David Bexte to succeed Martin Shields

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Conservative Party of Canada’s nomination election for the candidate to succeed MP Martin Shields as the candidate for Bow River riding took place March 7, concluding in David Bexte’s victory.

Members of the party met at the Travelodge in Strathmore to listen at a forum where each candidate was allowed to speak regarding their campaign, personal views, and priorities should they be elected. 

Bexte emphasized his campaign was formed on the basis of cutting taxes, “unleashing Alberta’s energy industry, and restoring common sense in how everything functions.”

“I am a farmer – my wife and I live on a family farm and we operate it together. Our kids are mostly grown and they are fantastic, diverse, wonderful members of society. I volunteered for 10 years in 4-H, I was a member, I was a member of the Lions Club and sit on the volunteer firefighter society in our community,” he said, describing who he is outside the realm of politics. 

“Volunteerism and service and support have been a cornerstone of my family’s, parents, and aunts and uncles and siblings since my entire life. This is just a continuation.”

Bexte added he is excited for the opportunity to convert his 25 years of experience in Alberta’s industries and more than 50 years of experience in agriculture into “meaningful change and meaningful repair of our society.”

He described the opportunity to make life better for the local constituency, as well as to be a part of discussions for greater Canada as an opportunity he felt he could not pass up.

Post election, his priorities will be to have discussions leading towards cutting tax burdens on farmers.

“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.