The election race just north of the Yellowhead Highway is getting interesting.
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A familiar name has entered the provincial election in the Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville race as the New Democrats announced this week that Taneen Rudyk has been acclaimed as a candidate after no names came forward to run against her in the nomination.
“It simplifies things, and I’m really excited to get out and meet folks and find out what is keeping them up at night and what is important to them,” explained Rudyk.
Rudyk is no stranger to public service as she has served on Vegreville Town Council since 2010 and just finished her term as president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
“I’ve been considering this for a while but the timing, with my responsibilities in other forays and the timing seemed to be right, right now,” Rudyk said. “I had a commitment with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and with a large board and a large mandate, I wanted to remain true to both the commitments I made as well as the vision I have.”
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“I’ve spent a good portion of my life being interested in politics in every fashion and this just seems like a natural progression. The timing is perfectly poised when Alberta is at a point of really taking a different direction than it currently is on if we’re not careful and I really want to be part of the building team looking towards an Alberta that is vibrant, exciting and better for the Albertans that call it home today and the ones we have in the future moving here,” she added.
Now that that commitment is done, Rudyk said she wants to add her voice to shaping the province.
“What I’m hearing people say is that they are looking for caring, competent stability in leadership and I have worked hard to be able to represent interests of my community to other orders of government and bringing different voices to the table to result in action,” Rudyk said. “Being able to speak to people about affordability, health care and ensuring they have a future they’re excited about is something I’ll bring to this race and the position of MLA.”
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Rudyk was born in Two Hills and raised on a farm near Hairy Hill. After finishing school at the University of Alberta, she returned to Vegreville with her husband to raise their family. Along with her husband Andrew, she has four children and operates a pipeline-welding business.
Being from the area, Rudyk said she knows the people and she pledges to be a strong voice in the legislature.
“The people in Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville are passionate about where they live and my experience in local government has been one of bringing the right people to the table,” she stated. “I am ready to bring my knowledge to work for our region at the provincial level, ensuring a better future for everyone who calls Alberta home.”
The NDP candidate will be going up against incumbent UCP Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, who consistency includes a large rural portion of Strathcona County. There is no word on a Liberal or Alberta Party candidate in that riding at this time.
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