Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville candidates

A provincial election has been called for April 23, and the five candidates in Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville are all vying to replace outgoing MLA, and former premier, Ed Stelmach in the Alberta Legislature. The following are the candidates, in alphabetical order:

Spencer Dunn – Liberal candidate: Fort Saskatchewan native Spencer Dunn is glad to have the opportunity and is confident he will be an exceptional advocate for the residents of this constituency.

A fluently bilingual political science undergraduate student at the University of Alberta, Dunn believes “this tired, worn-out government needs youth and energy.” At 21-years-of-age, he has demonstrated his commitment and organizational skills at the Alberta Liberal Party, where he works part-time.

Dunn strongly supports education from Kindergarten to post secondary and is excited by the bold initiative contained in the Alberta Liberal platform to reduce and eventually eliminate education fees. Also on his list of priorities are health care and primary physician accessibility, senior support systems, fair taxation, and the reduction of energy costs.

“This regressive Con-servative government has taken advantage of Albertans for too long.  After 40 years in power, it has begun to take for granted its position to realize change.”

Jacquie Fenske – PC Candidate: Jacquie has developed a reputation for not only standing up for the residents she represents but for getting results.

An advocate for community viability, she realizes that what works for one community may not be the answer for every Alberta community but strong communities throughout the region are vital. Access to schools, quality health care and jobs ensure that our communities are vibrant communities of choice. 

Addressing the changing needs of agriculture may take new approaches and she is willing to do what it takes to ensure we can continue to provide agricultural opportunities for our people. Attracting industry and balancing the needs of industry and residents are areas that Jacquie has experience in. She not only understands the importance of small business and volunteers to a strong Alberta she is actively involved in both.

Jacquie knows that communication is key to understanding.  She is approachable and values the contribution of residents in making the right decisions.

As a Strathcona County councillor, Jacquie sat on numerous provincial and local boards. In these changing times, she brings to the position her experience as well as a passion and enthusiasm for the community. 

Chris Fulmer – NDP candidate: Although only 21, Chris has been involved in politics for several years. He was inspired to stand for election this year after reading Jack Layton’s final letter to Canadians.

Currently working on his Bachelor of Arts degree (with a double major in Political Science and History), he is also the President of the University of Alberta Campus NDP where students are encouraged to get involved in the political process. The club organized a vote mobile campaign during the last federal election in order to provide free rides to the polling station for students.

Chris is also involved with the New Democratic Youth of Alberta as Provincial Liaison on the Executive Committee.

Raised in Fort Saskat-chewan, Chris is employed by the Municipal Parks department in the summer giving him a thorough knowledge of the issues facing the riding.

He is concerned about reducing urban sprawl, promoting a sustainable and responsible environment for the development of cities, and also creating affordable housing.

Matt Levicki – EverGreen Party candidate: Matt Levicki grew up in Alberta a hockey player. He skated in Andrew and also Smoky Lake, Vegreville, Fort Saskatchewan and Grande Prairie.

Matt went to Grant MacEwan University for a college education and to continue his hockey career. He took a life changing course in International Relations during the early years of conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq and felt a responsibility to use his skill on the ice as an opportunity to travel the world and become an international citizen.

Later he moved to Ontario to study and play hockey at the University of Waterloo where he had several successful seasons. He earned a degree in Political Science.

Matt has lived and worked in the Czech Republic and China. Recently he worked in Canada’s Northwest Territories helping open the longest, busiest, safest ice road on the planet. Matt would like to see our Northern Territories developed and western and eastern Canada reunited.

“As a candidate for the EverGreen Party of Alberta I want to discuss North American energy security. I believe that your vote for the EverGreens can help us regain sovereignty over Alberta’s energy decision making process. One of my campaign goals is to hear a final ‘no’ regarding attempts to build a nuclear power plant in the Peace Region.

“I love my grassroots in Alberta. I have always tried to be a good representative of our province and country. I look forward to talking with the people of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville this spring.”

Shannon Stubbs – Wildrose Alliance candidate: Shannon Stubbs has a diverse background in politics and public policy. She started her career in the Ottawa office of then-Opposition leader Preston Manning, where she worked in both communications and research, focusing on senate reform, intergovernmental relations and First Nations issues.

While completing a Combined B.A. (Hon-ours) in Political Science and English at the University of Alberta, Shannon worked in the constituency office of Deborah Grey, the then M.P. for Edmonton North. Shannon went on to work in the Alberta Departments of Energy and Economic Development.

Raised on the family farm near Lamont, Shannon has also been a long-time volunteer with a wide array of organizations and is an active community member.

“After four decades of the same government, Albertans are looking for change,” says Shannon.

“Wildrose will balance the provincial budget, make health care work for Albertans, empower local communities and individuals, serve Alber-tans and restore Alberta’s leadership role in Canada and beyond.

“It’s time for MLAs who advocate for the needs of their constituents and who work for the people who elected them,” she says.

“I will stand up for our communities in Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville as your Wildrose MLA. I look forward to hearing from you about your concerns and priorities.”