Ladies and gentlemen of the Lakeland, if you've been paying any attention to the Bonnyville Nouvelle over the summer months, you may have noticed many a story focusing on the three individuals that have put themselves forward for provincial PC party leadership.
Well, this week you'll have the chance to actually hear from the candidates in person, as they will be in town on Wednesday for an organized meet and greet barbecue before engaging in an hour-long open forum to address concerns and questions posed by local residents.
Thomas Lukaszuk, Ric McIver and Jim Prentice have spent much of the past two months feeding information to provincial news outlets regarding their plans and what they hope to achieve should they get the nod for the provincial podium in September, but this open forum will give local residents the unique opportunity to quiz the candidates first hand and learn that little bit more about them.
This portion of northeastern Alberta has long been billed as the “forgotten region” by local figureheads and leaders, so I think it's a good thing to see the three leadership candidates taking the time to visit the area and hear what we have to say.
MLA for Bonnyville – Cold Lake Genia Leskiw has spent a large portion of her time in office bringing provincial politicians and ministers out to the Lakeland so they can see first hand the pressures and struggles we are faced with in this region, and she has delivered once again here by ensuring the next Premier hears about and experiences those issues too.
So, if you haven't got anything better to do on Wednesday evening, I would highly recommend you take a trip to the Bonnyville Fish and Game building and bring any issues you may have to the attention of the three candidates, and if nothing elsse, just to learn that little bit more about the next provincial leader. This is as good a chance as you're likely to have.
