Angela Tabak: Independent candidate for Cardston-Siksika

I strongly believe in the democratic process and in the importance of citizenship participation and engagement with regards to elections and government. I have chosen to run as a conservative independent candidate in this 2023 provincial election because I believe voters in Cardston-Siksika need a real choice. Over the past [two] years, I have been involved in a small provincial party as well as carefully observed how the UCP have handled the nomination process in Cardston-Siksika and other ridings around the province. I have become convinced that true representation is not possible through the current party system with appointed candidates, corrupt boards, political games and partisanship.

Why do you feel that you are the best choice to represent your riding as MLA?

With vastly varied life experiences both personally and professionally, I bring an element of compassion, a desire to serve all those around me and a skill set that would allow me to collaborate with all types of people. Up until [two] years ago, I never considered a formal position in politics. As I am now an empty-nester and nearing retirement, I see this not as a ‘career’ move in anyway, but rather, an opportunity to serve the riding of Cardston-Siksika and the province as a whole.

What types of personal or professional experience do you have that would make you a good MLA?

I’ve had numerous and varied personal and professional experiences that I believe will help me best serve the constituents of Cardston-Siksika. Having lived in [four] different countries and being multi-lingual (English, Dutch and French), I have gained an understanding of how to work with members of various cultural and ethnic communities. I have had [four] beautiful children, [two] of which have passed away. This experience, although extremely difficult, has taught me compassion and understanding for those who struggle with various physical, emotional trauma and mental health issues. We all have a story and each of us needs to feel that we are heard, that we have a voice and that we are represented. When my children were of school age, we at times home-schooled, public schooled and private schooled. Through this experience, I learned a lot about the importance of education, the importance of choice in education, and the importance of parental engagement in the education of their children. Education and parental rights are very important to me.

Professionally, I have experience in many different areas. The most influential was owning an agricultural testing lab for a number of years. This experience allowed me to learn entrepreneurship, team building, collaboration, and diplomacy in working with folks of varied backgrounds, skills and temperaments. On top of this, I learned the ins and outs of agriculture, something that is a huge part of my riding. I have so much respect for our farmers, ranchers and producers, their work ethic, tenacity and skills. I believe the knowledge gained though that venture will allow me to stand up, with facts and knowledge, to those who would limit our farmers and their operations to meet climate change goals etc.

What would be your top three priorities if elected?

True representation of the electorate in the riding of Cardston-Siksika. This would consist of multiple channels of communication and consultation with those who wish to be more engaged than they are now offered the opportunity to do so.
The first and proper role of government is to protect our God-given (inalienable) rights. It seems that current-day governments (provincial and federal) are involved in everything but protecting our rights. I would be a voice of reason, of principle and of the common man in calling for those protections to be restored.
Accountability. Clearly, as an independent, I would not be part of government. However, I believe that a vital part of a well working democracy is a strong and effective opposition. Currently, the NDP does not serve well in that role. If you are opposing everything, you are really opposing nothing. I believe a strong, conservative voice in opposition can and will hold the government to account and be that anchor when things start to drift too far left.

What else should voters know about you and your campaign?

This campaign is truly grassroots! We don’t have the deep party coffers or the thousands upon thousands of members to rely on to volunteer. I have found support in communities all around the riding. These are every day Albertans who are standing together to make their voices heard and to send a strong message with every vote cast. I am extremely grateful to be a part of the political process in a way that truly represents the individual and their community. And last but not least, we’re having a lot of fun with this!

Full election coverage: Alberta Votes 2023

by LNN Staff

Angela Tabak: Independent candidate for Cardston-Siksika

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