Lynn Lekisch 2023 Provincial Election Candidate Profile

Why did you decide to run?

After many years engaged as a volunteer in community boards and political associations, I understand the importance of being actively engaged.
I became tired of the divisive politics in a province that is stuck in a two-party system. The province is trapped in a two-party struggle for power. The only way we can advance from a two-party system is to ensure a responsible and ethical party, such as the Alberta Party can create awareness and work to get things done in Alberta, even if that means being a minority government.
I have to be a change agent in my constituency to ensure we are capable of moving away from two-party politics.
This two-party system was made very apparent during the Alberta Leaders debate that only invited the NDP and the UCP. This polarizing of political alliance will only further divide the province.

If elected, what would you want to implement?

Generate and implement practical, constructive solutions through listening, citizen engagement, evidence-based policy, and building common ground.
The Alberta Party is a “people” first party committed to a policy framework based on the following key values: Prosperity, Fiscal responsibility, Social responsibility, Sustainability, Democracy, and Quality of life.

Why should residents vote for you?

I live in the community where I grew up, and have worked throughout the area, engaged in forestry, oil and gas, emergency services and agriculture, and bring decades of real-world and diverse experience.
I advocate and am a defender of democracy and the democratic process.
I am personable and easy to talk with, an active and compassionate listener with significant experience solving complex problems and mitigating difficult scenarios to find solutions.
I present a non-partisan, unbiased perspective, based on tested and reliable information.
The Alberta Party steadfastly refuses to engage in short-sighted, politically motivated, partisan politics.

In the Peace Region specifically, what changes would you like to see?

Better representation in Legislature for our rural communities.
A party that conducts itself in an open, transparent, and accountable manner.
The use of real-world experience and practical solutions to tackle our challenges in rural northwestern Alberta regarding healthcare, education and financial management.
Advocate for better access to healthcare, modernizing local hospitals, shortening wait times, and provide predictable funding to ensure our rural constituents get the care they need when they need it.
Advocate for better senior care and ancillary services.
Make life more affordable and manageable for rural constituents; Explore the feasibility of a single-source income support program. Introduce a wage top-up program that will provide the working poor with targeted benefits while maintaining the incentive to work. There has been an increase in the population within the constituency in a low-income category, an increase in unemployment rate, and lower educational attainment. Seek to address the root causes of poverty and homelessness, particularly amongst seniors in our constituency.
Enhance and support the education system so that rural students have access to all the learning resources they need to succeed. Including assessing extra-curricular activities such as music, sport, liberal or scientific competitions, and other trips necessary for students to excel by addressing the cost associated with travel.
Optimize our vast energy resources responsibility while addressing climate impacts

If applicable, why have you chosen to align yourself with your political party?

The mission of the Alberta Party summarized: The Alberta Party stands for fiscal responsibility—understanding our tax dollars aren’t unlimited and need to be spent wisely on important public services. The Alberta Party believes that Alberta is at its best when our fierce entrepreneurial spirit is being nurtured—not stifled—by government. The Alberta Party protects human rights, value diversity and welcome everyone to the table. Lastly, the Alberta Party has a bold economic plan that ensures prosperity and opportunity for all.
The mission of the Alberta Party resonated with me fundamentally. After decades of supporting the Alberta New Democratic Party, having my spouse contest nomination in 2019 in an adjacent constituency, and myself for 2023, having encouraged the first nomination contest in Central Peace-Notley in over 30 years, I observed many instances of dishonesty, lack of support or communication, lack of following the principles of democratic processes, and only asking for donations and volunteers.
All Alberta Party board of directors, candidates, and members that I have met have been sincere, humble, and personable. The Alberta Party Leader, Barry Morishita is nothing but inspiring and willing to engage at all times.
I stand for the guiding principles and policy of the Alberta Party.

If applicable, what things will your party do, if it forms a majority government that would make life better for Albertans, and northwestern residents?

Model responsible and ethical government.
Generate and implement practical, constructive solutions through listening, citizen engagement, evidence-based policy, and building common ground.
Tackle tough issues facing Albertans and Central Peace-Notley constituents by examining root causes and maintaining a long-term view of prosperity and sustainability.
Act as guardians of the public interest.
Conduct ourselves in an open, transparent, and accountable manner.
Steadfastly refuse to engage in short-sighted, politically motivated, partisan politics.
Provide economic, environmental, and social leadership and/or support in order to benefit the constituency, Alberta, Canada, and the world.

Flash forward four years, and you’ve been an elected official for some time, what would you want Albertan’s main takeaway from your time in the legislature to be?

I would advocate for democracy and that government ensures that the legislative process is open, fair, transparent, and inclusive of the people it governs. I would have fostered debate, actively engaged citizens, and made myself accountable to the people I served.
Establish a multi-party system and provide the Province with a reliable option to move away from a two-party system like we currently have in place and allow for more stable decision-making processes that affect Albertans

Tell us about yourself, growing up, life experiences, past careers, etc:

Lynn Lekisch resides on the farm that she grew up on in Central Peace-Notley.

Lynn’s grandfather and his family immigrated from Austria to escape cultural persecution. He was one of the first community doctors in Valleyview and in Clear Hills County. Lynn’s mother was born and raised in the area, as were her Cree and Beaver ancestors.

Central Peace-Notley deserves an MLA who knows the communities and roads (and even the places where there are no roads) extending from Bear Canyon to Fox Creek and Jean Cote to Bay Tree.

Lynn is currently a small-scale livestock producer, Environmental Scientist, Registered Agrologist, and Certified Engineering Technologist with a specialty in soil and water.

As a First Nations woman with experience in health care, post-secondary education, agriculture, forestry, and oil & gas, Lynn has developed a broad understanding of many issues facing our Province.

Lynn is the only prospective candidate who lives in Central Peace-Notley that can best represent the diversity of urban, rural, First Nations, and Métis constituents in Central Peace-Notley. She is committed to advocating for better health care, education, public services, and government accountability while tackling the short-term and long-term cost of living increases.

As your Alberta Party MLA, Lynn will work to address what matters most to the communities she serves

by Tanner Smith