OLDS – Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills UCP MLA-elect Tara Sawyer says she plans to promote and support the agriculture industry in the riding over the next two years.
Sawyer defeated NDP candidate Bev Toews, Republican Party of Alberta candidate Cam Davies, and Wild Rose Loyalty Coalition candidate Bill Tufts in the June 23 by-election.
According to unofficial results posted by Elections Alberta, Sawyer garnered 9,363 votes, Toews 3,061, Davies 2,705, and Tufts 189.
Elections Alberta will publish official results on July 3.
Elected to public office for the first time, Sawyer told the Albertan she has several priorities for the period leading up to the 2027 general election.
“Step one is we are putting Alberta first so that’s working with the rest of caucus (UCP MLAs) and the premier to get that federal government out of our way and let's do our business,” she said.
“As I said during the campaign, what the premier is doing in respect to health care and breaking it into four different ministries I think is the right move to get some accountability in there.”
Focusing on agriculture and helping the industry will be another priority, she said.
“That’s my strength and I’ve always been a firm believer that a farmer’s voice should be at every table when it comes to issues that are going to affect them or any form of policy being done," she said.
“I’m representing a rural riding and I’m looking forward to being able to do that. Our perspectives are a little different and so are some of our needs, so I’m looking forward to bringing those up to the legislature.”
Regarding the issue of possible Alberta separation, Sawyer said, “People in this riding have sent a very clear message that they are frustrated and I understand. I’m frustrated too. You’ve got a premier who is already fighting for you.
“We need to stay a strong, united conservative. We all need to work together. All of us want a strong province and we are tired of the federal government getting in our way.”
Following the June 23 election, runner-up Bev Toews said her campaign was about fighting separation and promoting public services.
“The opportunity to stand up for Canada and against separatism was a highlight for me this campaign,” she said in a release. “People have long written off this riding, but we saw real progress and a willingness to talk about a better future for rural Alberta.
“This campaign was about pushing for accessible health care, strong public education, affordability for families and farmers, and unity over division.”
Cam Davies did not immediately return an Albertan call seeking comment.
