Meet the Candidates

Shannon Laprise

I am running for Division 1 Wheatland County Councillor for a second term because I would like to continue to advocate for services that residents want while maintaining fiscal conservatism. I believe it is important to focus on our key services and stay within a reasonable budget to keep our taxes as low as possible. Attracting new businesses and residents to the County will help to spread the tax burden across a larger tax base. All of this must be done with an eye to ensuring we all continue to enjoy the quality of life we love in Wheatland County.

My husband Brian and I farm in the Cluny area. We have had the privilege of raising our three children in this great community. Our two eldest children now attend University at Calgary and Lethbridge and our youngest son is in high school.

As a previous Business Analyst for KPMG Consulting and Fortis Alberta, I developed valuable skills in business process improvement and business management. I am an extremely detailed planner, I have excellent communication skills, and I am open and responsive to issue resolution. I am an excellent researcher and I seek to continually learn new things.

I am an active volunteer, dedicated to supporting my community through the Cluny Lions Club, coordinating the Wild Game Supper, as well as participating in other fundraising initiatives. I am the Registrar/Treasurer of my daughter’s skating club, and Secretary of the East Wheatland Athletic Association. I also sit on the board as the Secretary of the Strathmore Handi-Bus Association.

My experience on Council means that I am a proven dedicated representative for the residents of Division 1 and Wheatland County at large. I advocated on behalf of our residents to the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (FCSS funding) as well as the Provincial Agriculture Service Board (Surface Rights). I am hardworking and accountable and promise to research the issues and consult with stakeholders wherever possible. I am also approachable and responsive, and I welcome an open relationship with the county’s citizens.

Berle Hebbes

I am third generation Wheatland County and growing up in agriculture has taught me hard work & perseverance and love of the land & livestock. My first job was at Western Feedlots Strathmore and from there I progressed to their new operation at High River. In my time there I helped grow the feedlot from 10,000 to 30,000 head in a few years’ time; requiring me to deal with engineers, contractors, suppliers, and the myriads of tasks required to build a project of that magnitude. This experience also laid the foundation for working with neighboring farms, ranches, acreages, and towns.

After 16 years with Western, I was contracted for one year as Cattle Manager at a 100,000 head feedlot in Nebraska – a very large controversial Intensive Livestock Operation near town. In addition to the exceptional experience gained by the challenge of managing very large diverse crews, this job also further developed my ability to constructively help farms/ranches co-exist with acreages, towns, and development. Following Nebraska, I was Cattle Manager for four years at a feedlot near Vegreville AB. I moved back to our small family ranch in Wheatland County in 2002 to work as Cattle Manager at a 24,000 head feedlot. After a wonderful 23 years of service, I retired in Spring 2025. Over my 44 years feedlot and ranch work I have managed dozens of industry-scale clinical field trials for cereal forage, vaccines, antibiotics, anti-parasitics, and feed efficiency. Many of these resulted in improved forage and beef production and, importantly, food safety.

From 2003 to 2021 I ran a free riding/roping arena where local youth and adults came to learn, practice, and hone their skills – giving me the opportunity to mentor others in animal husbandry, horsemanship, and practice habits. Additionally, I coached hockey for many years, judged numerous 4-H shows and various cattle handling competitions, have been a volunteer with Wheatland Conservation and Wildlife Association since 2002, and have been a moderator for Alberta Outdoorsman since 2018.

I can’t give enough credit to the love and support of my wife Brandy. She has also worked in Agriculture all her life and is a selfless volunteer with Wheatland Society of Arts.

I’ve always been acutely interested in all levels of politics and its effect on our daily lives. Community is very important to me and I have a deep desire to give back to Wheatland County. Organized, thought-out, collaborative action is essential to balance the competing facets in our County. I am pro responsible development, yet I care deeply about each resident’s quality of life. I would be honored to serve Division 2 and all Wheatland County residents – current and future – utilizing honesty, integrity, engaged listening, extensive life experiences, and management skills.

• Phone: 403-901-1500
• Emal: bhebbes@efirehose.net

Jason Wilson

Being born and raised in wheatland county has allowed me to understand all the different needs and strengths our communities face. Growing up on our family ranch near Gleichen, gave me a true passion in agriculture and community reliance. Agriculture is a foundational industry within the county and the province and we have to remember to protect our agricultural communities and the history that comes with them.

