An Okotoks resident in policy studies at Mount Royal University has a tough test ahead of him.
That is, running as the NDP candidate in the Highwood constituency in the upcoming provincial election.
“Ever since Grade 7 or 8 I have been completely fascinated with politics,” the 19-year-old Overland said. “I started learning how the government worked and the platform of various parties.
“When we learned about the NDP and their grassroots values, they really spoke to me even at that young age.
“As I watched this government do its work it really inspired me.”
Overland is the unofficial candidate. There is a nomination meeting on Jan. 26, but with the deadline having passed Overland said he was the only person who submitted his papers.
“This is my home and I love this place,” said the Foothills Comp grad. “I want to work with the community and make it a better place, so I thought I would put my name forward.”
He has a quixotic task ahead of him. The NDP Highwood candidate finished with 19 per cent of the vote in the 2015 election, finishing third behind MLA Wayne Anderson of the then Wildrose at 41.1 per cent and PC Carrie Fischer at 33 per cent.
“The NDP takes a progressive attitude which I like,” Overland said. “’They are dealing with problems that if they aren’t dealt with now they will continue to get worse. My generation when we are in our 30s and 40s we will have to deal with them when they are significantly worse.”
Those include climate change, and Overland speaks in favour of the carbon tax – a four-letter word in much of Highwood.
“Though it’s highly unpopular among people in this riding and the province, it’s highly necessary and a step in the right direction,” he said.
He said the NDP provides carbon tax rebates for those individuals who can’t afford it.
“It acts as an incentive for those who can afford it to get over onto more energy efficient heating, energy efficient cars, that kind of thing.”
Overland added rural crime is also a big issue, one the NDP has been ready to tackle.
“We listened to constituents and people from across the province,” Overland said. “In order to deal with it we have added $10-million earmarked just to deal with rural crimes, we’ve hired more RCMP officers, more crown prosecutors, more civilian staff just to deal with rural crime.”
The pipeline is also a concern.
“I will fight tooth and nail to get that built,” Overland said, adding Premier Rachel Notley’s government has taken extra steps to get a fairer price for oil.
“Such as instituting production caps and such on oil,” he said.
He now must get his voice out in small-c conservative Highwood. He will do it by going door-to-door.
“From the get-go I understand I have to work really hard to get every vote I can get,” he said. “We knock on doors, we make phone calls. What the government has done, our successes, and if re-elected we will continue to do so.”
As a 19-year-old he said he can bring a new perspective on things. He’s also willing to take on more experienced politicians like UCP nominee RJ Sigurdson.
“I have experience talking with people who don’t agree with my ideas,” he said. “I believe we will be able to have fair and respectful debates… I am just excited to start campaigning after Jan. 26.”
He added he also likes the NDP approach on handling issues such as mental health.
“I want to see more mental health supports in schools and that is something the Alberta NDP has gone through with,” he said.
