Byelection campaigns heat up with two weeks left
By KENDALL KING on October 25, 2022.
kking@medicinehatnews.com Medicine Hat will be a battle ground this week as Brooks-Medicine Hat MLA byelection candidates announce plans to campaign in the city. Premier Danielle Smith is set to make her first return to the region since announcing her candidacy Oct. 8. Smith’s campaign manager Alexandra Carlisle told the News on Monday that Smith will visit the city Thursday for the official opening of her campaign office, situated at 20 Third St. SE. The Smith camp is also planning rallies Saturday in Medicine Hat and on Sunday in Brooks, but no immediate details were released. While Smith’s bid for the Brooks-Medicine Hat MLA seat created waves when first announced, her campaign has since been quiet on a local level. But in a statement to the News, Smith confirmed she will “be spending the next few days in the riding knocking on doors, meeting with families, locals and business owners about their vision for a better Alberta.” With only two weeks left until the election, Smith’s opponents’ campaigns are also well underway. Former Brooks mayor and Alberta Party leader Barry Morishita has travelled to Medicine Hat several times over the past few weeks to participate in door-knocking. “The reception has been very good at the doors,” Morishita told the News while continuing his local door-knocking efforts Monday. “We see a lot of people are certainly interested in and having (a candidate) from the riding. (And) the issues are pretty local.” Returning to his home city of Brooks for a portion of the week, Morishita will be back in Medicine Hat fromThursday to Sunday. He is planning a meet and greet at his campaign office, located on the ground floor or 579 Third St. SE, Thursday from 5-8 p.m. Hatter and NDP candidate Gwendoline Dirk is also planning to continue campaigning locally throughout the week, with support from various NDP top brass, including Opposition Leader Rachel Notley. Notley is scheduled to arrive in the Hat around noon today and will be joining Dirk in door-knocking later this afternoon. A press conference with Notley is scheduled for Wednesday, though details have yet to be released. — with files from Collin Gallant 15-14
