Residents in the riding of Lethbridge-West will be heading to the polls a week before Christmas to cast their ballot in a provincial byelection.
Premier Danielle Smith’s government announced Wednesday the vote will take place Dec. 18 to fill the vacancy that opened up when NDP member Shannon Phillips resigned July 1.
The NDP candidate is Rob Miyashiro while the United Conservative banner will be carried by John Middleton-Hope.
Miyashiro served on Lethbridge city council from 2013 to 2021 and ran against – and lost to – Nathan Neudorf in last year’s provincial election in the Lethbridge-East constituency.
Miyashiro said in an interview that “it’s about time” the byelection has been called.
“Lethbridge needs a voice in the legislature,” he said. “Unfortunately, what we’re seeing from (Neudorf) is representing the government to Lethbridge.”
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Miyashiro said Lethbridge residents are concerned about access to family doctors, affordability and education.
“I think those are all three things …