Alberta NDP candidate drops out of race following assault charge

MEDICINE HAT, Alta. — The Alberta NDP said one of its candidates has withdrawn his candidacy after an altercation that happened while campaigning.

The party says in a news release that Jason Soklofske, who is the NDP candidate for Medicine Hat, was charged with simple assault following the incident.

The release stated that the altercation was with another individual on Saturday, but didn’t give details. Cheryl Oates, a campaign spokeswoman for the NDP, wouldn’t elaborate.

The release said the NDP has accepted Soklofske’s decision to withdraw. The party will announce a new candidate for Medicine Hat in the coming days.