The Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce held an election forum on Tuesday, May 19. Five out of six candidates in the Lacombe- Ponoka riding attended including:  

  • Solidarity Movement of Alberta Candidate, Nathan Leslie 
  • Alberta Party Candidate, Myles Chykerda 
  • Green Party Candidate, Taylor Lowery 
  • United Conservative Party Candidate, Jennifer Johnston  
  • Wildrose Loyalty Coalition Candidate, Daniel Jefferies   

Over 250 Lacombe and area residents attended the election forum and Executive Director of the Chamber, Jeffrey Hanger was surprised by the turnout. Standing room had to be made for some of the attendees.  

“It’s a lot more than we expected. We knew that the NDP pulled out. I think we found that out yesterday and so we weren’t sure how many people would turn out, but there’s a lot of people here which we’re happy about,” said Hanger.  

Altogether the forum was a peaceful exchange of ideas for the province and did not get very heated. Many candidates agreed upon root issues.  

“It's been a very peaceful exchange of views. The candidates, been have been really nice to each other. Actually, they spoke quite freely before all the public turned up. It's been good to see and it's been good to hear. We really wish the NDP had been here,” added Hanger.  

Hanger said NDP candidate for Lacombe-Ponoka, Dave Dale was unable to attend as he was still out canvasing.  

Topics addressed by the candidates included: 

  • Public Schools 
  • Health Care 
  • Oil and gas industry 
  • Agricultural supports  
  • Bus drivers cooperation  
  • Reconciliation  
  • Carbon taxes  
  • Health Care 
  • Educational supports  

You can read more about our local candidates by visiting our elections page at the link below. The Lacombe-Ponoka candidates hit the stage again on Friday for an election forum hosted by the Ponoka Chamber of Commerce. Doors open at the Ponoka Legion at 6:30PM with the forum beginning at 7PM.  

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