Candidates for the 2023 Alberta election were asked to answer four questions by Black Press Media. The questions were:
1. Why should voters cast their ballot for you? 2. What are your top three priorities if elected? 3. What experiences do you have that will assist you if elected as an Alberta MLA? 4. What connection do you have to the riding?
Dave Dale
The Alberta NDP
1. Why should voters cast their ballot for you?
I’ve worked on the front lines my entire life. I was a child and youth care worker before I became a teacher and I have been teaching for 25 years. I am the vice president and negotiation chair of my ATA Local. I value the opportunity to serve with compassion and honesty. I’m running for the Alberta NDP because of the way the UCP government has treated Albertans. They ripped up doctors’ contracts, told nurses to take a pay cut, and teachers lost control of their pensions. The UCP cut classroom funding, laid off 20,000 EAs and support staff by tweet, and they attacked the most vulnerable while at the same time giving oil companies a $4 billion tax break. It is time to bring back a trusted, compassionate and caring government.
2. What are your top three priorities if elected?
The top issue is health care. The Alberta NDP has a plan to improve health care through our Family Health Teams plan which will ensure every Albertan who needs a family doctor will have one. We will launch the largest health-care recruitment campaign this province has ever seen and we have committed to speeding up the Red Deer Hospital expansion so it is finished before 2032. Voters are also concerned about overcrowded classrooms and lack of supports for students. We have committed to lowering class sizes and supporting students by adding 4,000 new teachers and 3,000 EAs. We know how vital reliable internet is and are committed to bridging the digital by achieving universal broadband access no later than 2027.
3. What experiences do you have that will assist you if elected as an Alberta MLA?
Being involved in contract negotiations has allowed me to develop skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, problem solving, and compromise; all skills that are important in government. Being a teacher in many settings has allowed me to develop the skills to see the problem below the surface of the situation. Being a child and youth care worker has given me an insight into families, especially when they are in crisis. Collaborating with colleagues, parents, and administrators has given me the skills to work with others to solve problems and to seize opportunities.
4. What connection do you have to the riding?
I have lived in Mirror for the past 15 years. I have taught in Clive, Alix, and Mirror. I have seen the strengths and the opportunities for growth in our small rural towns. I’ve been part of the small-town comradery and seen neighbours pull together in times of crisis. I am proud of my community and committed to advocating for the supports and services that will help our community thrive.
Nathan Leslie
Solidarity Movement of Alberta
1. Why should voters cast their ballot for you?
As an individual I am standing on truth and righteousness. I want to be transparent and I want to be for the people of the Lacombe/Ponoka riding. As a party we will continue to work for the people we represent as well as the great province of Alberta! A vote for me is a vote for YOUR say not what my party deems correct.
2. What are your top three priorities if elected?
Education
Health Care and senior care
Judicial/Policing Reform
3. What experiences do you have that will assist you if elected as an Alberta MLA?
I love to help people, I love to listen to people, and I love to serve! My Faith allows me to have a heart that truly cares for people and I want to use that to help the people I serve in the Lacombe Ponoka riding!
4. What connection do you have to the riding?
Central Alberta has been my home for 30 years and I love it here and as the game voice of a local hockey team I have been able to meet many of the great residents of Lacombe and had the opportunity to volunteer and work with the Lacombe figure skating club! As well over the course of a 20 year dj career I’ve had many opportunities to work in the Ponoka, Lacombe and Blackfalds communities and watch this area grow and flourish! It would be an honor to serve this riding and get to spend more time seeing and meeting the Great people of this region of Alberta!!
Daniel Jefferies
Wildrose Loyalty Coalition
1. Why should voters cast their ballot for you?
A vote for me sends a strong message to Ottawa and Edmonton that the people of Lacombe Ponoka are ready to say no to an overreaching federal government. We are tired of paying useless carbon taxes that do nothing for the environment and only make our lives more expensive.
2. What are your top three priorities if elected?
Learn more about the needs of my riding. Work towards Alberta’s sovereignty. Support policies that promote freedom for Albertans.
3. What experiences do you have that will assist you if elected as an Alberta MLA?
I have a white collar education and also blue collar experience. I know my convictions. I know how to listen and can express myself through writing and speech.
4. What connection do you have to the riding?
I have lived in Mirror since 2013 and have been involved in this community formerly as a pastor, firefighter, food bank president and treasurer and Mirror Community Network president. Currently I am the treasurer of the Mirror and District Community Development Association and teach at the Living Truth Christian School in Mirror.
Other candidates: Myles Chykerda (Alberta Party), Jennifer Johnson (UCP), Taylor Lowery (Green Party of Alberta).
