Rick Dempsey is seeking the nomination to run for the UCP in Lethbridge-West in the 2023 Alberta provincial election. (Photo: Rick Dempsey)

By David Opinko

Rick Dempsey seeking UCP nomination in Lethbridge-West

Feb 15, 2023 | 11:06 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The first candidates hoping to run for the United Conservative Party (UCP) in Lethbridge-West are officially announcing their bids for nomination.

Rick Dempsey and Torry Tanner say they want to represent the party in the riding in the 2023 Alberta provincial election.

Dempsey told Lethbridge News Now that he has resided in Lethbridge for the last 30 years and works as a financial advisor.

He says that he believes his background in finance is important to any well-functioning government, business, or family.

“Finance is a key role in most peoples’ lives. You gotta earn an income to carry on, you’ve gotta earn an income to put a roof over your head or a meal on the table,” says Dempsey.

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He says his clients tell him almost every day that they are concerned about how the inflation crisis is impacting their personal finances and how policy decisions by the various levels of government are hampering economic growth.

Dempsey continues, “Most governments, other than the current [provincial] government we have, are outspending their income. Like, can we not balance budgets? Can we not pay attention to how we handle the finances that come in?”

Dempsey also called out proposed legislation at the federal level that seeks to transition the economy away from non-renewable resources such as oil and gas.

“I’m a grandfather of three beautiful granddaughters. What’s going to be their opportunity if we keep collapsing and shutting things down?” Dempsey asks. “The demand for oil, the demand for energy has never been higher, and we have the best record in the world of oil production, and we’re shutting that down?”

Dempsey says he would also look to prioritize community safety and freedom if elected as the next MLA for Lethbridge-West.

One other person has announced a nomination bid to run for the UCP in Lethbridge-West so far, Torry Tanner.

READ MORE: Torry Tanner seeking UCP nomination in Lethbridge-West

Shannon Phillips is the incumbent MLA for the riding, representing the NDP.

The 2023 Alberta provincial election is scheduled to be held on May 29, 2023.

READ MORE: Shannon Phillips named Alberta NDP candidate for Lethbridge-West