Alberta election 2015: Joe Ceci hoping to ride surge of NDP support
Long-time Calgary alderman says there needs to be strong opposition voices in the legislature
The Alberta New Democrats are hoping for some big gains in the provincial election.
Some pollsters are predicting the NDP will make major inroads in Edmonton and the party is hoping some of that momentum will carry over to Calgary.
"The NDP may pick up 10 to 15 seats," said pollster Bruce Cameron of Return on Insight.
Cameron bases that prediction on the number of high-profile candidates the New Democrats have in the race, including Sarah Hoffman, a former public school board chairwoman in Edmonton, and in Calgary, Joe Ceci, who served as a city alderman for 15 years.
Ceci is the candidate in Calgary-Fort, which includes most of the neighbourhoods he represented on city council.
NDP leader Rachel Notley, who swung through Calgary shortly after the election was called on Tuesday, says her party is poised for gains.
"We have the best group of candidates we've had for a very, very long time," she said.
Ceci says there is a lot at stake in this election.
"The whole issue of democracy. The importance of having strong voices who aren't PC choir members," he said.
Calgary police officer Andy Nguyen was confirmed late Tuesday as the PC candidate for Calgary-Fort.
Jeevan Mangat, a professional engineer and restaurateur, is the candidate for the Wildrose Party.
Vic Goosen, a journeyman locksmith, is running for the Alberta Party.