BONNYVILLE – On July 19, Premier Danielle Smith made her fifth visit to Bonnyville. A meeting was held at the C2 Centre, where questions were raised, and attendees could participate in a dialogue.
Sam Blackett, Press Secretary for the Office of the Premier, forwarded comments made by Smith to Lakeland This Week.
“I was pleased to meet with the 300+ UCP members who came out on a Friday evening in Bonnyville for our townhall to talk about how we are going to continue to strengthen our liberties and freedoms, lower taxes, protect our province from Ottawa, and improve health care.”
According to Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr, “The Premier had some tough questions regarding rural crime, access to healthcare, education, gun rights, parental rights and so much more. She answered them all and didn’t shy away from any topic.”
Although the event was advertised as a UCP members-only meet up, Mitch Sylvestre, Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul UCP Constituency Association President, says that was not the case in Lakeland.
“We don’t have members-only meetings in Lakeland. We think the Premier is here to be the leader for all Albertans, not just Conservatives,” said Sylvestre.
Looking at the strong attendance, Sylvestre says Bonnyville has one of the most active grassroots political groups in Alberta.
“Bonnyville people tend to participate in their democracy. I think that’s Important,” Said Sylvestre.
MD of Bonnyville Reeve Barry Kalinski finds Smith’s frequent visits to the area encouraging and was proud to welcome the Premier and Ministers to the MD of Bonnyville.
Kalinski reports that there was a lot of active discussion and hopes to see more solutions and ideas presented to Smith at her next visit.
Sylvestre suggested Smith’s frequent visits confirm her interest in hearing what people have to say.
“There were a lot of healthcare questions. The idea was for local people to ask questions that affect them. And it was generally good that way. Some people got carried away a little bit when they were given the mic, but that’s to be expected,” said Sylvestre.
