As the New Democratic Party candidate for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake, Patricia Norman isn’t going anywhere.
Whether or not the NDP leave their stamp on the political landscape after the April 23 vote, Norman says she wants constituents in the large rural riding to have a choice.
“I felt the NDP need to be represented,” said Norman, 52. “I really do believe I will be around for awhile even if I am not incredibly active at the out start... I think it’s important to have some stability and to have a face that is recognizable in the area. It’s not going to happen over night.”
Norman said land and water issues are prominent concerns in her largely rural riding. She said there needs to be more awareness of these issues so farming can continue and people continue to put food on their tables.
“I’m not convinced the general public really understands that,” she said. “To make that known that this is an important issue. Our farmers have worked for years and years. If we don’t maintain our land we’re not going to have the food available that we need.”
Norman said she is passionate about affordable and accessible health care and education and helping seniors. While she would like voters to cast a ballot in her direction, Norman wants to see a larger voter turnout.
Norman said Alberta is due for a change but some people may be afraid to change their allegiance.
“They think, ‘this is the way things have always been in Alberta and this is the way it’s going to be,’” said Norman. “I don’t believe that.
Make your little tick on that ballot because it is a voice.”
The 52-year-old residential supervisor for an agency that supports individuals with developmental disabilities. She is an active volunteer at local churches in her riding. Regardless of the election outcome, Norman hopes to establish an NDP constituency office in her riding.
“I don’t want to on April 24th forget about this for four more years,” said Norman.
Norman is Calgary-born and has lived on a cattle farm in rural Innisfail for 20 years. She is married and has four grown children and two grandchildren.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com