Conservative incumbent Blake Richards secured another term in Airdrie–Cochrane on Monday night, earning 50,252 votes — 71.2 per cent of the total.
Preliminary results from Elections Canada showed Liberal candidate Sean Secord followed Richards with 16,714 votes, or 23.7 per cent. The New Democratic Party’s Zagoda placed third with 2,591 votes — 3.7 per cent of the total — while Libertarian David Sabine and Christian Heritage Party candidate Christopher Bell received 623 (0.9 per cent) and 380 votes (0.5 per cent), respectively.
A total of 70,560 valid ballots were cast across all 210 reporting polls, with voter turnout recorded at 74.92 per cent of the 94,181 registered electors. Airdrie–Cochrane, which has a population of 115,230, saw ballots cast both on election day and during advance polls from April 18 to 21.
DiscoverAirdrie contacted the four remaining candidates, who each submitted written statements reflecting on the campaign, the results, and their next steps.
Secord says Liberal support ‘more than doubled,’ plans to stay engaged in community
Liberal candidate Sean Secord wrote that nearly 17,000 votes in Airdrie–Cochrane reflect significant Liberal backing — and despite joining the race late, he’s encouraged by the outcome.
“Almost 17,000 voters (about a quarter of those voting) put an X beside my name,” Secord wrote. “I think that shows that Liberal policies and my attributes as a potential member of parliament resonated with a substantial number of Airdrie–Cochrane voters.”
He wrote that many residents appreciated the platform’s focus on inclusion, health care, and economic planning.
“There are so many aspects of the Liberal platform that meant a great deal to those in this riding who took the time to examine it,” he wrote.
Secord acknowledged challenges joining the race late and said his campaign debated how to balance visibility and strategy, especially on signage.
“I will commit to being as accessible as possible, and to invest in community projects... whether I’ve been elected or not,” he wrote.
Zagoda says she’s ‘not going anywhere’ after NDP’s third-place finish
New Democratic Party candidate Sarah Zagoda wrote that she is “deeply proud” of her campaign and intends to remain politically engaged in the community despite the outcome.
“While the results weren’t what we hoped for, I remain deeply proud of the campaign we ran and incredibly grateful to everyone who supported and believed in our vision for Airdrie & Cochrane,” Zagoda stated. “This is just the beginning — I’m not going anywhere. I’ll continue to be a strong advocate for our community and for the values we share.”
She also congratulated Richards on his re-election and called on him to work across party lines.
“I hope he’ll make it a priority to support initiatives our community cares deeply about, including transferring the old federal Airdrie Post Office to the City — something many other MPs have helped accomplish in their ridings,” she wrote.
“With a minority parliament, cooperation between parties will be essential — and I hope the Conservatives will embrace that spirit of unity and shared purpose for the greater good for all of Canada.”
“The future is bright,” she added. “And I remain committed to building it — with hope, with heart, and always alongside the people of Airdrie & Cochrane.”
Sabine reflects on ‘niche support’ for libertarian vision, eyes future in local politics
Libertarian Party candidate David Sabine wrote that the vote share in Airdrie–Cochrane reflects some openness to the party’s ideas, even if limited.
“My vote share as the Libertarian candidate suggests niche support for our full vision of individual liberty, free markets, and minimal government,” Sabine stated. “It tells me Albertans lean toward pragmatic conservatism but are open to libertarian ideas if framed practically.”
Sabine said he may pursue local politics and wants to keep speaking out.
“I’m considering local politics — maybe running for council — to champion less regulation and lower taxes at the community level,” he wrote. “I’m committed to doing something impactful with my volunteer time, like speaking at events or supporting libertarian causes.”
“Whether through local politics, speaking at community events, or supporting libertarian causes, I’ll keep fighting for your right to live freely, run your business, and raise your family without Ottawa’s heavy hand.”
Bell urges advocacy for ‘Christian government,’ plans to stay politically involved
Christian Heritage Party candidate Christopher Bell wrote that Monday’s result showed limited appetite for Christian conservative values in the riding, but he intends to stay active.
“There seems to be more of an appetite for conserving our finances, keeping costs low and so on, than for conserving our morality,” Bell wrote. “This is especially true with the Conservative Party, and this needs to change.”
He confirmed he will continue to advocate both locally and provincially.
“Yes, I will continue to advocate politically both on the local and provincial levels,” he wrote.
Bell also encouraged social conservatives not to keep their beliefs hidden.
“When you go to council meetings, board meetings, and town halls, don't keep your faith hidden,” he wrote.
He ended his statement with a thank-you to those who reached out during the campaign.
“To all the students at Mitford School who sent me emails asking me about my campaign, your interactions with me warmed my heart,” he wrote. “Lastly, thank you to everyone who voted for me. God bless you all.”
