Tomayer Enters Provincial Race With Focus On Rural Priorities And Community Roots

Jackie Tomayer. Photo submitted

Jackie Tomayer, the longtime General Manager of the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association, has officially entered the provincial political arena, announcing her intention to run for the Vermilion–Lloydminster–Wainwright riding following her March 30 announcement. Drawing on deep roots in the region and a career built around agriculture, business, and community leadership, Tomayer says her decision to run has been years in the making.

Born and raised in Lloydminster, Tomayer describes an upbringing grounded in hard work and community involvement. Raised alongside her younger sister and brother by entrepreneurial parents, she credits her early experiences with shaping her work ethic and outlook. Her involvement in 4-H played a significant role in her youth, often riding her horse to events at the Exhibition Grounds and nearby arenas. After graduating from Lloydminster Comprehensive High School, she pursued agriculture studies at Fairview College before returning home to build a life with her husband, with whom she is celebrating 26 years of marriage. Today, she remains active in the community, volunteering with the Border City Rotary Club and spending her spare time training and competing with her dogs. “Growing up to entrepreneurial parents who worked very hard to provide for the family shaped who I am today,” she said.

Tomayer says her motivation to step into provincial politics stems from a longstanding desire to serve. “I have always had a desire to serve in public office,” she said, adding that her recent work gave her “a front row seat” to both the challenges and opportunities facing Albertans. Over the past eight years, she has worked closely with the Government of Alberta on rural and agricultural priorities while also engaging with the business community through the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce.

Her professional background has played a central role in that decision. Having operated her own businesses and later leading one of the region’s most prominent community organizations, Tomayer says she has seen firsthand the realities facing local businesses and residents. She points to her experience bringing people together, whether around board tables or through major events, as a foundation for the collaborative leadership style she hopes to bring to government. “When we work together great things can be accomplished,” she said.

Tomayer believes her lifelong connection to the region sets her apart as a candidate. Having lived, worked, and raised a family in the Vermilion–Lloydminster–Wainwright area, she says she understands the unique needs of its communities. “Being born and raised in the region gives me an opportunity to know intimately our region and the people who live here,” she said. Her work with business and government groups has also provided insight into regional challenges and opportunities.

If elected, Tomayer says she would bring key leadership lessons from her time at the Exhibition to the legislature, including collaboration, perseverance, and fiscal responsibility. “It takes perseverance to forge ahead and get things accomplished and make a real impact in people’s lives,” she said, noting that working in a non-profit environment reinforced that every dollar counts.

When it comes to the issues facing the riding, Tomayer identifies healthcare, the rural economy, energy accessibility and production, and agricultural sustainability as top concerns. She points to rural healthcare challenges such as staffing shortages, inconsistent service, and long distance travel, noting that issues often stem from “availability, consistency and distance to larger centres.” To address these concerns, she suggests recruitment and retention incentives, expanded mobile and virtual care, and increased use of nurse practitioners, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong local hospitals and urgent care centres.

Affordability and cost of living pressures are another priority. Tomayer advocates for more flexible zoning and faster permit approvals to increase housing options, particularly for seniors, young people, and healthcare workers. “Flexibility in zoning and fast approvals could ensure that there is flexibility in housing options,” she said, adding that reducing fuel and utility pressures and improving access to supports will also be important.

Agriculture, she says, remains the backbone of the region and requires continued support. “Agriculture is a backbone to our region,” she said, pointing to the need for practical regulations, infrastructure investment, and targeted support during extreme events.

Running as a conservative, Tomayer says her personal beliefs have long aligned with the party’s values, but she maintains that advocating for the region will remain her priority. “There is always a path forward despite differences, you just have to be willing to listen and keep working towards solutions,” she said.

Ensuring that smaller communities such as Vermilion and Wainwright have a strong voice at the provincial level is another key focus. “It starts with being present, accessible and accountable,” she said, adding that these communities “can’t be an afterthought of our province.”

If elected, Tomayer says her immediate priority will be to listen and learn while working with constituents to improve quality of life across the region. She points to her background in business leadership, government advocacy, and community involvement as factors that distinguish her from other candidates.

Throughout her career, Tomayer says she has been influenced by a wide network of mentors, colleagues, friends, and especially her family. “I strive to leave a world better than I found it,” she said.

At the core of her campaign, she says, is a commitment to integrity. “Without integrity, nothing works,” she said, adding that she intends to carry that principle into public office.

As the campaign unfolds, Tomayer says she is eager to meet with residents across the region and encourages people to reach out and engage in conversation about the future of their communities. “Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me,” she said. I am available through my email address info@jackietomayer.ca or by cell 780-872-2879 www.jackietomayer.ca and I have a Facebook page so FB messenger.