Be the change you want to see in the world

People have been asking me what it has been like being on Canmore town council since the election last year. 

In all honesty, I absolutely love being in this role. It is rewarding, engaging and challenging – and allows me to give back to my community through public service.

But I have asked myself over the past couple of months if there is more I can do. And as a result of that, I am here today, announcing that I am seeking the nomination for the Alberta New Democrats in the next provincial election. 

It is important now more than ever to stand for the values we believe in, which is why at first, I bought a membership to the NDP. Under the leadership of Rachel Notley, I am convinced that real measured improvement is possible for all Albertans.

I then began to consider putting my name forward for the nomination. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that being bold and thinking big is the kind of leader I want to be for my community.

Which means I am once again turning to the people of Canmore, as well as my neighbours in the MD of Bighorn and Banff, to support me in this endeavour. 

The nomination process is happening right now and it is an exciting time to get involved. There are three excellent candidates in addition to myself: Sarah Elmeligi, Gavin McCaffrey and Mark Tkacz. 

The vote to choose who will be the candidate for the NDP for the Banff-Kananaskis riding in the next provincial election is Sunday, March 27 from 1-6 p.m. There are four locations in the riding: the Canmore Senior’s Centre, the YWCA Banff, the Bragg Creek Community Centre and the Springbank sports complex.

More importantly, if you want to be part of this process and help choose the candidate, you need to have a membership by Saturday, March 12 (THAT'S ONLY 10 DAYS FROM TODAY). 

There will also be one (possibly two) online forums for NDP members to hear from those seeking the nomination. On March 14, there will be a forum on health care, education and social services. Follow Banff-Kananaskis NDP Constituency Association on Facebook to keep up to date.

I will not pretend that the timing is ideal. It is not. I was just elected to town council! 

I remain just as committed to being a councillor as ever. I know I can do more at a provincial level and this is one way to do that.

Because the this process is decided through a vote of people in my community, I have faith they will make the best choice and consider whether this is the right role for me.

I have gone through the provincial legislation and there is nothing that prohibits me from seeking a nomination while holding municipal office. Should I be chosen as the candidate, I will take a leave of absence for the election campaign. That is currently set for May 2023, although the premier may call an election at any time.

If elected MLA, that would trigger a byelection to find another town councillor to serve the remaining half of the term. 

DID YOU KNOW?

That in order to be a member of the Alberta NDP, you need to be 14 and older, and a permanent resident? 

Are you interested in more information? Email me at info@tanyafoubert.com and we can connect to discuss any questions you have.