United Conservative Party (UCP) candidate, Laila Goodridge hit the ground running with her by-election campaign Saturday morning.
Goodridge is hoping to replace Brian Jean who stepped down as the Fort McMurray-Conklin MLA at the end of March for personal reasons.
Premier Rachel Notley called the by-election for July 12.
Leader of the UCP Jason Kenney made the trip to Fort McMurray to kick off her campaign.
“Laila may be young but she is experienced beyond her years in a way that is relevant to being an effective MLA. Having been an assistant to a former senior federal minister, being active in politics and business here in Fort McMurray,” said Kenney.
“Laila, we are behind you 100 per cent. We are going to be with you all the way.”
The final words of Kenney’s fiery speech was used to call out the NDP government on scheduling the by-election for the middle of summer.
Kenney believes it wasn’t a coincidence.
“Why do you think the NDP scheduled this for the middle of summer? They want the lowest, possible turn out.”
“If regular working Fort McMurray voters are on holidays and they don’t vote in the advanced ballots, or they stay home or they just think this thing is in the bag, we could lose this constituency,” added Kenney.
Municipal councillor Jane Stroud is running under the NDP banner and businessman Sid Fayad is representing the Alberta Party.
The Alberta Liberals have yet to announce a candidate.
