Following the Reform Party, the United Conservative Party and the Alberta Party, the NDP have officially announced its candidate for the upcoming by-election for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake.
Nicole Mooney, a teacher in Sylvan Lake, has passed the NDP’s “through vetting process” to become the party’s candidate in the by-election that is expected to be called at any moment.
Mooney was one of many who was asked to consider becoming candidate for the NDP, and is said to have immediately jumped at the chance without any hesitation.
As an educator in Sylvan Lake she says she doesn’t like what UCP Leader Jason Kenney is promising if elected, which is why she jumped at the chance to run for election.
“I want to make sure we have the teachers, schools and supports we need for our kids to have the best start in life and opportunities for a bright future,” Mooney said.
Mooney says she chose to run NDP because she believes in the NDP team and what they are doing for Albertans everyday.
She cited work done in Central Alberta, specifically work done by the provincial government in the Innisfail-Sylvan Lake riding.
“We have new schools in Penhold and here in Sylvan Lake, not to mention the new medical centre set to open here in Sylvan, none of which would have happened under different leadership,” said Mooney.
Present at the nomination meeting was former Sylvan Lake Mayor Susan Samson and Calgary MLA Brian Malkinson. Both gave their endorsement for Mooney’s campaign.
“If it wasn’t for Rachel Notley and Health Minister Sarah Hoffman we wouldn’t have the new Advanced Ambulatory Care Service in Sylvan Lake, which is why I am Rachel all the way,” said Samson.
Malkinson agreed with both Samson and NDP candidate Mooney, adding it isn’t everyday you see a government provide millions of dollars in a riding they don’t even control.
“Rachel and the NDP are investing in health care and protecting education, here in Innisfail-Sylvan Lake, and across Alberta,” said Mooney and also added she had concerns about the proposed deep cuts proposed by the UCP.
Rachel Notley, leader of Alberta’s NDP and current premier of the province says the people in the riding need a passionate and hard-working representative in legislature.
“I’m proud that Nicole is stepping up to join our team and wish her the best of luck in her campaign,” Notley said in a statement.
The by-election has not yet been called by the provincial government, but must be called within six months of the seat being vacant.
The Innisfail-Sylvan Lake by-election must be called by Aug. 5, 2018. Many are expecting it will be called anytime now, and possible at the same time as the by-election in Fort McMurray.
The seat was vacated by former UCP MLA Don MacIntyre on Feb. 5, who was in his first term as MLA.
Susan Samson, right, gives her endorsement to Nicole Mooney, left, and to Premier Rachel Notley in the upcoming byelection. Photo by Megan Roth/Sylvan Lake News
