INNISFAIL – The race is on.
Voters in Innisfail-Sylvan Lake will go to the polls for a byelection on July 12.
The campaign to choose Innisfail-Sylvan Lake’s next MLA, replacing former MLA Don MacIntyre, began on June 14.
A byelection was also called for Brian Jean’s former riding, Fort McMurray-Conklin.
Candidates in Innisfail-Sylvan Lake have been preparing for the call, and are now gearing up for the early summer campaign.
United Conservative Party Leader Jason Kenney was in Innisfail on Friday (June 15) to help kick off UCP candidate Devin Dreeshen’s campaign.
“This byelection with Devin Dreeshen in Innisfail-Sylvan Lake on July 12 is a strong opportunity for Central Alberta to send a clear message to the NDP and the Trudeau Liberals,” said Kenney. “(A message) to scrap the carbon tax, get a pipeline built, and to stop digging us deeper into debt.”
Kenney heaped praise on Dreeshen.
“He’s passionate for Alberta and passionate for public service,” he said, adding Dreeshen will work hard to win the riding.
“I think the NDP planned that (date) for a reason,” said Kenney. “They want a low (voter) turnout. They don’t want to be embarrassed by the result in Central Alberta or Fort McMurray but we’re going to work hard.”
Dreeshen himself is ready and eager to begin the campaign.
“I think people are relieved and happy that the NDP government has finally called the byelection,” said Dreeshen. “I’ve heard from so many people that they are frustrated that we’ve been without a voice in the legislature for so long.”
Dreeshen kicked off his campaign at his downtown Innisfail office on Friday. He has another office in Sylvan Lake.
“I think it’s incumbent for any campaign of any political stripe to go out and engage with people,” said Dreeshen. “Politics is about people.”
Most other political parties in the riding have also chosen their candidates.
NDP candidate from Sylvan Lake, Nicole Mooney, said she is ready to hit the ground running.
“I’m excited to get in the community, knock on doors and talk to people face to face about what their concerns are,” said Mooney. “All elections are difficult no matter when they’re called. I’m prepared to work hard and to earn people's votes.”
The Alberta Liberal Party's candidate is 30-year-old Nick Jansen from Calgary. He has a degree in political science and economics and a master's in public policy. He worked for several years in Alberta's energy industry and has worked as a government analyst.
"I will work to improve the quality of life and increase opportunities for all residents of Innisfail-Sylvan Lake,” said Jansen in a press release.
Alberta Party candidate Abigail Douglass said she is ready for her first campaign.
"I have been working hard at my campaign for weeks already and I'm excited it’s official," said Douglass. "A summer campaign brings great opportunities. I’ve met so many people at events and festivals. Door- knocking has been very positive and I am ready to hit every door before election day on July 12."
Advanced polls for the byelection will run five consecutive days beginning July 3 until July 7 and will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.
Locations for advanced polls have yet to be confirmed.
