Leader of the Alberta NDP Party, Rachel Notley visited the Livingstone-Macleod riding Thursday, April 12.

Rachel Notley spoke to supporters at an event at the Herbert family farm near Parkland, just south of Nanton.

Notley addressed fears from farmers who worry the increase in Carbon Tax will have them increasing crop prices and losing their competitive edge in the global market.

She says her party is willing to work with and listen to those in the industry to come up with well rounded plans.

"We continue to be open to working with them more if we see that are those sort of trade exposed challenges for them." Notley says "We've already exempted purple gas and then we have a number of different programs that can actually support farmers to make changes that will ultimately increase their efficiency and make them more competitive."

She says attracting rural voters starts with a strong NDP candidate, and doing a lot of work in communities that lie outside of rural urban centres.

Notley says the NDP have been gaining traction in the area by supporting rural economic development and the agri-food sector.

"I mean in the last election people said the NDP couldn't win a seat in Calgary and then we won 15, and it comes down to places like this and people like this! I think we have a real shot at it!"

According to Notley one of their key strengths in this riding is who they attract, and the quality of the people who run for the NDP, like local candidate Cam Gardner.

"We attract candidates like Cam, who have such a big proven record for standing up for his community and serving his community for so many years."

Jet the family horse (Back Left) peeks in and nibbles

It wasn't all politics, as Notley took part in some horse-play, when one of the families horses, Jet, photo-bombed Notley as she was speaking about her platform.

Notley also took part in some chores as she went back to her ranching roots and bottle fed Crazy the calf, who was orphaned.

Notley bottle feeding orphaned calf named Crazy

 

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