UCP candidate Danielle Smith speaking with supporters at the opening of her campaign office. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Gates Guarin

UCP candidate Danielle Smith opens campaign office

Oct 26, 2022 | 3:45 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – UCP candidate Danielle Smith officially opened her campaign office Wednesday, as the race for the vacant Brooks-Medicine Hat constituency seat has now crossed the halfway point.

There are now less than two weeks before eligible voters head to the polls on Nov. 8 to decide who gets to represent the riding. Smith spoke to a crowd of approximately 100 people, a speech which had to be moved outside of her campaign office to accommodate those in attendance. Smith thanked former MLA Michaela Frey for stepping aside and allowing her to run for the seat.

Smith said she is learning about the issues affecting this part of the province, after arriving in town on Monday evening and touring community sites and door knocking on Tuesday. In addition to upgrading Highway 3, Smith spoke about restoring regional air service, opening up another border crossing at the current Wild Horse border crossing, and increased mental health supports. Smith said she has met with business leaders in the community, and planned on meeting with Our Collective Journey Wednesday afternoon to discuss more about mental health and addiction supports needed in the area.

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Smith wrapped up her speech telling supporters why it was important for the riding to remain under the UCP.

“We support the individual, the family, the faith community, the individual non-profits, the charitable sector, we believe we build communities from the ground up,” Smith said. “The NDP believes we build communities from the top down, it’s part of the reason why we have so many problems today, is that the decisions are being made far, too far away from the people they are impacting.”

Smith’s campaign office is located at #20, Third Street SE. The campaign office is already in the process of gathering volunteers and donations.