Berger gets PC nod for Livingstone-Macleod

Evan Berger has been crowned the new Progressive Conservative candidate in Livingstone-Macleod.

The announcement was made at the Heritage Inn in Pincher Creek to a room full of supporters, well-wishers and party members following the candidate election Nov. 17.

Berger was one of five candidates vying for the seat held by outgoing MLA David Coutt sfor over 14 years.

Coutts announced earlier this year that his current term of office would be his last.

Candidates vying for the nomination incluided Fort Macleod mayor Shawn Patience, MD of Willow Creek Reeve Evan Berger, Pincher Creek resident Tom Gillespie, Crowsnest Pass Municipal Councillor Gary Taje and Crowsnest Pass hospital manager Val Jasman.

Polling stations in Claresholm and Pincher Creek saw steady traffic as party memberscast their ballots.

Leading up to the announcement was a speech by Coutts, thanking the party for the support they'd given during his time in Edmonton.

"You are part of the strongest political organization in North America," Coutts said.

"The responsibility that goes with sitting in that seat, and representing the riding of Livingstone-Macleod, is among the most awesome responsibilities one can have."

Berger credited his win with building and fostering relationships with people across the riding.

"My first order of business is to assemble a team for the election," Berger said.

Berger hopes to ensure the land-use frameworks developed by the provincial government will work to the advantage of farmers and ranchers in the Livingstone-Macleod riding.

Development is also an issue on Berger?s mind, and promises to ensure that development and progress in the riding won?t come at the expense of the environment.