West Yellowhead, like most of the province, joined the orange wave, May 5, electing Eric Rosendahl to the legislative assembly.
It’s been 26 years since West Yellowhead last elected an NDP representative.
It was 1989 when Jerry Doyle captured 47 per cent of the popular vote, ousting PC incumbent Ian Reid.
Doyle’s reign was short lived, though, lasting only one term before he was bested by Liberal candidate Duco Van Binsbergen.
It was after Van Binsbergen, who himself only lasted a term, that the Progressive Conservative party began its 18-year reign. It started with Ivan Strang—a three-term West Yellowhead MLA—and carried on with Robin Campbell, who represented the riding for seven years and, most recently, acted as the premier’s righthand man, as finance minister.
In Jasper, conservative values are far from the norm. Yet, despite our community’s left leaning ways, the West
Yellowhead riding is known for its staunch conservatism.
That reputation has to do with the cities and towns that share our electoral district, for which Jasper is the black sheep and only a small portion of the electorate.
So, it is with surprise that after 18 years, West Yellowhead chose to no longer remain under PC rule. And it’s with much greater surprise that the same is true for Alberta, following a 44-year conservative reign.
Throughout the entire 28-day campaign, the NDP was calling for change and, in the end, change is what Alberta and West Yellowhead chose.
In the province, 41 per cent of voters cast a ballot for the NDP, and, in West Yellowhead, that number wasn’t far behind with 39 per cent in favour of Rosendahl.
In the days to come, there will be much analysis about the decision that Albertans made on May 5. But, one thing is for sure, Albertans voices were heard.
The electorate made it known, loud and clear, that they’re not content with the status quo and they’re ready for a new colour in the legislative assembly.
If nothing else, that makes May 5 a win for democracy and, ultimately, a win for Alberta.
