The Progressive Tory Party has named Calgary teacher Kyle Joseph as its candidate for the Sept. 14 Calgary-Shaw by-election, with Airdrie-Cochrane MLA and party Leader Peter Guthrie introducing him to the race.

Joseph, who grew up in Calgary and now lives and teaches in the riding, was introduced by party Leader Peter Guthrie, the MLA for Airdrie-Cochrane.

The Sept. 14 byelection was called following the resignation of former UCP MLA Rebecca Schulz.

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Teacher focuses on education

Joseph said his experience in the classroom will be a major focus of his campaign, pointing to challenges he faced during his first year of teaching Grade 5 and 6 students.

He said his school had only one part-time education assistant at the time, making it difficult for teachers to provide the support students needed.

“We didn’t have the time to serve the students that we were trying to serve,” Joseph said.

Joseph said the Progressive Tory Party would focus on recruiting, retaining and respecting education professionals, while working with those on the front lines.

“We can’t build it from the top down,” Joseph said. “We need to build it from the ground up.”

Guthrie said Joseph’s experience as a teacher gives him firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing families and schools.

“Front-line experience matters,” Guthrie said.

Four candidates in the race

Joseph joins UCP candidate Mike Derry, Alberta NDP candidate Kyle Campbell and Alberta Liberal Party Leader John Roggeveen in the race.

The deadline to enter the race is Aug. 27 at 2 p.m., with advance voting running Sept. 8 to 12 ahead of election day on Sept. 14.

Progressive Tories build slate

The Calgary-Shaw byelection is the first provincial campaign for the Progressive Tory Party since Guthrie became leader and reshaped what was previously the Alberta Party.

The party has also named Bonnie Critchley as its candidate in Camrose.

The Progressive Tories say they are focused on conservative principles, practical solutions and responsible government.

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