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80% turnout

Jaelene Tweedle to represent NDP in Red Deer-North

Oct 6, 2022 | 10:17 AM

The race between two locals to be named the Alberta NDP’s candidate for Red Deer-North ended Wednesday.

Jaelene Tweedle, a former school trustee candidate and oilfield administrator, defeated former City Manager Craig Curtis.

Tweedle will now take on current Education Minister Adriana LaGrange in the next election, which is scheduled for next May.

“I am so thankful to the members of Red Deer-North for believing in me to take on this challenge at such an important time for our community,” said Tweedle. “I love this community. It is my home, and where my husband and I raised our kids. I want the best for the people here, as I know Rachel Notley does. I am excited to join her team and build better opportunities for the folks in Red Deer-North, and Alberta.”

According to a release, Tweedle previously worked in payroll, benefits and quality control for an oilfield manufacturing facility. She currently volunteers full-time with Red Deer schools in various roles.

“People in Red Deer-North feel that their UCP MLA has failed them. They don’t feel heard, seen, or represented. I want to change that,” added Tweedle. “It’s time to move away from a government that has spent the last few years taking Albertans on a never ending ride of drama, internal fractures, and leadership that is neither dependable nor present. It’s time to move to a government who we can trust, and that’s an NDP government led by Rachel Notley.”

She says finally that her belief is Red Deer can thrive under the NDP.

“I will work to ensure our community has access to quality healthcare, a world class public education system, long-term job growth and opportunities for our children, supports and dignity for our most vulnerable, and ensure affordability for families with a competent government steering the ship.”

The NDP couldn’t share the vote split, but do say 80 per cent of eligible voters from the constituency cast a ballot.

Tweedle joins City solicitor Michelle Baer who is running for the party in Red Deer-South.

LaGrange, Tweedle’s main opponent next spring, won the Red Deer-North UCP nomination in August by a slim margin.

The UCP have not yet had a contest for Red Deer-South where Jason Stephan is currently MLA, nor has Stephan announced his intention to seen re-election.