It's go-time for candidates in the Provincial Election, with early voting underway and election day less than a week away.

Highwood's candidates are busy at work with their campaigns, and the NDP's Erik Overland is no different.

Overland says he's felt optimistic throughout his campaign.

"I've been door knocking a lot, I've had the fortune of attending two forums, and again I'm feeling even more optimistic. I feel like people are very happy to see me, they're very receptive to the messages I'm giving them. They like the work that Rachel Notley has done, and the work that we want to continue to do."

He says the NDP has accomplished a lot in their current term, having invested in public services as well as Alberta's energy sector.

"Rachel Notley and NDP chose to invest in services like education end healthcare so that our kids can still get the necessary tools that they need to function in a modern economy, and so that everyone can access the healthcare they need. We've been fighting very hard to diversify our economy and to ensure that we get a pipeline built."

Overland added that the NDP would continue these investments as well as seeking to diversify Alberta's economy.

"Rachel Notley and the NDP are presenting what I think is a very strong plan for Albertans; a very strong plan to create jobs through diversifying our economy, and fighting hard for our pipelines as well. Just today, Rachel Notley was in Ottawa fighting against the oil tanker ban, continuing the very hard work she did as Premier to ensure that Albertans do get this pipeline. In the future, we will continue to invest in education, hiring more teachers and more support staff, so that students are armed with the tools they need in the future. We are going to expand our healthcare system, by continuing to build the Calgary Cancer Centre, and adding another 2000 long term care beds for the people who need it."

As for the next week, Overland says he'll be busier than ever, trying to reach as many constituents as possible until the big day on April 16th.

 

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email us at news@okotoksonline.com