Lethbridge-West candidates and voters gathered at the Lethbridge Public Library (LPL) to discuss big topics like the doctor shortage, opioid crisis, education funding, and small business investments.
Candidates from NDP, UCP, and Alberta Liberal Party agreed on many topics.
“Homelessness in the downtown has unfortunately deterred a lot of people from coming downtown to do their shopping,” said NDP candidate Shannon Phillips.
Three of four Lethbridge-West candidates attended: Pat Chizek with the Alberta-Liberal Party, NDP incumbent Shannon Phillips, and Cheryl Seaborn with the UCP.
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A media panel and audience fielded questions to the candidates who had two minutes to answer.
One candidate was visibly absent, the Alberta Party’s Braham Luddu. Global News reached out to Mr. Luddu to as why he didn’t attend, but did not receive a response.
An Alberta Party spokesperson said they don’t know why their candidate didn’t take part in the forum.
Pat Chizek is expressing concern about the election essentially being a two-party race.
“I am an Alberta Liberal. I’m going to be honest, we are an endangered species,” Chizek said, urging all voters to continue challenging elected MLAs, even after the May 29th election.
“The minions who follow behind a leader blindly and don’t question, that doesn’t help the people of the province and the definitely doesn’t help the people of the constituency.”
Lethbridge-West candidates will meet again Friday for an education-focused forum at G.S. Lakie Middle School.