By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

contest now has two choices

Jaelene Tweedle joins race for NDP’s Red Deer-North nomination

Aug 12, 2022 | 3:40 PM

A second nominee has entered the race to be the NDP’s candidate in Red Deer-North for next spring’s provincial election.

Jaelene Tweedle, who formerly ran for Red Deer Public Schools trustee in 2017 and 2021, joins former city manager Craig Curtis in the Opposition’s bid to unseat the UCP’s Adriana LaGrange — who hasn’t officially announced she’s seeking re-election herself.

Tweedle garnered 4,185 votes in 2021, eighth most among the candidates vying for seven trustee seats, and 288 short. She received 3,696 votes in 2017, ninth most, and 431 off the pace.

“I thrive on building community and working to lift others up. The amazing people who live in Red Deer-North deserve to have someone representing them, who will truly immerse themselves in the community, will always stand up for them and advocate for them, and will put in the work required, on a daily basis,” says Tweedle, when asked why she’s the right candidate for the NDP in Red Deer-North.

“I truly believe I am that person and would put my character and level of dedication up against anyone. Most importantly, any pursuit I take on is approached and completed with integrity, honesty, and sincerity.”

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How would the NDP better serve the constituency, she was also asked, saying that it’s about putting people first again, instead of profits.

“I believe the NDP are the clear choice to meet the needs of everyday Albertans and also diversify and strengthen the economy, as the climate of chaos created by the UCP has not been conducive to attracting and retaining businesses,” she says.

“What Alberta needs now, more than ever, is compassionate, common sense and progressive leadership. As a constituent of Red Deer-North, I have felt unheard, unseen and disregarded by our current MLA. If elected, it would be an absolute priority of mine to take a ‘boots on the ground’ approach to representing the people of Red Deer-North.”

Tweedle estimates the legislature needs fewer ‘politicians’ and more people, “actually looking to serve who they represent.”

Tweedle adds that among her biggest priorities as an MLA are ensuring health care is more accessible, classrooms are staffed, counsellors are funded, and the “regressive” draft K-6 curriculum is scrapped, that affordability be improved for families, and that the economy is diversified.

“We must also work to create safe, welcoming and inclusive communities for everyone, including our most vulnerable, unhoused neighbours.”

Tweedle grew up in small-town Alberta and has lived in Red Deer for 14 years. She is a board member with the Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools, and volunteer with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre.

A date for party members in Red Deer-North to select a candidate is yet to be announced.