Highwood voters rode a wave of blue as they elected UCP candidate RJ Sigurdson as their next MLA in Tuesday’s provincial election — and for the first time since 2012, the official government will represent them.
Sigurdson was declared the winner at approximately 8:30 p.m. Tuesday finishing ahead of the NDP’s Erik Overland, Ron Kerr of the Alberta Party and Alberta Independence candidate Dan Irving.
“The last four years for a lot of Albertans has been a struggle,” Sigurdson said shortly after being declared winner. “They have seen the message the United Conservative Party has, we’re all about getting jobs back to regular, everyday, hardworking Albertans — We’re about building a strong economy.”
As of 10 p.m. Alberta Elections has Sigurdson with 9,406 votes; Overland, 2,409; Kerr, 1076 and Irving, 227.
Unofficially the UCP, led by premier-elect Jason Kenney, had 62 seats to the NDP’s 25 as of 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Forty-four seats are needed for a majority.
He’s ready to take his seat in Edmonton.
"It all comes down to listening,” Sigurdson said. “I am the person who is going to stick to my commitment. I am here to listen to everyone in this riding and build a stronger Alberta.”
As for Highwood, getting the community to grow is needed.
“This community does need a water pipeline, it is essential for the growth for all of Highwood,” Sigurdson said. “I will continue to advocate as strong as I can with the party and the Province that makes sense there is a long-term target to make sure our community, business sector can continue to grow.”
He said the UCP has a plan to restore jobs and get a pipeline built.
“We have been saying it from Day 1 that this is the plan which will restore hope an prosperity for people right now, [people] who have been out of work, looking for jobs,” Sigurdson said. “They [voters] understand our platform is the one that will make that happen.”
That includes working to get pipeline to tidewater to export Alberta oil.
“We have made it clear that we will continue to fight Ottawa until Alberta gets a fair deal, and we are not giving lip service,” Sigurdson said. “This is all about getting pipelines built.”
He wasn’t about to give a timeline, such as will there be a pipeline by the time the writ is dropped again.
“I’m not going to make any targets on time or dates, but I am saying we are the right party to put the pressure on the right areas to get a pipeline built,” Sigurdson said.
Sigurdson tipped his hat to the other Highwood candidates for running a dignified campaign.
NDP candidate Overland, 20, said he was happy with his effort.
“I wanted to ensure that Mr. Sigurdson had a run for his money,” Overland said. "I’m very proud of myself and my team for the hard work that we have done.”
He was disappointed that NDP leader Rachel Notley will not continue to serve as premier.
“I think Albertans made a choice today and although I can’t join Rachel Notley’s team, I am still looking forward to them and watching them keeping Jason Kenney accountable and serving Albertans' best interest," Overland said.
Kerr said Highwood and Albertans weren’t ready for the Alberta Party.
“I think a lot of people were scared about who to vote for,” Kerr said. “Four years ago they voted out a party they didn’t really like. Now four years later they decided to vote for another party.
“They voted with hate one year (2015) and they voted with fear four years later.”
Sigurdson replaces Wayne Anderson, who lost in the Highwood nomination race.
