NDP Critic for Advanced Education, and former Education Minister David Eggen will be the NDP candidate for Edmonton-North West in the next Alberta provincial election.
“I am extremely excited to continue to fight for a brighter future for all Albertans,” said Eggen. “We have seen the current government make deep generational cuts to our post-secondary system, and present a backwards curriculum that experts, teachers, and parents all have rejected.
“Rachel Notley and Alberta’s NDP understand the importance of education not just to our children’s future, but to the economy of our province. We have drafted many robust proposals, including a map for the future of post-secondary.”
Eggen has always been focused on supporting Alberta students on their path to success. As Minister of Education from 2015-2018, he championed the building and modernization of 244 new schools across Alberta.
“We expect to see a surge of enrollment in Alberta’s post-secondary schools, and we need a government that prepares our schools to be a pillar in economic diversification – not cut and slash their budgets which harms the quality of education provided to our students,” said Eggen.
“An NDP government would ensure our schools are supported, as we already have a map to strengthen the sector which was developed through robust consultation and research.”
Eggen holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta and taught for nearly 20 years both globally and at local schools. He is active in the community, having been a trustee with the Forum for Young Albertans, a chair leader of the Canadian Paraplegic Association, and former executive director of Friends of Medicare.
In his spare time, Eggen is an active gardener and frequently raises tomato seedlings to hand out to constituents.
“My colleagues and I on Rachel’s team have spent our time in opposition listening to Albertans to understand the pressure they’re under as bills pile up every month,” said Eggen. “I will continue to work hard for my community, and believe that an NDP government can help all Albertans succeed.”