Doug Hart was officially selected as the federal NDP candidate in the Red Deer-Lacombe riding this past Monday.
Two local candidates were put forward following a nomination meeting held at the Red Deer Public Library.
Hart was chosen over Katherine Swampy during a nomination meeting held at the Red Deer Public Library. Hart, who has lived in Central Alberta his entire life, spent the last 40 years of his career working as a nurse, teacher and community college administrator. He currently works as a casual nurse in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and Addictions at the Red Deer Regional Hospital, following time spent as both the vice academic chair and acting president at Grande Prairie Regional College.
He holds diplomas in psychiatric nursing, an under graduate degree in nursing from the University of Calgary, a masters degree in education administration from the University of Alberta and a masters degree in science in health promotion studies.
While addressing the room of NDP members, Hart stated no matter how different he and those other members may be, they likely had at least one thing in common.
“We want to put an end to 10 years of Stephen Harper’s rule,” said Hart who previously ran in three provincial elections under the NDP bid. “Stephen Harper has shown contempt for democracy, he has eroded sovereignty, and is deconstructing Canada.
“All you have to do is look at Bill C-51 and the impact it has on personal rights and freedoms.”
Hart will be running against Liberal Party candidate Rev. Jeff Rock – a minister with Gaetz Memorial United Church in Red Deer who was nominated by his party in January.
Hart and Rock will also be running against the Conservative Party candidate Blaine Calkins – a University of Alberta Bachelor of Science graduate who served in a number of local political positions over the last 30 years including serving as a town councilor for Lacombe for a time, as well as the MP for Wetaskawin.
The election is set for Oct.19th. Harper dropped the write on Aug. 2nd and at 11 weeks, the campaign has been described as the longest in modern Canadian history. As a result of the 2012 federal electoral redistribution, the number of electoral districts was increased to 338, with additional seats based on population assigned to Alberta (6), British Columbia (6), Ontario (15), and Quebec (3).