From left, Kelly Zeleny, Ryan Clarke, Garth Rowswell, Jim McKinnon, and Craig Peterson. Missing: Robert McFadzean. Photo Angela Mouly
The Vermilion & District Chamber of Commerce held an All Candidates Forum at St. Jerome’s School on April 9. Five of the six candidates for the Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright Constituency were able to attend, and each shared information about their parties and outlook for the future.
According to www.elections.ab.ca, candidates for the Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright Constituency include Ryan Clarke-Alberta NDP, Robert McFadzean-Independent, Jim McKinnon-Freedom Conservative Party, Craig G. Peterson-Alberta Party, Garth Rowswell-United Conservative Party, and Kelly Zeleny-Alberta Advantage Party.
Candidates were each given four minutes to discuss their platforms, and later answered a series of questions. Over 200 people attended and were eager to listen to what the panel had to say.
“We need politicians who will stand up for industry and take a look at rural Alberta,” said Alberta Party Candidate, Craig Peterson, from Vermilion who was a former teacher at J.R. Robson School.
Freedom Conservative Party Candidate, Jim McKinnon, from Wainwright said that he is a proud Canadian and Albertan; that he is not a separatist, but that he is tired of equalization payments and Alberta getting a second class ticket.
“When the economy is healthy, all members of society benefit,” said United Conservative Party Candidate Garth Rowswell.
Alberta NDP Candidate, Ryan Clarke, currently teaches Social Studies in Elk Point and feels that the government should help average, ordinary people live more affordably. Alberta Advantage Party Candidate, Kelly Zeleny, is a registered nurse in Vegreville, and noted that they will work towards phasing out the carbon tax and addressing rural crime.
Voting will take place at the Vermilion Senior Citizen’s Centre and the Elk’s Hall on April 16, from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. For specifications per your address, see the April 9, edition of the Vermilion Voice.