NDP candidate for the Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock riding, Tristan Turner, has conceded defeat locally but praised his party’s strong showing across the province.
Turner lost to Glenn van Dijken of the Wildrose Party, but said he is still happy with the overall outcome of the election as the NDP will form government.
“Obviously here in the riding it wasn’t the outcome that I was looking for, I ran in this election to win,” Turner said, adding although he did not win locally, seeing his party take the majority of seats was the true win.
“I am beyond thrilled to see a new government after 44 years of PC rule,” he said. “I am so excited, if you had told me this was going to happen a few years ago I probably wouldn’t have believed you.
“But tonight has been remarkable, and it shows Albertans are ready for change. This is a vibrant province, it’s a young province, and it’s one that is looking for a government that is ready to fight for people, is ready to stand up for people.”
Turner said looking forward he predicts the province will see some changes, but only for the better.
“I predict that we will finally see a government that we know is in everyday people’s corner, and we will see a government that will introduce a fair tax system,” he said, adding the end result will be hiring more doctors, nurses, and teachers.
“It’s going to make a real difference, especially in rapidly growing communities.”
Turner had a strong showing in the local riding.
“We came in second place, and we beat the incumbent cabinet minister by a very large margin,” he said. “We worked with a small scrappy campaign that was dedicated to making a difference in our community, and I am proud of everybody who I know worked very hard for tonight.”
Although Turner lost to van Dijken, he wished him nothing but the best.
“I just want to wish van Dijken the best, I know that he will make a dedicated representative and I wish Maureen the best as well, she has been our MLA since 2012, and she deserves to be commended for her tireless work.
