Justin Wright, the Untied Conservative Party candidate in Cypress Medicine Hat riding talks with attendees of an election rally on May 17, 2023 in Medicine Hat.--NEWS PHOTO COLLIN GALLANT
kking@medicinehatnews.com
The day following Alberta’s provincial election, new Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA-elect Justin Wright spared no time for rest, as he says the work has only just begun.
Wright, a relative newcomer to southeast Alberta’s political arena, took the vote Monday with a substantial lead over runner-up Cathy Hogg of the NDP. Unofficial results show Wright won every polling station in the riding except the Medicine Hat High School station.
While Wright spent his Monday evening celebrating the win for both himself and his party – which maintained power despite speculation of an NDP comeback – he was up early Tuesday helping his team collect campaign signs.
During a break, Wright reflected on the events of the night prior, which he described as pleasantly surprising.
“It was definitely a win clear across the board,” said Wright. “(The UCP) would love to (have held) onto as many seats as what we had going into the election, but, still, I think it was a really great showing, especially when you look at what the polls were showing over the last two weeks, that it was going to be much closer in the finish than what it turned out to be. So, I’m very pleased seeing that.”
Wright says consultation with constituents was key to both his success, and also that of other UCP candidates, including Leader Danielle Smith, who was re-elected the MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat.
“We were just spending so much time connecting at the doors,” said Wright. “And folks were definitely on board with the message of making sure that we’re leaving a legacy for future Albertans … and really making sure that we can put whatever possible back into people’s pockets.”
Wright says tax break introductions and infrastructure enhancements are some of the first issues he wishes to tackle, as well as re-establishment of a maternity clinic in Medicine Hat; though he acknowledges the latter may require investments over a longer period of time.
Throughout his term, Wright plans to continue consulting with constituents, both within Medicine Hat and in rural areas, with the promise of letting their primary concerns guide his priority mandate.
Wright also promises to collaborate with Smith and MLAs of neighbouring ridings to bring southeast Albertans’ concerns to light within the legislature.
“Connecting with folks through this campaign … there was quite a number of folks who want the collective mindset of being the ‘forgotten corner’ to be done away with,” said Wright. “It’s about time that Cypress-Medicine Hat, Brooks-Medicine Hat and our surrounding areas really showcase what we are … Alberta’s strongest corner. We need to really leverage those strengths that we do have and change the way we’re thought of.”
