Kerry Cundal
Biography
Kerry Cundal has lived all over Alberta, from Grande Prairie to St. Albert, from Red Deer to Calgary, serving Albertans as a teacher and immigration lawyer before sitting on the Immigration and Refugee Board and then running as the Liberal candidate federally in Calgary Signal Hill in 2015. Recently, Kerry served as director of parliamentary affairs for the federal department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. Kerry co-founded Ask Her, with a goal to see more women run for Calgary city council in 2017.
Kerry Cundal is running to be the next leader of the Alberta Liberal Party because she passionately believes that we need to work together with those who share our principles and vision for Alberta. Kerry is reaching out to Albertans to ensure there is a strong centrist voice in the next election that combines fiscal responsibility with needed social supports and strong human rights values.
Statement of educational beliefs
As a former teacher and member of the ATA, I am committed and passionate about ensuring that we continue to invest in public education and our children’s future. As a lawyer and graduate of the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary, I know that promoting lifelong learning is essential.
As a practical matter, the importance of rural schools is obvious to me. My practicums took place in the Peavine Métis Settlement and in Grande Prairie’s Crystal Park School, so I know the importance of providing rural schools with the infrastructure and resources that they need to serve their students and families. It was there I also came to understand the value of practising inclusion, diversity and equality.
As a substitute teacher at Annie L. Gaetz School in Red Deer, I realized something else: teachers and students move throughout the province. Accordingly, all schools need to be bound by the same standards and a single Alberta education curriculum.
Teachers know that each student is unique. Consequently, it is important to support mental health, early literacy and ESL program, as well as to provide enhanced trades training in high schools.
I believe that education is an investment and the right of each and every child in Alberta. To accomplish this, teachers and schools need to have the resources required to meet the needs of students and support an integrated and holistic learning environment. As education has enriched my life, I want to pass that gift along.
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