File photo of Lethbridge-West MLA Shannon Phillips in Lethbridge in May, 2021. (Photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Shannon Phillips named Alberta NDP candidate for Lethbridge-West

Sep 12, 2022 | 10:28 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Alberta NDP has its candidate for Lethbridge-West in the next provincial election.

The NDP Finance Critic Shannon Phillips has been named the candidate for the riding. Phillips has served as the MLA for Lethbridge-West since 2015.

Additionally, she served as the Minister for Environment and Parks, and was the Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office in the previous provincial NDP government.

In a news release, Phillips stated, “I am happy for the opportunity to represent Lethbridge-West for the next election, and am thankful to all the members of this resilient community who continue to put their faith in me as a voice to represent their interests.”

She continued, “This coming election is pivotal for Alberta, and very important for the residents of Lethbridge as we face a crisis in our healthcare system, and the highest interest rates we have seen in over 40 years.”

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Phillips noted that the province has “always been a major player in the energy sector,” and it is apparent that, “we can move forward with that reputation while also making responsible choices that will benefit Albertans for generations.”

The current MLA grew up in Spruce Grove and holds a Bachelor of Political Science with honours and an MA from the University of Alberta. Prior to entering politics, Phillips was a policy analyst for the Alberta Federation of Labour.

She stated, “Rachel Notley and Alberta’s NDP have clear plans for Alberta’s path to net zero, to create jobs in the sector, and create a resilient economy that will benefit our young people and all those coming to the province.”

Phillips added, “It’s these well thought-out policies and proposals that made me want to run once again to form an NDP government.”

She took aim at the current governing United Conservative Party, saying, “Under the UCP government, we have watched our healthcare system consistently teeter on the brink of collapse, families struggle to make ends meet, and a government go after our most vulnerable residents.”

In her statement, Phillips addressed the doctor shortage impacting Lethbridge.

She said, “Lethbridge is facing an extreme shortage of doctors, and I haven’t seen the level of advocacy from their UCP MLA to enact real change where a difference can be made.”

“I know that an NDP government will create real change, and deliver solutions to the real problems those in Lethbridge, and all Albertans are facing. That is why I am proud to be part of Rachel Notley’s team, and am looking forward to creating a better future for the province.”

Last November, former Lethbridge City Councillor Rob Miyashiro was nominated as the Alberta NDP candidate for Lethbridge-East. The next provincial election is in 2023.

READ MORE: Former city councillor Rob Miyashiro nominated as Alberta NDP candidate for Lethbridge-East