After graduating from Strathmore highschool, I attended Olds college prior to running for council in 2017. Being elected to Wheatland Council was an honour and a pleasure. While being in office we as a council laid the foundations for economic growth within the county, which is benefiting us today. Learning the ins and outs of municipal government is a large undertaking but I believe I can pick up where I left off. In 2021 I moved abroad to Dublin Ireland, to study Finance in one of Dublins best business schools. I’m hoping to bring this new knowledge back to the county in the fall of 2025. Wheatland county new strong leadership that understands the importance of where we have been and where we are going. I believe I can be that candidate.

• Email:jtcattle@outlook.com
• Phone: 587-727-1177

Donna Biggar

Currently residing in Speargrass, I have had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of Division 3 over the last 58 years.

I grew up in Carseland, attended Carseland Elementary and Samuel Crowther, and raised my three children here, rooting my life in the same community that shaped me. My career began in agriculture, later transitioning into horticulture. I spent 16 years managing a tourism business before becoming the manager and grower for nine greenhouses, which provided me with a deep understanding of rural and agricultural issues, business operations, budgeting, workforce management, and economic development. This experience brings a practical, hands-on perspective to the Council, highlighting how policies affect local businesses, land use, and the environment, as well as strong skills in strategic planning, problem-solving, and balancing growth with community needs.

Community involvement has always been central to who I am. I’ve served on numerous local boards and committees, volunteered countless hours, and enjoyed serving my community in many ways, from supporting sports and recreation to contributing to local history and culture.

Over the past eight years on Wheatland County Council, I’ve found this work deeply rewarding. Some notable accomplishments include successfully delivering a new fire hall that came in $5 million under budget, helping to create an industrial area structure plan, and attracting new facilities, resulting in new jobs and economic growth in the area. I’ve also been proud to support recreation projects, including new equipment for the TOT Lot, the Speargrass pathway and playground, and the Carseland outdoor skating arena. Most recently, I’ve been involved in the Wheatland Trails to the Bow project, which will further enhance our community for future generations.

I’ve enjoyed the past eight years on Council, and I have more to accomplish, with important projects that I want to see through to completion. My goal remains the same: to ensure the safety, prosperity, and well-being of the Division 3 residents while fostering sustainable growth and vibrant communities.

• Phone: 403-371-8096
• Email: donnabiggar127@gmail.com

Darlene Davis

Proven Leadership for Wheatland County

As a wife, mother, neighbour, and businesswoman of 41 years, I am deeply invested in the future of Carseland and Wheatland County. Living in my forever home in Carseland for over eight years, I can leverage my extensive experience in governance and principled business negotiation to achieve tangible, positive benefits for our community.

A Foundation of Resilience and Hard Work

My personal values are rooted in the pursuit of freedom and the resilience of immigrant farming families.

My father immigrated to Canada from Hungary in 1957, having fled a Communist regime after witnessing peaceful student protestors being killed. His dangerous journey—during which he was shot—was fueled by the mighty vow to find a country where he could vote and start a new life. This history instilled in me a profound respect for democracy, good governance, and the freedoms we hold dear.

Similarly, my mother’s side traces back to Southern Saskatchewan, where my Ukrainian great-grandmother immigrated in the late 1800s. With roots in farming, I spent time during my youth supporting my grandparents on their farm, learning firsthand the value of hard work, from making wine and brandy to understanding the crucial role agriculture plays in the community.

Entrepreneurship and Financial Acumen

At the age of 12, I began working full-time during the summers in my father’s business, learning a complete set of books and mastering fiscal management. By 16, I was sourcing, appraising, and buying vintage cars across Canada and the U.S. This early success established a pattern of integrity, professionalism, and problem-solving that has defined my career.

At 19, I launched my own business and have been an active businesswoman for over four decades, specialising in intellectual property, Canadian franchising, and international business development. My education includes studies in Business and Pre-Law at NAIT, Grande Prairie, Grant MacEwan, and the University of Alberta, and I am currently qualified as a Master of Laws – International Business Law candidate.

Experienced Governance and Negotiation

I am an advocate for good governance and policy, with a focus on contract law and negotiated settlements. I bring a wealth of leadership experience from various sectors:

• Financial Leadership: Serving as Treasurer and holding Chair and board positions on Audit Committees.
• Policy Expertise: VP of Policy and Governance, and Chair of several committees, including Policy and Governance and member of Ad-Hoc Land Acquisition. I recently spearheaded a committee that submitted twelve policies for provincial ranking.
• Negotiation Success: Notably, I negotiated a donation-in-kind valued at nearly $1.6 million for a Southern Alberta non-profit.
• International Experience: I served as a Canadian Delegate through the Embassy at the World Franchise Convention in Washington, D.C.   I created Intellectual Property and advanced their business development.

