By Darlene Seto
If the Alberta Liberal Party has its way, the next elected representative in Calgary Mountain View may very well be a familiar face on campus, Dr. David Swann.
Dr. Swann’s nomination meeting was well attended by a crowd of over 100 supporters–a strong showing early in the election race.
Dr. Swann asserted his cause to the gathering.
“I am tired of Ralph Klein and his government,” he said. “There have been 33 years of Conservative government in Canada’s richest province. It’s time for change.”
The meeting allowed Dr. Swann to showcase his own plan of action for effective representation, which included greater investment in health-care prevention and moving towards proportional representation.
“Through improved and fair access to income and support systems, people will be able to improve their health and participate in their communities,” Swann maintained. “As well, proportional representation would make government more accountable for decisions and revitalize interest in government participation.”
Others attending, such as Chris Tesarski, leader of the Mountain View Constituency Liberals, were energized about the nomination.
“Dr. Swann is the man,” he exclaimed. “He has integrity–real integrity, and knows the issues. He is someone who can represent this community.”
The Alberta Liberal Party is also looking forward to Dr. Swann’s candidacy.
“David recognizes that the best solutions to today’s complex issues come from open, honest debate,” said Kevin Taft, leader of the Alberta Liberals. “He is an excellent and very welcome addition to the Alberta Liberal team.”
Dr. Swann is an esteemed professor of Medicine, and Health and Society here at the University of Calgary. He is world-renowned for his experience involving public health policy and the environment. A life-long Albertan and 19-year resident of Mountain View, Dr. Swann will be running against Tory incumbent Mark Hlady.
While this is Dr. Swann’s first foray into politics, he has been a prominent local figure at the university and in his role as Chief Medical Officer of Health in various areas around Alberta. He was dismissed from this position in the Palliser Health Region after disputing the Klein government’s view of the Kyoto Accord.
Dr. Swann spoke quite candidly about his dismissal, alluding that the event jumpstarted his increased involvement in government and politics.
“When I was fired two years ago, that was when I woke up,” he said plainly. “I have finally found my voice, and I don’t want young people to wait as long as I did.”
When asked if being a professor at the university will help his campaign, Dr. Swann was positive that it would perhaps encourage a strong student voting turnout.
“The many students at the university live in this area and are important,” he said. “There are students who are supporting me, and are wanting to be involved with the campaign.”