2 candidates seek nomination for seat vacated by Jason Kenney

Two Calgarians are seeking the Conservative nomination in Calgary-Midnapore, the seat vacated by Jason Kenney on Friday.

Former Common Sense Calgary executive director Stephanie Kusieannounced Monday shewill seek the nomination.

Jack Redekophas also announcedhis intention to run in Calgary-Midnapore.

Kenney stepped down Sept. 23 to seek the leadership of the Alberta Progressive Conservatives.

Pushing Ottawa to champion the province's energy industry and balance the budget will be the focus of her campaign, Kusie said in a release.

Byelection date not yet set

"Calgary is going through a very difficult economic time right now, but you would never know itbased on theTrudeaugovernment's behaviour," she said.

"We need a government that is proud of our energy industry, makes pipelines a priority and is focused on other policies to create jobs. If theTrudeaugovernment continues to focus on raising taxes they will only make things worse."

A former diplomat,Kusieran in Ward 12 in the 2013 municipal election, losing to ShaneKeatingbefore taking over the leadership role at Common Sense Calgary, described as a "citizen's advocacy group dedicated to lower taxation and responsible spending at city hall."

No datefor theCalgary-MidnaporeConservativenomination has been set but officials hopea candidate will be chosen by the end of November.

Abyelectionmust be called within six months ofKenneystepping down but no date has been set.

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