Candidates profiles: Cypress – Medicine Hat

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Ryan Dahlman

Cypress-Medicine Hat

United Conservative Party – Justin Wright

Wright has no biographical information, and did not respond to a request for an election profile feature.

Prairie Rose Public Schools Board Chair sets her sights on running for NDP 

Cathy Hogg seeks an orange Cypress-Medicine Hat because of her dedication to Alberta’s future, especially the future of the riding’s children and grandchildren.

Hogg has served as trustee and chair for Prairie Rose Public Schools and as president of the Public School Boards Association of Alberta, as well as her role as vocational rehabilitation practitioner. She and her family have strong ties as members of the agriculture community, having run a cow-calf operation for over 135 years in the Cypress Hills.

Hogg was unavailable for an election profile feature.

Schoolteacher and Police Commissioner holds strong for NDP candidacy

A familiar face on the provincial scene, Gwendoline Dirk is hoping to secure the vote and Brooks-Medicine Hat for the Alberta NDP.

Growing up on her family’s farm, Dirk learned the values of family, hard work, empathy, and integrity, and as an English teacher for 33 years, Dirk understands the dedication needed to help others, collaborate, and the importance of building community.

Dirk spends much of her time at Saamis Immigration in Brooks, helping newcomers learn English, and has joined the Medicine Hat Police Commission.

Dirk was unavailable for an election profile feature.

Current premier and incumbent Danielle Smith seeks re-election in Brooks-Medicine Hat

Eager to see what she can accomplish for the province and UCP, Danielle Smith puts her bid forward for Brooks-Medicine Hat.

Previously MLA for Highwood and leader of the Official Opposition, Smith has had a long-standing interest in politics, as well as a long career in media and business before her return to the world of representation.

Smith and her husband own and operate a restaurant. They live in High River with their two dogs, and says she runs because she loves Alberta.

Smith was unavailable for an election profile feature.

Former Brooks Mayor stands proud for the Alberta Party

Born-and-raised Albertan with a long career in municipal politics, party Leader Barry Morishita is waving the Alberta Party flag for Brooks-Medicine Hat.

A proud third generation Japanese Canadian, Barry’s paternal great-grandparents’ immigrated to Canada in 1913. Since then, his family has been deeply involved, and so has Morishita, from owning a small auto-parts business to serving on the Parks and Recreation board in Brooks.

It was also during this time that he forayed into municipal politics, serving as a Councillor for 10 years and eventually being elected Mayor from 2016 to 2021. Morishita believes in seeking best outcomes via collaboration, and hopes to bring this attitude to representing his home and community.