INNISFAIL – Two more candidates have announced their intention to seek the United Conservative Party nomination for the provincial riding of Innisfail-Sylvan Lake.
Victor Sloboda and Joel Loh are now in the running.
Loh, 40, was born in Edmonton and has lived most of his life in Alberta. He works as an oil executive and a pastor at Frontline Worship Centre in Sylvan Lake.
The married father of one is entering provincial politics for the first time.
“I’m looking for common sense reform and I want to go to the legislature to fight for Alberta,” said Loh. “Alberta has had its hands tied behind its back through nonsensical regulations.”
He is passionate about the province and about Alberta oil.
“I believe that the oil industry is the underpinning for not only the province but the country,” he said. “When Alberta prospers, the rest of this country prospers.”
Loh noted the high number of candidates for the UCP nomination in the riding, adding that it demonstrates a wanted change.
“This just highlights an angst against our current provincial NDP and federal Liberal governments who have waged a passive-aggressive war against Alberta,” said Loh.
“If we want to see funding to schools and health, untie our hands and let's increase our revenues through hard-working Albertans in this province.”
Victor Sloboda, 54, also from Sylvan Lake, was born and raised in Viking. He works as a plumbing and gas inspector with the City of Red Deer.
“I won’t be your typical politician,” said Sloboda.
The married father of six has sat on several community boards and is entering politics for the first time. He sees the United Conservative Party as an opportunity to reach the grassroots.
“Let’s get some new eyes and ears into politics and be a voice that can be grassroots again,” he said.
As a longtime area resident, Sloboda has been active in his community. He wants to listen to the people and work together to set a new course for Alberta.
“Put your voices together; put your thoughts together. I know we could come up with a good plan,” said Sloboda. “I want to listen to what (people are) saying and how we can bring this together.
“Hopefully we can make a change for the better.”
Meanwhile, the UCP constituency association for Innisfail -Sylvan Lake is expected to soon announce a nomination meeting for the end of April or early May, to select its candidate for the anticipated byelection for the riding, later this year.
