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By rdnewsNOW

Red Deer-North

Jaelene Tweedle: New Democratic Party

May 13, 2023 | 8:13 PM

Hello readers,

Each candidate from the four constituencies we are covering this election season have been issued the same questionnaire. This candidate’s biography and their answers can be found below. Our questionnaire had a limit of 500 words, and the bio 150. A / at the end indicates they went over.

The opinions and thoughts expressed by each candidate are their own, and are not endorsed by rdnewsNOW.

For more Alberta Election 2023 coverage, visit our dedicated Alberta Votes page.

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Biography

Jaelene Tweedle and her young family moved to Red Deer from Devon in 2008. Jaelene, her husband, their three children and two dogs have lived in the same community in the north area of the city for the past 15 years.

Jaelene is dedicated to the education of Red Deer’s kids. Volunteering her time with local schools, she has held a variety of roles to help children put their best foot forward into the future.

Before starting her volunteer work with schools, Jaelene worked as an administrative worker in the oilfield taking care of payroll, benefits, and quality control for workers.

Jaelene is on The Foundation of Red Deer Public Schools board, a volunteer with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre and was a candidate for public school trustee in 2017 and 2021.

Questions

1. What made you decide to run in this provincial election?

My background is education advocacy. I’ve spent the past 15 years being very involved in our schools supporting our students and educators, and during these last four years I have never seen staff morale so low. I also had the opportunity to do consultation on the previous draft curriculum that was supposed to go into schools in 2019 and was scrapped by the UCP. The 2019 curriculum was so much better than what the UCP has forced our school divisions to implement. Our students are under-supported, and things are moving in the wrong direction. So, I wanted to try to help turn that ship around.

2. Why should constituents vote for you? What skill sets and experience do you have that make you a good fit for the role of MLA?

I am an average Albertan. I can relate to the struggles that everyday families go through. I truly want to represent them. I want to work with them and for them, and advocate for them. I truly want to support the people of Red Deer-North and give them hope for a better future. I have spent many years in different leadership roles which has given me the opportunity to work with so many different kinds of people. I believe in setting a positive tone in the room, giving folks a reason to turn up and bringing out the best in them. I think Albertans and, in particular the people of Red Deer-North, have not been the priority of this government and I really believe we need to put our people first.

3. From your perspective, what are the most important issues in this election, both provincially and in your riding specifically?

I would say the top three issues in my riding reflect the top three issues provincially. When I’m out door knocking what I hear consistently is concerns about health care, specifically here in Red Deer where we have a hospital that’s overcrowded and short-staffed. The other two things that come up consistently are education and affordability. They express concerns about the curriculum, overcrowded classrooms and many don’t feel the education minister has served them well. Affordability is another top issue in my riding. There are so many families living from paycheque to paycheque. The challenges of the high cost of living are taking an enormous toll.

4. What is your main message to voters, especially those who may be undecided?

This election is critically important. Not just for the next four years but for many years to come. I feel there is so much on the ballot this time. Some of the best things we have going for us – public health care, public education – are under siege by the UCP. I think many people have felt that there wasn’t a point in voting, they didn’t feel their voices mattered. That’s why I feel it’s so important to do as much door knocking as I can. I want people to know that anyone who wants to be representing them should be out asking them questions because it’s their voice that I will carry to the legislature, and I want them to know they have someone who is working with them and working for them.