The Battlefords NDP nomination candidate Amber Stewart greets guests during her nomination launch Tuesday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

NDP candidate nomination

Amber Stewart announced as Battlefords NDP nomination candidate

Jun 19, 2019 | 12:27 PM

North Battleford social worker Amber Stewart says she walks the walk and lives the cause.

That’s why she believes she is the right person to represent the NDP in the 2020 provincial election for the Battlefords constituency. Stewart announced Tuesday she is seeking the nomination to be the NDP candidate.

Employed as the executive director of the Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre, Stewart gave a presentation at her nomination launch gathering hosted by NDP Battlefords constituency member Robert Feist.

“I am seeking the nomination because everyday people just deserve to be represented by everyday people,” she said.

When addressing some of the issues impacting families in the Battlefords, Stewart said taxes and other financial pressures are a huge concern for most people that she would like to see improved.

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Stewart is also concerned about the public’s perception that the Battlefords has a crime problem.

“I don’t think we have a crime problem,” she said. “I think we have a poverty problem, an addictions problem, and a homelessness issue. And until we address those root causes, then nothing else is going to go away.”

Stewart questioned some beliefs that removing the benches in downtown North Battleford would remove the homeless people; she says the benches are not the issue.

“We need to work out a plan,” she said, of helping the homeless. “That has to be done right away.”

Stewart appreciates the need to help people dealing with addictions issues, whether it be looking at the idea of having a safe injection site or developing some other type of program to benefit those who are struggling.

“With our HIV rates the way they are, something has to change,” Stewart said, adding she would like to hear more people talk about the issue, to help look for solutions.

The Battlefords has a great deal to offer, Stewart said, and she would like to promote that.

Nominee Amber Stewart. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

When looking at the upcoming election, Stewart said she would be glad to run against Saskatchewan Party MLA Herb Cox if given the chance.

“Herb’s great, but I don’t see anyone fighting for the Battlefords,“ Stewart said, adding that she wants to take on that cause.

Married with four children, Stewart said she didn’t set out to be an activist or a politician, but her life experiences, and learning about some of her clients’ experiences in her work have made her want to get involved politically to make some positive changes.

“Like it says in our (NDP) core values, if you work hard and play by the rules you can get ahead,” she said. “If you face barriers and challenges we will work together to help you succeed. I believe in that statement. I really truly do.”

During the gathering, Rob Feist said for the next election the NDP “are in the strongest position we’ve been in, in the better part of 15 years.”

“It’s an election where I think we’re going to be looking for government,” he added. “What that brings to the party is some new candidates who are really strong, who are really excited, who we really expect to be sitting in government.”

Stewart is the first NDP nominee kicking off her campaign for the 2020 provincial election.

She and any other nominees who may come forward will vie for the candidacy position at the Battlefords constituency NDP nomination meeting in September.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW