Allard wins UCP nomination after Lehners forced to leave race

Tracy Allard will represent the United Conservative Party in the Grande Prairie riding for the 2019 provincial election. 
 
Allard was named the party’s candidate after John Lehners was forced to pull out of the nomination race after being involved in a serious car accident, according to a release sent out by the United Conservative Party. 
 
No details were given by the party about the accident or the status of Lehners’ injuries. 
 
UCP leader Jason Kenney thanked Lehners for seeking the nomination and wished him well in his recovery. 
 
Kenney also congratulated Allard, the local Tim Horton’s franchise co-owner, on winning the nomination.

“As a proud Alberta small business owner for over 25 years, Tracy embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that has come to define our province and its people. Tracy is a committed community volunteer and mom of three children who has worked hard to leave a strong Alberta for the next generation. This dedication and drive will be a huge asset to our team as we work to restore the Alberta Advantage and get our province back on track.

“I also want to thank John Lehners for having sought the UCP nomination. I’m sorry to learn that a serious car accident caused him to withdraw from the race, and I wish him well in his recovery,” said Kenney in a statement.

Allard has been a small business owner for 25 years, and Kenney says she embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that has come to define Alberta and its people.