Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland has decided to give provincial politics another go. The Lakeland mayor announced today he was beginning his campaign for the nomination as United Conservative Party candidate in the new riding of Bonnyville- Cold Lake – St. Paul. He joins Dave Hanson, who is currently representing Lac La Biche – St. Paul-Two Hills, and Glenn Spiess as candidates for the party.
Copeland says his resume is something to be proud of going forward in his political career.
“I think I bring a lot of options for people to consider me for the nomination for the UCP. The work I’ve done as mayor. I look forward to bringing that skill set to the party for our constituency.”
In a statement released by Copeland, he says in part:
The region has a diverse economy and culture, and the constituency will need a representative with the ability to acquire a better share of provincial capital dollars that can be directed towards Healthcare, Transportation, Seniors and Education
Copeland is no stranger to an MLA election, running in 2015 under the Progressive Conservative banner and finishing in second behind Scott Cyr and the Wildrose.
Copeland says the merger of the two might be the difference in a 2019 election.
“The big difference is the two conservative parties have merged. We were pretty close to being in tune the last election so with Jasons (Kenney) leadership the two parties are together.”
The UCP Constituent association for Bonnyville- Cold Lake – St. Paul recently held its first meeting. The Albertan General Election is expected to be called between March and May of next year