Erin Leclerc is seeking the UCP nomination in the Lethbridge-West by-election. (Photo: Erin Leclerc)

By David Opinko

Erin Leclerc seeking UCP nomination in Lethbridge-West by-election

Aug 30, 2024 | 12:19 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – While it will be her first time running for political office, Erin Leclerc is no stranger to the world of politics.

Leclerc has announced that she is looking to become the United Conservative Party’s (UCP’s) candidate in the Lethbridge-West by-election.

She has worked as the constituency office manager for both Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf and Lethbridge MP Rachel Thomas. She was also Thomas’ parliamentary assistant and Neudorf’s campaign manager in the 2023 provincial election.

She tells LNN that there was an extended period of time where the Lethbridge-West constituency office had closed. Throughout the period, the Lethbridge-East office was fielding calls, taking case files, and responding to emails from people in the West riding.

Because of this, Leclerc says she has had an “opportunity to support and advocate for and be a liason between the Lethbridge-West constituency and the government,” and understand what the needs are in Lethbridge-West.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 30, 2024

Aug 30, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 23, 2024

Aug 23, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 16, 2024

Aug 16, 2024

Leclerc says the UCP aligns well with her beliefs and thinks the party is making good strides in a lot of areas.

She does not plan to change the direction of the party, but rather, to join the provincial conservative movement.

The candidate touted the UCP’s focus on recovery from substance addiction rather than supporting supervised consumption services.

So far, a total of three people are seeking the UCP nomination in the by-election. In addition to Leclerc, Lethbridge City Councillor John Middleton-Hope and realtor Shauna Gruninger are vying for that same spot.

The by-election came about after former MLA Shannon Phillips resigned at the end of June 2024.

The UCP hopes to select its candidate at the nomination contest on September 23. An exact date for the by-election has not been called.

READ MORE: Shannon Phillips resigns as Lethbridge-West MLA

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.