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LUKE OUELLETTE: A strong voice for consituents

Tory incumbent Luke Ouellette says he’s a strong voice that can get the job done for Innisfail/Sylvan Lake constituents.
Ouellette, Luke 181007jer
Luke Ouellette

Tory incumbent Luke Ouellette says he’s a strong voice that can get the job done for Innisfail/Sylvan Lake constituents.

In this three terms, Ouellette secured $16 million in funding to twin Hwy 11 from Red Deer to Sylvan Lake, and an estimated $4.5 million to expand Memorial Trail from Hwy 20 to Range Road 15, in Sylvan Lake.

But the long-standing Tory MLA says there’s still work to be done.

The need for an urgent care centre in Sylvan Lake is foremost on his mind. Ouellette said he has talked to the Health Minister about the importance of the facility and believes the centre will become a reality.

Ouellette was first elected in 2001 and again in 2004, and 2008. Over the years, the Sylvan Lake resident held various cabinet posts including infrastructure and transportation minister, and most recently transportation minister until October 2011.Ouellette said his campaign focus is on roads, education and health care.

One issue that continues to come to light on the campaign trail is the province’s controversial decision to make the high-collision intersection at Hwy 11 and Hwy 781 a “right-in, right-out” configuration instead of installing traffic lights in Sylvan Lake.

“The big thing about that intersection is safety,” said Ouellette. “The fatalities they had there were left turns fatalities. If you look up any stats lights do not stop any left turn accidents ...Yes, there are people say we are not listening. I think it is driven from the opposition but really I’ve listened a lot in Sylvan Lake.”

Ouellette said when the Tories get a threat from another party, it’s not time to roll over and play dead. He said the party is not old and tired as other Alberta political parties allege.

“We rejuvenate,” he said. “We move forward. I think that we live in the very best province in the best country in the whole wide world. I don’t want that to change. I don’t think we got there by accident.”

crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com