David Bexte elected as new Member of Parliament
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Conservative Party of Canada candidate David Bexte has been elected as the Member of Parliament for the Bow River Riding, officially replacing former MP, Martin Shields.
Bexte secured 43,891 of 55,664 votes, being 78.85 per cent of the voter base in the riding. His closest competitor was Bentley Barnes, running for the Liberal Party, who net 9,421 votes, or 16.92 per cent of the voter base.
“I really want to let all voters know how much I appreciate their commitment to show up and vote. I am honoured,” said Bexte in a statement on April 29. “Running for public office takes courage and sacrifice. I thank all my opponents for stepping up for a chance to serve our communities, and I thank Elections Canada for a well-run campaign.”
Shields, who was originally elected to the House of Commons in the Bow River Riding in 2015, decided not to seek re-election this term. Bexte was voted in as his replacement by members of the Conservative Party on March 7.
Bexte campaigned within the party emphasizing a desire to cut taxes, “unleash” Alberta’s energy industry, and “restore common sense.”
He has spent the majority of his career working in agriculture and energy, and emphasized a belief during his campaign that a decade of liberal mismanagement is something he desires to begin addressing in parliament.
“Family farms are a national strategic asset and they should be treated as such. Farmers and energy workers built this province and Ottawa needs to stop punishing them,” said Bexte. “MP Martin Shields spent nearly a decade representing the people of Bow River – I am honoured to pick up where he left off and continue representing the people of this riding.”
According to Elections Canada, 21,974 voters cast ballots at advance polls in the Bow River riding.
NDP candidate Louisa Gwin saw 1,653 votes, making up 2.97 per cent. This was followed by Christian Heritage Party candidate Tom Lipp with 404 votes, and United Party of Canada candidate Aaron Patton who received 295 votes.
The election was called in favour of the Liberals, who won 162 seats in Parliament and will form a minority government once again. Overall, the Conservatives secured 144 seats and will again form the Official Opposition.