Sylvan Lake’s Don MacIntyre last week announced his intentions to seek the Wildrose nomination in the Innisfail-Sylvan Lake riding.
MacIntyre said he’s concerned about the future of the province for his children and grandchildren, and wants to take the action necessary to correct its course.
“I am talking about economic challenges, environmental challenges (and) societal changes,” he said in his announcement last Thursday. “I refuse to sit on the sidelines and do nothing while my beloved province ... is damaged by the reckless governance of a party that is insensitive to the real needs of our people now and completely avoiding the difficult task of building today for the inevitabilities of tomorrow.”
The 59-year-old describes himself as a “small 'c’ fiscal conservative.” His research and work in the Alternative Energy program at NAIT, where he also works as an instructor, has given him a “an environmental and social conscience based not on mere emotions.”
“I am completely convinced by a growing number of case studies that triple bottom line economic principles can work, can provide for responsible resource development and lead to sustainable, healthy communities,” he said.
MacIntyre feels the PC caucus owes an apology to Albertans for what he feels is a lack of consideration displayed through recent floor crossings. Such moves, he feels, should only be made with the approval of Albertans.
“We demand the restoration of damaged democratic principles by amending the laws to require a by-election before any sitting MLA can change their affiliation,” he said.
MacIntyre said he’s planning on carrying out various meet-and-greet events over the next several months in an attempt to increase Wildrose membership.
It’s a party he’s proud to be a member of.
“I joined Wildrose years ago because I wanted to be part of a movement made up of other people just as determined as I am to changing the direction of our province, to uphold our historical values that make for strong families and well-knit communities and embrace those innovations that make for a genuinely diverse and strong provincial economy,” he said. “For me, that is the Wildrose Party of today.”