Provincial candidate forum open to residents on May 9

The City of Airdrie and the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce partnered to host a candidate forum ahead of the provincial election to help residents make up their minds on who they’d like to vote for.

With doors opening at 6:30 p.m. at the Bert Church Theatre next Tuesday, all residents are welcome to attend and hear what the candidates have to say. 

So far UCP MLAs Angela Pitt and Peter Guthrie as well as NDP candidates Dan Nelles and Shaun Fluker will be attending the forum. 

Airdrie Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marilyne Aalhus said the chamber itself will be posing questions around the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC)’s Vote Prosperity platform, which advocates to strengthen business competitiveness, grow provincial trade, and build healthy communities. 

“The Vote Prosperity platform has been a long process through the Alberta Chambers in conjunction with Municipal Chambers, trying to come up with particular areas for this government that will be elected,” said Aalhus. 

“We’re speaking of everything from provincial trade, and making sure that of course we can grow the trade within our own country. Our big Focus here in Airdrie of course is building a healthy Community for our city,” she said. 

“That has to do with all residents. It has a direct impact on businesses, because of course you need to have your community well supported to thrive, and to have employees that want to live and grow in our community.” 

While registration is not required to attend, the forum will not be taking questions from the floor. Those who register beforehand can submit questions they’d like to ask, which will be reviewed prior to the forum. 

Aalhus encouraged folks to register beforehand, as the desire is to cover a broad spectrum of topics. 

“City council is coming up with some great questions, and the business community’s doing the same thing. The public will have an opportunity if we haven’t covered those questions—we want diversity,” she said. 

“I do think a lot of people are voting for a party, but I think I think they also need to understand who their local MLAs will be representing our community on a provincial level. This really is an important opportunity for the public and businesses alike to come out and understand what our different candidates are looking to do to improve our community and our Province.” 

“It’s a great opportunity to get to know these people by hearing them answer questions, and there will be a brief meet the candidates opportunity following the form should the candidates stay behind to do so.” 

While only the four candidates have annouced that they’re running, Aalhus said if more come forward they will receive invites as well. 

Registration and attendance comes at no cost to all residents, and folks can register at the Airdrie Chamber website.