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By rdnewsNOW

Red Deer-South

Michelle Baer: New Democratic Party

May 13, 2023 | 4:50 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

Michelle Baer is a true champion for residents of Red Deer.

As the City Solicitor since 2012, Baer manages the City of Red Deer’s legal and legislative departments and provides legal and procedural advice to city departments and City Council.Prior to this role, Baer was a lawyer in private practice at Chapman Reibeek LLP.

As a lawyer and the city solicitor, Michelle knows what is important to Red Deerians, and how important it is for all levels of government to work together to help Albertans succeed.

Michelle believes in hard work and focusing on what matters. Outside of her work with the city, Michelle volunteers her time to help refugees and newcomers in Red Deer.

Questions

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

Prior to the UCP forming government, a career in politics was not something I was planning. However, the last four years have very much confirmed for me that Albertans deserve better from their government. Red Deerians need someone who will listen and have a respectful conversation with them, who will take the priorities of Red Deer South the legislature and act effectively to address them. From my vantage point, we have had neither effective or responsive representation for years. I am thrilled to be running with the Alberta NDP in this very important election.

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 a principled, experienced leader. I value integrity, fairness, community, and sustainability. My work as the City Solicitor has honed my ability to advocate, to solve complex issues, and to communicate fairly and clearly. I understand government and how it works. My background in municipal law means I have experience in areas like drafting and interpreting legislation, prosecution, zoning, ethics, labour law, contracts, real estate, taxation, etc.

The primary reason I am running is because of the Red Deer Regional Hospital situation. Everyone in Red Deer has a story about the hospital – chronic underfunding over years has left us with program deficits, no cardiac cath lab, specialist doctors leaving in droves, and astronomically high wait-times in Emergency. I will use my experience in advocacy to ensure the hospital expansion starts in 2024, in line with the recommendations provided by those in our medical community.

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

In my riding, the top issue is absolutely the Red Deer Hospital. It’s a health issue and it’s the critical issue for the people of Red Deer. While Danielle Smith is musing about privitizng healthcare, we are committed to making sure Albertans have excellent public healthcare, when and where they need it. In Red Deer, that means an expanded hospital, a fully funded transition plan, a dedicated task force, and regular progress updates to the community.

Another issue that I hear about is Danielle Smith’s RStar program and her plan to give up to $20 billion in royalty credits to oil and gas companies to clean up their wells – something they are already obligated to do. Imagine what that kind of money would mean to health care, education or affordability measures in this province. Provincially, we need someone who can manage our resources in a responsible way for the benefit of all Albertans, not just a select few.

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

I believe this is the most important election of our lifetime. Alberta deserves a government that will work in the best interests of all Albertans and Red Deer-South deserves an MLA who will work hard on the issues that are important to them. I am that person.