INNISFAIL –Rachel Notley came to town this morning (April 28) much to the joy and delight of scores of local NDP supporters and the party’s Innisfail-Sylvan Lake candidate Jason Heistad.
The provincial Opposition leader and former premier arrived in town at about 10:30 a.m. and stopped at The Coffee Cottage in downtown Innisfail where up to 60 NDP supporters were eagerly awaiting her arrival.
“It’s good to be here, yes,” Notley told the Albertan immediately after stepping out of her vehicle. She was asked about Heistad’s chances of defeating UCP incumbent Devin Dreeshen in the expected provincial election in late May.
“You know everybody should, and that’s why he (Heistad) will.”
Smiling and beaming, Notley then went inside The Coffee Cottage and met enthusiastic supporters.
She told them her family has a history in the region, notably her father, the late NDP MLA Grant Notley, who was born and raised in Olds.
Notley then added the election campaign was only a few days from beginning and it was time to be ready to make decisions.
“My friends this is going to be the most important election in Alberta's history,” she told her audience. “We have a choice to make. There are two different paths we can go down.
“Albertans are telling us that what they need is better leadership, and we agree,” she added. “And what they need is a leader and a party and a team who will listen to Albertans’ priorities instead of dragging Albertans to what they think is their self-interested priorities.”
Notley told the crowd of supporters her party has heard “over and over again” from citizens of the need to “preserve, restore and improve our public health care.
“Alberta is the only prairie province that is not managing to recruit new family doctors into our family residency program,” she said. “Only Alberta; the other prairie provinces are doing it.”
Notley then saluted Heistad, and the support he’s receiving.
“This guy (Heistad) is going to give Devin Dreeshen a run for his money, and the level of energy I see around here is so inspiring,” said Notley.
