Local businessman Justin Wright is hoping to secure the United Conservative nomination for Cypress-Medicine Hat ahead of the planned spring election.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
Southeast Alberta needs a change in attitude away from the concept it is the “forgotten corner,” but new representation is needed, according to Justin Wright, who is seeking the United Conservative Party nomination in Cypress-Medicine Hat.
That party process is underway and concludes Feb. 9 toward determining a candidate in the May election.
Wright, a 38-year-old city resident who recently served as the riding association board’s financial officer, says he was motivated to run to rebuild relationships in Edmonton for the betterment of the region.
“It’s how to make the biggest impact,” Wright told the News on Wednesday. “The more you talk to folks here, we all want to make sure we’re moving forward. There’s no party that’s as committed to protecting our interests and economic future as the UCP.”
Just before the contest opened Jan. 26, MLA Drew Barnes announced he wouldn’t seek the party nomination. He was elected as a UCP candidate in 2019, but soon fell out with former leader Jason Kenney. He was removed from caucus by vote in 2021, and has said he’s weighing options for an independent campaign in the next election.
Wright is one of two potential candidates to seek they seek the riding’s nomination. The other is James Finkbeiner, a Redcliff native who has returned to the area after working as an executive with the Western Standard online news outlet.
The traditionally right-leaning riding could have a seemingly open ear next door as Premier Danielle Smith who was elected to be the MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat last November.
Since then, Smith has announced she plans to prioritize twinning of Highway 3 to expand regional economic development, which is a strong start, said Wright.
“You look at Lethbridge, Taber, Brooks, they all have multiple avenues (north-south) to get commodities to market,” he said. “(Smith) has done a good job, committing to getting No. 3 twinned, but more is needed.”
Specifically, said Wright, that includes work for Highway 41 south of the Trans-Canada.
The two-lane road runs through Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, and toward the Port of Wildhorse, which has been the focus of lobbying for decades to increase hours and capacity. An alternative route proposal would see the Eagle Butte Road upgraded.
Wright said he’s confident Smith is open to hearing from rural regions. He said she has shown a willingness to move on several fronts including on the Alberta Sovereignty Act and other leadership campaign promises. Others have criticized her moves as backtracking.
“We have a new premier coming in months before an election, so some things are obviously a work in progress,” he said.
Smith has highlighted herself as willing to prioritize rural voices in decision making, but has remained steadfast on the idea of a provincial police force despite formal opposition from counties.
“We really need to have a conversation about how this impacts smaller communities,” said Wright. “What’s the concern here? Cost? Response times? How do we offset that? We need to revisit how we address those concerns.
“We can come to a nice balance.”
Wright, 38, is the owner of Fryer Tucks food trucks, which also operates eight concession locations in Medicine Hat city arenas and at the Medicine Hat Stampede.
The father of three is also the chair of the Spectrum Festival committee since 2020 and ran unsuccessfully for a seat on Medicine Hat city council in 2021.
