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Your Independent Local Newspaper Established in 1918 VOLUME 104: ISSUE 45
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UCP MLA Jackie Lovely to face a nomination challenge from Kevin Smook in Camrose Camrose constituents to choose their candidate Aug. 4-6 MOUSH JOHN Editor
The United Conservative Party (UCP) race is on with only two candidates pursuing the party ticket – incumbent MLA Jackie Lovely and local resident Kevin Smook, unlike the last election when five candidates were aspiring for a UCP nomination. The nomination closed last Tuesday, July 5. An election will be held to choose the UCP candidate in Camrose constituency between Aug. 4 and 6. Only residents of the Camrose constituency who are current members of the UCP on or before July 14 are eligible to vote. Speaking to the race coming down to just two well-known community members this time, MLA Jackie Lovely said, “Right now, I’m focused on talking to constituents and UCP members, as I work to secure my nomination in the Camrose
riding for the 2023 election. “Conservatives here know I have a rock solid track record representing them, and with Alberta’s economy booming again, they want to see that momentum continue!” Speaking to this, Tofield resident Kevin Smook said, “I’m not sure why only two of us decided to pursue the nomination but perhaps that's a result of me announcing my intentions so early. “I’m encouraged by the number of people who’ve purchased or renewed their UCP membership and are willing to support me in my bid. I believe a great number of constituents want me to represent them as the UCP candidate in the next provincial election. We’ll find out for sure on Aug. 6!” Smook further explained, “After hearing from a lot of people who feel I would do a good
job representing them provincially, I announced back in February that I intend to seek the nomination for the UCP Camrose constituency. To make it official, I filed my papers with the UCP in April. Only myself and current MLA Jackie Lovely have filed our papers prior to the deadline last Tuesday making it a two-horse race.” On Monday, July 11, Smook attended a session put on by the Resistant Wild Oat Action Committee. According to Smook, wild oats are a problem for farmers. The event started with lunch and an info session at Detention Brewing, followed by a field visit to see some of the work done. “If I’m successful in becoming the UCP nominee and eventually the MLA for the area, I need to keep hearing about concerns from the agricultural community,” Smook added.
Lovely has been door knocking ever since she filed her papers earlier this year. Last Monday, July 4, at Lovely’s request, Dr. Weller, Dean for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at University of Calgary, and Dr. Robert McCorkell met up with a group of people from the University of Alberta Augustana Campus. “The Augustana meeting is the next step following my Motion calling on our government to address the veterinarian shortage,” Lovely noted. “My vision is that the Camrose constituency students and those in the surrounding areas attend Augustana for their Science degree and then transfer to the U of C for the veterinary program. “My hope is that those who have roots here are more likely to return, build life, and have a
MLA Jackie Lovely
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Kevin Smook
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