Alberta Party candidate Barry Morishita out door knocking in Redcliff, AB on Oct. 27, 2022. (Photo Courtesy Bob Schneider)

By Gates Guarin

Alberta Party candidate Barry Morishita shoring up support in Redcliff

Oct 27, 2022 | 3:28 PM

REDCLIFF, AB – As the byelection campaign period rolls on, several candidates spent the day door knocking and making phone calls to the community to drum up support for their respective parties.

Alberta Party candidate Barry Morishita spent the morning talking to residents in Redcliff and handing out flyers. Morishita said his campaign’s approach has not changed now that UCP candidate Danielle Smith has begun campaigning. He says local issues require local solutions and having a local perspective, something he has been critical of the UCP candidate.

“People want good representation,” Morishita says. “They’re frustrated by the lack of representation, the lack of voice. That’s what I bring, versus people coming down from Edmonton and doesn’t serve this group.”

He also commented on NDP candidate Gwendoline Dirk, saying those from outside of the riding should not be speaking for the community. Morishita says he is speaking for the riding, and has been listening and understanding the issues that matter for residents, like the need for disability supports and addressing the lack of resources in the classroom. Morishita believes he can be a voice for this part of the province in the legislature.

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“A lot of people are looking for change, and in this byelection period, you know we’re not changing government, so here’s a chance to send a message to Edmonton that hey, we need to do politics better, we need to be representative of our local constituencies and we need to listen.”

Morishita and the Alberta Party are planning a meet and greet with supporters tonight at his campaign headquarters downtown, located at 579 Third St. SE starting at 5 p.m.

Elsewhere in the riding, the aforementioned Dirk and her team were out canvassing in the Crescent Heights area during the noon hour, and Smith’s team were reportedly out door-knocking and phone banking today as well.

Three forums are planned for next week. The Alberta Teachers’ Association in Brooks will be holding a forum on Nov. 1, followed by business-focused forums in Brooks and Medicine Hat hosted by the respective Chambers of Commerce on Nov. 2 and 3.

The byelection for the vacant Brooks-Medicine Hat constituency seat will be held on Nov. 8.