a lt e r n at i v e +
LOCAL + independent
// A3
thejasperlocal.com
// B2
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monday, april 15, 2019 // ISSUE 143
NOSE DIVE // CARO ROY KEEPS THE SKI SEASON ALIVE ON THE NOSE OF MOUNT ABERHART, IN THE MALIGNE RANGE. // BOB COVEY
NDP candidate disappointed but not deterred Paula Cackett is down but not out.
The 29-year-old Jasperite was West Yellowhead’s NDP candidate in the April 16 provincial election. Cackett, who garnered 21 per cent of the total vote count, was defeated by United Conservative Party candidate Martin Long, who tallied 68 per cent of 23,125 votes cast in the riding. Although she was disappointed in the results, Cackett says her career in politics is just getting started. “I plan to run again and keep fighting for things that matter,” she said the day after NDP leader Rachel Notley conceded defeat. Notley, who won her Edmonton-Strathcona seat, has promised to carry on in her role of leader of the Official Opposition.
Cackett, whose name was thrown into the race less than a month before voting day was scheduled, said she learned a lot during the campaign. “I grew a lot as a person,” she said. “I met some amazing people and really got to enjoy having discussions about things that are important to Albertans.” Cackett may have lost the riding, but she took every poll in Jasper. That support was gratifying, she said, and will motivate her to start working towards the next election.
“I think we have to start now. I’m ready to work harder and would encourage others to reach out and help me build a team.” bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com