UCP West Yellowhead hosts fundraiser in Whitecourt

Last Thursday, the United Conservative Party held a social fundraiser from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Travelodge Conference Centre and Suites. Hosted by UCP West Yellowhead candidate Martin Long and CA Board President Lynne Rypien, members and non-members in Whitecourt and the surrounding area were invited free of admission for a casual meet and greet to discuss the upcoming election and to make donations, if desired. Tickets for prizes were free to all attending and were drawn at the end of the night.

The ambience in the room was relaxed but engaged as guests tucked into the sumptuous buffet table provided by the Travelodge. Both strangers and acquaintances talked animatedly, brought together by a common interest: the future welfare of Alberta.

President Lynne Rypien spoke first at the podium where she detailed the grassroots values of the UCP, and what the party would strive to provide for Albertans. Rypien maintained that the UCP has built its platform with the whole of Alberta in mind despite the varying industries and vocations within the province. “Grasslands conservatives are done with fairytales, and we’re done with fairytale taxes,” said Rypien to an enthusiastic applause.

Martin Long spoke next, keeping it short and sweet. He praised the impressive 57 per cent of people who showed up for the constituency vote, commenting that the numbers reflected how eager people were to have their voice heard. His belief in the UCP is embedded in the party’s campaign for equalization fairness as well as removing the red tape in order to let industry thrive. According to the UCP candidate, to declare oneself a Conservative is to demonstrate your concern for Alberta. When asked about the economic downturn and the devastating impact it’s had on many households in the province, Long demonstrated his faith in Albertans by simply stating, “We have a lot of fight left in us.”

Other issues Long mentioned as great concerns for the UCP were the effects of the Carbon Tax on families and businesses, attacks on parents’ choices in education, and an overall concern for the forest and oil industries. More details on the UCP’s plan for such topics will be released closer to the election date.

The opinions of those in attendance greatly reflected Long’s comment of how most Albertans have both witnessed and felt the economic impact of the last few years. UCP supporters and fundraiser attendees Marty Clark and Scott Nazaruk remarked on the province’s need for strong leadership in order to repair the disconnect they feel has occurred within the last few years. Both men agreed that in order to come out of debt, Alberta requires leaders willing to grow and repair the province particularly in the small business sector.

Another meet and greet fundraiser will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, February 20 at the Eagle River Casino and Travel Plaza. The evening will include dinner, a cash bar, and door prizes. Tickets are $50 and can be found on the Martin Long UCP Facebook page, by emailing martinlongucp@outlook.com, or by a call/text to 780-268-UCP1 (8271).