Thirty-eight-year-old, Laura Talsma is the fourth candidate to step forward seeking UCP nomination for the Airdrie-Cochrane riding.

The mom of three and nurse by profession decided to enter the political world after realizing everyday people can make a change.

Talsma has been heavily involved in helping to write the grassroots UCP policy, that if elected, could very well change the political landscape for Alberta's future.

Not your typical 'politician', Talsma describes herself as an average, everyday working Albertan who is looking to advocate for the riding by keeping constituents informed minus the political speak. Believing collaboration is key, Talsma wants to think of new ways to approach old problems. "I have a ton of ideas and like to brainstorm with people but that doesn't mean it's right or wrong. I want to be able to sit and listen to people. I think there's a lot of creative things that different perspectives can bring and I think that's been lost."

While many candidates are focusing in on Alberta's fiscal future, Talsma believes government whether at the local, provincial or federal level should be made up of people with varied interests to create a well-rounded government. "We have to have a balance of different people in the legislature. You can't have every single person focus in on economic policy you need to have people who have different ideas about different sectors of health, economy or education because else those things they get lost."

Her nursing background already requires Talsma to be a strong advocate for different needs and that is exactly what she plans to bring to the table. "That is something really important and what I really wanted to see and happen in our MLA. That's why I am standing up because that's what I've learned and pushed in my nursing career and in my personal life; making sure everyone has a voice where they need to have one. That's what Cochrane, Airdrie, Bearspaw and our area/riding...that's what we need. I feel like our voice is not being heard to the level it should."

Not looking to dictate where we should go, Talsma wants constituents to speak up and share what is important to them. Thinking not only about provincial level politics, Talsma shares her focus is on the community as a whole. "I think at the end of the day we all have a common goal or things that are really important to all of us; safety, health, overall well being, shelter all those core values. So how can we build on those and bring people together?!"

Involved with the local constituency for over a year, Talsma began to toy with the idea of running in February, the more immersed she got involved in writing policy, the more it solidified her decision. "In a way, I came into my own. I realized a regular person like me, in Cochrane, could have a voice higher than this and be an advocate for healthcare and education policies and that's when I thought there is a lot of people listening to me, so why wouldn't I continue?!

Talsma's other big focus will be around our local business community and supporting entrepreneurs. Coming from a family with strong entrepreneurial roots, Talsma feels more support and less red tape is needed. "For Cochrane and Airdrie it's about building incentives to run business here. We shouldn't just think we are a bedroom community, why can't we live and work here? Why not have different ideas come here and expand?! I think incentivizing businesses to come here...if it's too costly to start a business in Calgary then come here. For the economy side of things that's where jobs are created, where innovation happens, research and development we need to have that accessible to people and open the door and get out of the way. We shouldn't have government involved, we need to make it easier. That's the core foundation of capitalism; government steps back so those things can flourish."

Education, healthy living and advocating for 24 hour health care are also high on her list of priorities.

Working at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Cochrane's Bethany Care Centre, Talsma feels the timing is perfect for this opportunity, professionally and personally. "My kids need to see that their mom is willing to stand up and step outside of her own comfort zone and that if you don't like how things are turning, then you should stand up and make a difference."

If you would like to learn more about Talsma and her campiagn go HERE.