While it is quiet on the home front so far during this federal election, across Canada it is turning out to be a horserace to the finish with the three main parties separated by just a few percentage points.

Battle River-Crowfoot incumbent Kevin Sorenson has proven to be one of the most popular candidates, winning since 2000 by margins between 70 and 83 percent. Despite this, he is campaigning hard.

“We’ve been going everyday,” said Sorenson. “We are going to do what we are asked to do. I have a couple speaking engagements outside the riding, but the majority of my time, I am going to be in Crowfoot. I have a team out door knocking tonight. We are not going to take anything for granted.  We are going to outwork the opposition.”

The story is much different outside the riding, with all three major parties running neck and neck. Currently the NDP have a very narrow lead, followed by the Liberals and the Conservative party. No party has enough to form a majority. 

Sorenson is optimistic, especially in light of the announcement of an almost $2 billion surplus.

“We had forecasted a very marginal deficit for the last year. The final number came out this morning and we have a  $1.9 billion surplus. We said we would balance the budget this year, but now it shows we were balanced and in surplus last year.” 

With this in mind, he believes that Canadians will return the Conservatives to power. 

“The Economic Action plan is working. We are lowering taxes for Canadians, most of those Canadians are holding their jobs, many marginally, especially in the oil patch. What we said above everything else is we wanted to protect jobs, lower taxes and make it affordable,” said Sorenson.

“I’m never over confident, but I am an optimist by nature. This election is about the economy, the leadership and security,” he said. 

More than 400 runners and walkers braved the elements to take on the sixth annual Dinosaur Valley Half Marathon last Sunday.

The event, which includes everything from a family 5K up to a full marathon saw great participation once again and organizers are grateful for the support, from all involved.

“We are thankful for all the sponsors, and all the people who came out and helped,” said member of the race committee Colin Kloot. “On a rainy day like this, although it is great for running, it is not great for volunteers. To stand in one place with rain coming down is pretty tough, and we really want to thank people for doing that. It takes a lot of courage and commitment.”

Runners that took on the courses were not only greeted with the weather, but the volunteers marshalling on course as well as refreshment stations. These volunteers kept spirits up for the participants, cheering them on as they made their  way along the grueling and scenic course.

Kloot adds, “We appreciate all the participants as well.  It’s great to see people come from all over.”  

This included a team of runner, originally from the UK,  but currently residing In Southern Alberta  as their husbands train at  Suffield.   

Looking to the future, Kloot is hopeful the race will continue to see as much support from the community and runners.