There will be two sitting MLAs in the running to represent one riding in the next provincial election. Dunvegan-Central Peace-Notley MLA Marg McCuaig-Boyd has been acclaimed as the NDP’s candidate in the modified Central Peace-Notley riding.
A nomination meeting was held in McCuaig-Boyd’s hometown of Fairview Thursday night. She says she’s happy with what she’s been able to accomplish so far in her first term.
“I’ve been so proud to fight for the needs of this region at the Legislature and serve in an NDP caucus that’s on the side of everyday Albertans. We’re making life better for families by ensuring our kids learn in good classrooms while our loved ones and seniors have access to the care that they need.”
McCuaig-Boyd was quickly appointed Minister of Energy after she was elected in May 2015, and she still holds that title. Before becoming a politician, she spent 20 years as a teacher and administrator with the Peace River School Division, and was vice president of the Fairview Campus with Grande Prairie Regional College.
Due to the recent review of electoral boundaries, the Grande Prairie-Smoky riding won’t exist for the next election. Because of that, MLA Todd Loewen will be representing the United Conservative Party Central Peace-Notley as well.
Loewen’s hometown is Valleyview, and he was acclaimed as the party’s candidate earlier this week. McCuaig-Boyd took the occasion of her acclamation to get in an early dig at his party.
“Jason Kenney’s UCP twice voted against funding for rural crime-fighting RCMP officers and have refused to support us in fixing the crumbling roads and bridges that are critical for keeping our rural communities moving,” she maintains. “Kenney’s scheme for a massive tax giveaway to the rich would mean cuts to seniors care, firing teachers and nurses, and harm Alberta’s economic recovery. They’re not on Alberta’s side.”
An election is expected in a year’s time.