Photo courtesy Rakhi Pancholi FB

By Erika Rolling

Provincial Politics

NDP leadership candidate Rakhi Pancholi campaigns in Grande Prairie

Mar 8, 2024 | 12:10 PM

MLA for Edmonton-Whitemud Rakhi Pancholi is up in northern Alberta spreading the word of her campaign as she seeks the leadership of the Alberta NDP.

Pancholi was elected as an NDP MLA for the first time in 2019 and says even though she represents the southwestern portion of Edmonton, she’s done her fair share of travelling around the province.

“People really have this passion for making our province a better place. We’re really excited about taking the next level and talking about how to build on the opportunity of this province.”

“Politics can be a little bit divisive these days, a little bit polarizing, a lot of negativity. And really what I feel people are saying, if they want to work together to build a better province, they actually need to feel a little bit optimistic and that’s really what brings people from across the country and across the world to Alberta.”

She most recently was in Grande Prairie campaigning; knocking on doors, talking to small business owners, and also took time to go to the Mighty Peace Teachers Convention.

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“I really just want to connect with people because I think it’s important for the Alberta NDP to really be listening to folks outside of Edmonton and Calgary as it tends to be the focus, because we really need to help come up solutions and proposals that meet the needs of people like in Grande Prairie.”

Pancholi notes there are challenges in our region such as; accessing healthcare, overcrowded schools, and much-needed job support for newcomers.

She says despite northern Alberta reflecting mostly conservative views she isn’t trying to change anybody’s mind while campaigning.

“The provincial government right now is really talking about a lot of things that don’t really make a big difference in people’s lives. We haven’t seen great progress on improving access to health care or education. We see them moving backwards on attracting investment in jobs here with their position on renewable energy. Those pieces are actually really important to our economy, and it’s not the priorities of Albertans… and so my job is to listen and to hear what people have to say to make sure I can reflect those priorities.”

Pancholi says Grande Prairie’s reception to her campaigning was well received and got many bold, fresh ideas about optimism and hope.

“We’re facing some complex challenges in our province, but also complex opportunities. And the reception here has been really warm. People are happy to hear that we’re listening, that I want to get their ideas, that I want to represent them. I think the Alberta NDP really wants to look for a mandate to lead.”

Leader of the Alberta NDP Rachel Notley announced in January she would be stepping down as leader once a replacement is picked on June 22.

In order to vote for the new party leader, members must be in good standing by purchasing or renewing their membership by April 22. Mail-in ballots, online, and telephone voting will be offered to vote, as per the Alberta NDP’s constitution. Membership is open to any Alberta resident aged 14 or older.