A Vision for Wheatland County

The cornerstone of my philosophy is the “Good Neighbour Principle,” which involves treating every community member with respect and dignity.

The principles of fiscal prudence and balanced growth that guide me:

1. Fiscal Responsibility: Leveraging lessons learned from a lifetime of managing budgets and businesses, I will ensure strict fiscal prudence and Economies of Scale in county spending.
2. Protecting Our Vulnerable: Actively looking after our children, seniors, and all vulnerable members of the community.
3. Balancing Growth: Safeguarding agriculture while responsibly balancing the needs of land, air, water, and essential development. I will advocate for a balance between agriculture and Important, necessary industries to enrich our lives now and for future generations.
4. Open Dialogue: Fostering engagement, open communication, and the vigorous exchange of ideas with residents, businesses, and municipal staff.

I am committed to making Carseland and District the best place to live, work, and enjoy life.

I am sincerely Grateful for this opportunity to serve you!

• Website:Dar Davis
• Phone: 587-727-0008

Thomas Ikert

• I live on the farm with my wife Crystal, that my parents bought in 1968.
• I’m a journeyman carpenter/contractor.
• I am a fiscal conservative, to quote Milton Friedman “ I am in favour of cutting taxes, under any circumstances for any excuse,for any reason, whenever it’s possible”
• The only way to keep residential taxes down is to attract business
• We need to finalize a Westside Servicing plan.

“If hard questions aren’t asked, bad decisions will be made”

• Phone: 403-850-3030
• Email: tikert11@gmail.com

Keith Clayton

I Understand…

• My wife, Marilyn and I have been married for 58 years. We have 2 children, Jolene and Bruce and 3 grandchildren and our family resides on the original century farm.
• I have been present in the county for over 50 years. I helped bring the Carseland Fertilizer plants to Wheatland County.
• I have been a Professional Engineer for over 50 years; I’m also a graduate of the Banff School of Advanced Management.
• I helped build and operate the plants and retired from Agrium while on the board of directors of Agrium.
• My family has been a part of the Cairnhill Community Association board for 50 years.
• I have been president of Strathmore Minor Hockey and a coach for 12 years.
• I served on the building committee for the Strathmore Twin Arena.
• Since inception, I have served on the Wheatland CERB board and presently, I am on the surface rights board.
• I sit on the board of the Wheatland and Area Hospice Society as well as the Wheatland Housing Management Board.
• It is my commitment to continue to be involved in the community where I feel that I can contribute.

We live here, farm here and understand the challenges.

• Phone: 403-934-7893
• Email: kandmclayton@xplornet.ca

Scott Klassen

I am asking to be your representative for a  3^rd term, first off I want to say thank you for being able to serve division 5 for the last 8 years it has been an amazing experience and it is an honor I truly appreciate.  ,  I have lived in the area most of my life and my family and I are on an farmstead south east of Lyalta.  I have been honored to be the Deputy Reeve for 7 yrs, and I have been on the boards of   Drumheller and district solid waste association, Southern Alberta energy from waste, Wheatland regional Corporation, and Calgary Metropolitan region board to name a few.  My career started with municipal government operations, and I am currently self-employed with a small freight trucking company.

I have learned that there are many sides to an issue, it is important to listen, and above all be honest and clear with your intentions.   I always try my best to respond to people as quickly as I can and follow up as well.  Please support me by voting on October 11,15,18 advanced polls and voting day October 20^th at Lyalta hall.

• Phone: 403-901-6541
• Email: scottandvic@hotmail.com

Rodger Brndjar

Public Statement from Rodger Brndjar:

I want to take a moment to update the residents of Wheatland County, Division Five, regarding my nomination for County Council.

My employer, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, has expressed concerns that my candidacy and election could present a conflict of interest, whether real or perceived, given their significant business activity in the County. Out of respect for their concern, I have decided not to pursue this campaign further.

However, under the Municipal Government Act of Alberta, the deadline to formally withdraw my nomination has passed. This means my name will remain on the ballot. I want to be transparent with voters and assure you that, should I be elected under these circumstances, I would be required to accept the seat. I would then resign immediately, which would in turn trigger a by-election for Division Five.

This is not the outcome I had originally envisioned, but I believe it is important to follow the law, respect my employer’s concerns, and remain transparent with the community I care so deeply about.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

Rodger Brndjar

• Phone: 250-960-9573
• Email: Rodger.Brndjar@gmail.com

Tony Watfa

I am a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) and an entrepreneurial business owner for the last 32 years in an Information Technology firm based in Calgary.  My attributes in business would be strong strategic management and making sound decisions. My business philosophy is to listen to the clients’ concerns and exceed their expectations.

