He knows he's going to be the NDP candidate in the Airdrie-Cochrane riding in the upcoming provincial election, now all Steven Durrell needs is to be nominated.  

Durrell, who was the only declared candidate when the deadline rolled around January 10th, will receive the party's nomination at a January 31st meeting planned for the Frank Wills Memorial Hall in Cochrane.  The meeting starts at 7:00 pm.

Airdrie-Cochrane NDP Constituency President Kevin Matthews says they had a number of other potential candidates express interest in seeking the candidacy, Durrell was the only one to commit.

"We did have a number of other people come forward and express interest in it.  It's a large commitment to take on.  We had two other interested people who stepped aside.  In reality, we had three people who were quite interested in running for us here so that's quite exciting in itself."

When the election comes around, Durrell will be challenged by Peter Guthrie, the UCP nominee.  Despite that challenge, Matthews likes Durrell's chances.

"In the last provincial election, specifically in the Cochrane area of our riding, Cochrane gave quite a lot of support to the MLA for the old riding of Banff-Cochrane, Cam Westhead.  I would expect to see that sort of support with Steve going forward." 

Matthews is also banking on the popularity of Premier Rachel Notley to help Durrell wage a strong campaign.  He says, "I think we have a strong Premier.  Rachel Notley is very well liked and respected throughout the province.  I think that will bode well for Steve's chances here as well."

Durrell, for his part, can't wait to get started on the campaign saying, "I'm really looking forward to talking about our party's record and their plans for the future, as well as challenging the United Conservative Party over what specific policies they have in mind to impose on Albertans." 

On his social media platforms, Durrell has listed 258 major initiatives undertaken by the NDP and Rachel Notley while they've been in power, including maintaining support for health, education and other vital people services during challenging economic times.

29-year-old Durrell is a former student at Bow Valley High in Cochrane and now works at Telus.  He's a father of three and an Executive Officer for the United Steel Workers.  Although he's been active with the NDP for several years, this is his first foray as a candidate.  

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