Calgary byelection candidates begin knocking on doors

Candidates vying to represent Calgary-Lougheed are hitting the campaign trail ahead of a Dec. 14 byelection.

On Thursday, Premier Rachel Notley confirmed the byelection to fill the seat of longtime representative Dave Rodney.

Rodney, a former Progressive Conservative who has held the seat since 2004, stepped down to pave the way for Jason Kenney after he was elected leader of the United Conservative Party in October.

Kenney, who said he starting door-knocking on Friday, repeatedly asked for a quick byelection after he won the UCP leadership bid.

“The normal convention (is) to call a byelection immediately when there’s a prospective opposition leader seeking admission to the legislature but I want to thank the premier for at least getting it called before Christmas,” he told reporters Saturday, after giving a speech at the Manning Networking Conference in Red Deer.

The NDP has put forward Dr. Phillip van der Merwe as the party’s candidate.

Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan announced he’ll be running in the byelection and said he wants at least one public debate.

“I hope Mr. Kenney will be courageous enough to debate in a town hall forum … so that the constituents … can see from both of us first-hand what our vision is for the province and for the community,” Khan said Friday. “I hope he takes up my challenge.”

Kenney said he’s planning to host town halls and would participate in an organized debate.

“All candidates, if there’s going to be a debate, should be included,” he said.

The Alberta Party has yet to put forward a candidate. Whether someone runs will be up to the new board elected at the party’s annual general meeting on Saturday.