Tracy Allard will be part of history when the newest batch of MLAs are sworn-in. She will be the first woman to ever represent the Grande Prairie area at the provincial or federal level.
Allard says she feels her upbringing prepared her for the opportunity to break down barriers.
“I come from a long line of strong women who were leaders. I never knew I was the first woman; that’s a very exciting honour to have.”
The MLA-elect says while she is proud of the achievement, the job of being a newly elected official comes with a steep enough learning curve.
“I think there is enough pressure already,” she jokes. “When I was door knocking for the last eight months it didn’t come up very often, to be honest.”
Female politicians are nothing new at a local level, however. Former Grande Prairie city councillor Helen Rice spent the better part of 40 years serving the community.
Current day councillors Jackie Clayton and Eunice Friesen hope to continue that trend long into the future. Friesen feels the difference women in power can make is powerful.
“There is a parity tipping point that’s around 30 per cent representation of females in government, business and boards and organizations brings a new perspective to those organizations. To have a provincially elected female out of our region is really exciting.”
Allard won the Grande Prairie riding with 62 percent of the vote, according to the unofficial results.