INNISFAIL – The Alberta Party has chosen its candidate for the anticipated byelection in the riding of Innisfail-Sylvan Lake later this year.
Abigail Douglass, 23, was selected by the party in a nomination meeting on May 23 in Sylvan Lake.
Douglass grew up in Central Alberta. Her family currently lives in Red Deer and she has roots in the Penhold area, where she moved when she was eight years old.
Her grandparents were farmers near Penhold before they passed on the family farm and moved to Innisfail.
“We spent a lot of time in Innisfail with my grandparents,” said Douglass.
She graduated with a bachelor of commerce degree last year from The King's University in Edmonton and is currently working for a communications company.
Douglass noted her passion for politics began at a young age.
“When I was in the Red Deer area during high school, I helped form the first student council at my school and that’s where my passion for politics began,” said Douglass, noting her involvement with the local community and the students' association at university.
In addition, Douglass learned more about the political parties in the province and soon became involved with the Alberta Party.
“I connected with someone who was volunteering on Stephen Mandel's leadership campaign,” she said. “I volunteered my time on that because I wanted to support Stephen and through supporting him I got to learn a lot about the Alberta Party. I found quite a big passion and connection with the party. I was excited to learn more about it and be able to grow with the party.”
Douglass said she is ready to take on her new role as party candidate and is quickly preparing for the upcoming byelection.
“I’m working on finalizing my team and getting ready to go door-knocking,” she said. “I won the nomination and I’m ready to start going.”
Douglass pointed out some areas of interest and concern people may have in the riding, including the economy, agriculture, agri-tourism and rural crime.
The upcoming byelection won’t be an easy win, said Douglass, adding she is prepared to work hard in the days ahead.
“Any campaign is not going to be easy. It’s going to have its ups and downs and have its challenges,” said Douglass, noting her enthusiasm for the future.
“I’m excited about conveying the younger voice in this area. I’m excited to talk to people, door-knock and learn more about their concerns.
“I’m excited for what’s to come,” said Douglass.