I strongly believe in giving back to my community through volunteerism, support, and community participation.  Some of my notable achievements was sitting on the board of directors of the Calgary Immigrant and Education Society (CIES), the board of the Certified General Accounts (CGA) Calgary Chapter, serving on my church vestry, and coaching children sporting activities.

A well-respected volunteer in the Calgary Stampede community served on the Calgary Stampede Promotion Committee for 13 years.  In 2012 and along with the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC), I represented the Calgary Stampede in Beijing, China to promote the Calgary Stampede and Alberta.  I also volunteered During the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

In my tenure with the Calgary Stampede, I was the kind of leader who constantly inspired others to achieve and my genuine care in every interaction earned me in 2015 the honor of being chosen as the Calgary Stampede Promotion Committee Volunteer of the year.

I believe I would be a good asset to the Wheatland County and Council with my ability to openly discuss issues, set priorities, allocate budget spending, balance economic development, and make decisions based on the best interest of the residents and entire County.  It would be an honor and privilege to serve this community representing Division 6 and Wheatland County in the coming years.

• Email: tony@vitalbiz.com
• Phone: 403-606-3927

Rex Harwood

Wheatland County has a deep agricultural history and like many others many communities were built and thrived from its agricultural industry. I have been a part of agriculture and Wheatland County most of my life. I am a past Lions member, I have sat on the boards of ASB and WRC in the past as vice chair.

I want to maintain a strong representation of agriculture and govern with many of those values.

I will be a strong voice for all working to come up with fair and balanced solutions for all communities within its borders.

Fiscal responsibility, property rights, utility, and recreation are just some of the items I would work towards building.

I will work with councillors to re-engage in municipal partnerships such as the regional partnership with Strathmore, Rockyford and Hussar.

I am concerned by the litigation events that have occurred and want to see that these are negotiated and dropped immediately with apologies and commitment to find common ground.

I keep hearing that councillors work for our residents but it has been difficult to see as of late and I will strive to make sure that’s exactly what I am doing.

I want ALL residents to be able to engage council in a reasonable, respectful and timely manner and will push to bring back proper AGM that allows everyone to speak and hear the answers at the same time.

Fiscal responsibility is key to viability, I believe a look at spending and services needs to be evaluated and a look into the reserves to find ways to maintain an adequate level in all areas.

• Phone: 403-998-3640

Glenn Koester

• Phone: 403-901-3702
• Email: gkoester@telusplanet.net

Rick Laursen

I have been connected to Wheatland County my entire life and have lived in the Duck Lake area for 40 years. I have raised grain and cattle for over 20 years and I have worked in oil and gas, from field locations to head offices. Because of this experience, I have a good understanding of what these operations mean to Wheatland County.

Throughout my career, I have been involved as a registered lobbyist, working with both the Federal and Provincial Government. I know how to accomplish things in the political arena.

I graduated from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary, with a major in Business Management and a minor in Risk Management, both of which will serve me well as a Councillor.

I have always been involved with my community. I was involved in the Wintering Hills Gas Co-op and hockey, and I will continue to be involved at Our Saviors Community Lutheran Church.

• Phone: 403-988-6390
• Email: rick.laursen@gmail.com

Cade Treacy

I am a sixth generation farmer and rancher northeast of Hussar, and aside from a few years in university where I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, I have lived here my entire life. I am married to my high school sweetheart Shae, who is a Registered Nurse in Drumheller, and together we are raising our two daughters on our family farm in Wintering Hills. 

As a young agricultural producer, with deep roots in Wheatland County, I understand the challenges my rural neighbours face, because they’re the same ones my own family and I face everyday. I believe in the value of hard work and lending a hand where it’s needed, whether that’s helping a neighbour or pitching in around the community. As a father, I am passionate about ensuring our rural way of life remains sustainable and full of opportunity for the next generation.

I believe my voice will be a fresh one on council- someone who brings new ideas while staying grounded in the values that make our community strong.  I care deeply about this county and the people who make it home, and I want to do my part to make sure our voices are heard and our needs are looked after. 

If you need to contact me my phone is 403-901-4597 and my email is cadetreacy@gmail.com or you can find me on Facebook. You’ll probably find me in the combine!

• Phone: 403-901-4597
• Email: cadetreacy@gmail.com