Nurse Donna Wilson running against health minister in byelection

The nomination of Donna Wilson as the Liberal candidate in Edmonton-Whitemud means that two medical professionals will challenge Health Minister Stephen Mandel in the Oct. 27 byelection.

Wilson, a registered nurse and well-known professor at the University of Alberta, joins NDP candidate and oncologist Dr. Bob Turner in the race for the seat, vacated by former premier Dave Hancock earlier this month.

Tim Grover from the Wildrose Party and Will Munsey from the Alberta Party are also running.

• Wildrose, NDP announce candidates for Edmonton-Whitemud byelection
• Jim Prentice to run for Calgary-Foothills seat

Premier Jim Prentice appointed Mandel to cabinet earlier this month. The former Edmonton mayor was uncontested for the Progressive Conservative nomination, and he's now seeking a seat in the Alberta legislature in one of four byelections called by Prentice on Monday.

Like Turner, Wilson criticized the Tories for appointing people with no health care background to run the health care system. She immediately challenged Mandel to a debate on health care, saying she'd like to see what solutions he may have for the many issues facing health care. 

"Because I'd like to demonstrate his knowledge and understanding of the health care system as compared to an RN with many years of working in hospitals," she said. "I've managed hospitals, I've managed nursing homes."

Byelections are also being held in three Calgary ridings. Prentice is the Progressive Conservative candidate in Calgary-Foothills.