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Unelected ministers announce plans to get elected in Edmonton and Calgary

Alberta Health Minister Stephen Mandel on September 19, 2014. Global News

CALGARY — The two unelected ministers Alberta Premier Jim Prentice appointed to his cabinet have announced their plans to win a seat in the legislature.

Health Minister and former Edmonton mayor Stephen Mandel is running in Edmonton-Whitemud, while Education Minister Gordon Dirks is running in Calgary-Elbow.

Edmonton-Whitemud was held by former premier David Hancock, who announced he is leaving politics.

READ MORE: Outgoing Alberta Premier Dave Hancock resigns seat

Calgary-Elbow was vacated when former premier Alison Redford resigned.

The Wildrose party says John Fletcher, a retired army colonel, will carry its flag in Calgary-Elbow while the New Democrats have nominated Stephanie McLean, a defence lawyer.

READ MORE: Wildrose puts ‘John’s army’ on the ready for Calgary-Elbow by-election

Both by-elections have yet to be called.

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Prentice, who also doesn’t hold a seat, has promised the by-elections will be wrapped up before the legislature resumes business on Nov. 17.

There are no other seats open in Calgary, but backbencher Neil Brown has said he will resign in Calgary-Mackay-Nose Hill if Prentice wants to run there.

 

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