Sawhney to run as UCP candidate for Calgary North-West
The United Conservative Party (UCP) of Alberta announced Saturday that Rajan Sawhney will run as a UCP candidate in Calgary North-West after Sawhney announced in February that she wouldn't be running for re-election in Calgary North-East.
Sawhney, Alberta's minister for trade, immigration and multiculturalism, is stepping in for energy minister Sonya Savage, who announced last week that she will not seek re-election.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in a release that she appointed Sawhney as the candidate after consulting with Savage and Calgary North-West president Ward Sutherland.
"It was important for me to sit down with the party and local constituency board, as I value their input,” Smith said. "I appreciate Sonya and Ward’s support through this process, and I am confident Rajan will be a great candidate and member of the Calgary–North West team."
"We had a good discussion on Friday as a board," Sutherland said. "Losing Sonya, a person who has been recognized widely for her professionalism and contribution to our province is always hard, but we understand her decision and we look forward to working with Rajan in the upcoming election."
OTHER CANDIDATES TO BE APPOINTED
The UCP said candidates will also be appointed in Grande Prairie-Wapiti and Lethbridge-West.
Torry Tanner, the UCP candidate for Lethbridge-West, resigned earlier this week following controversy over comments she made in a video claiming children are being exposed to pornography in schools.
The decision to run in Calgary North-West comes after Rawhney announced in mid-February that she wouldn't be running again.
Sawhney previously served as transportation minister and community and social services minister in former premier Jason Kenney's cabinet.
She ran for UCP leader against Smith and five other candidates last year.
NDP RESPONDS
Saturday morning, Michael Lisboa-Smith, the NDP candidate in Calgary North-West, issued the following statement.
"I welcome Rajan Sawhney to the Calgary-North West race. I’m very proud to have been nominated by our local members in a competitive nomination, and our team has been on the doorsteps and out in the community for the past six months. Our neighbours are eager to get rid of the chaos and costs of Danielle Smith and the UCP.
"I know many folks will be asking why Rajan Sawhney is appointed the UCP candidate in our community after she declined to contest the UCP nomination in the riding she currently represents," it added.
"My focus," Lisboa-Smith said, "is on offering Albertans a stable, competent and caring government led by Rachel Notley. We will connect a million Albertans with a family doctor, get families’ monthly bills under control, and build a resilient jobs economy."
Alberta's provincial election is scheduled to take place May 29.
With files from the Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.