously, Gurnett was Manager of Community Services at Bissell Centre, serving people living in poverty in Edmonton’s urban core (1999–2001).
Gurnett was elected to the Alberta Legislature in a by-election for Spirit River-Fairview after the local MLA, party leader Grant Notley, died in a plane crash.
The election was a hotly contested two way race that saw him lose by two hundred votes to Progressive Conservative candidate Glen Clegg.
Recent community service includes: • Chair, Canadian Immigrant Settlement Sector Alliance • Board member, Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations • Communications spokesperson, Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness • Member, Social Work Program Advisory Committee, Grant MacEwan College Current areas of service include: • Member, Organizing Committee, Edmonton Good Friday Outdoor Way of the Cross Treasurer, Board of Directors, Alberta Street News Member, Board of Directors, Boyle-McCauley News.