National and Alberta results
Nationally, the Liberal Party was leading or elected in 169 ridings as of Tuesday afternoon, with 8,564,200 votes (43.7 per cent of the popular vote). The Conservative Party followed with 144 seats and 8,086,051 votes (41.3 per cent). The New Democratic Party was ahead in seven ridings with 1,237,263 votes (6.3 per cent), and the Bloc Québécois led in 22 Quebec districts with 1,232,853 votes (6.3 per cent).
Other parties’ vote shares included the Green Party with 244,952 votes (1.2 per cent), the People’s Party with 141,212 (0.7 per cent), and the Christian Heritage Party with 10,165 (0.0 per cent). The Libertarian Party received 6,001 votes nationwide.
In Alberta, the Conservative Party was leading or elected in 34 of the province’s 37 ridings, receiving 63.5 per cent of the provincial vote. The Liberals held two seats and earned 27.9 per cent of the vote, while the NDP led in one riding with 6.3 per cent support. The People’s Party polled at 0.9 per cent, and the Greens at 0.4 per cent.
Voter turnout in Alberta was 69.95 per cent of registered electors, with 2,262,524 ballots cast.
Alberta leaders respond to federal result
Premier Danielle Smith issued the following statement on Tuesday:
“I congratulate Prime Minister Mark Carney on his minority government election victory last night.
“I also want to sincerely thank Pierre Poilievre for his powerful and principled advocacy against the last decade’s punitive taxation and anti-resource policies that have made our country weaker, more divided and overly-dependent on the United States.
“Mr. Poilievre’s vision for a safer, more affordable, united and prosperous Canada drove the policy debate in this country for the last several years and has inspired millions to see the unique potential of our nation.
“While Liberals and New Democrats demeaned and demonized Albertans, our values and our industries for political gain, Mr. Poilievre made empowering Albertans and our energy sector a cornerstone of his campaign. His respect and admiration for Albertans could not have been clearer. He is and continues to be a true friend of Alberta.
“As Premier, I invite the Prime Minister to immediately commence working with our government to reset the relationship between Ottawa and Alberta with meaningful action rather than hollow rhetoric.
“A large majority of Albertans are deeply frustrated that the same government that overtly attacked our provincial economy almost unabated for the past 10 years has been returned to government.
“As Premier, I will not permit the status quo to continue. Albertans are proud Canadians that want this nation to be strong, prosperous, and united, but we will no longer tolerate having our industries threatened and our resources landlocked by Ottawa.
“In the weeks and months ahead, Albertans will have an opportunity to discuss our province’s future, assess various options for strengthening and protecting our province against future hostile acts from Ottawa, and to ultimately choose a path forward.
“As Premier, I will facilitate and lead this discussion and process with the sincere hope of securing a prosperous future for our province within a united Canada that respects our province’s constitutional rights, facilitates rather than blocks the development and export of our abundant resources, and treats us as a valued and respected partner within confederation.
“Our government will be holding a special caucus meeting this Friday to discuss this matter further. I will have more to say after that meeting is concluded.”
Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi issued the following statement:
“Congratulations to Mark Carney on his victory, and to all the newly elected MPs across Canada.
“It’s now time to set aside the divisive battles and come together to serve Canada in a time when the nation is under existential threat.
“For Alberta, this means working together with the new federal government to make deals that benefit Albertans.
“Canadians are tired of endless political fighting. Spending millions on a Fair Deal panel or squabbling over plastic straws doesn't lower grocery bills, make insurance affordable, or create sustainable jobs.
“This is no time to gamble with the future of the province.
“We need a federal government that understands the economic and social significance of Alberta. We need a government that doesn’t just pay lip service to supporting our major industries—including agriculture and energy—but one that pursues real solutions to improve the lives of Albertans.
“This means getting national projects built, like Alberta’s New Democrats did when we were in power. It means regulations that support Alberta industry and jobs, while continuing to fight climate change meaningfully.
“And it means making a deal on health care, pharmacare, dental care, and childcare that helps Albertans get the services they desperately need.”
Voter Turnout and National Voting Details
According to Elections Canada, the 45th federal general election saw 19,583,016 Canadians casting ballots, reflecting a voter turnout rate of about 68.65 per cent.
Elections Canada reported the following breakdown:
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11,062,539 voted at their polling station on election day or in long-term care facilities.
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7,280,975 voted at advance polls between April 18 and April 21.
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928,311 voted by special ballot within their electoral district.
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215,057 voted by special ballot from outside their district, including military personnel, inmates, and electors who were in Canada but outside their electoral district.
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57,440 electors living outside Canada also voted by special ballot.
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