History was made in the 2023 Alberta provincial election on a glorious Monday night. NDP candidate Rhiannon Hoyle won the riding of Edmonton-South, becoming the first Black woman ever elected to the Alberta Legislature.
Hoyle Breaks New Ground for Representation
“This is such a surreal moment. It’s an absolute dream,” Hoyle told supporters after her victory. While thrilled about her win, she did reflect on the decades it took for this political milestone.
“I’m the first and I’m the only one. Black folks have been here for 200 years so at the same time it shows we have a lot more to do and a lot more growth, we need more than just me,” said Hoyle.
Victory Comes After 2021 Municipal Run
Hoyle’s journey into provincial politics follows a close municipal campaign. She ran for Edmonton City Council in 2021 in Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi and lost by only 39 votes.
The community organizer now brings her track record of enhancing recreational resources and neighborhood development to the legislature.
Voices Echo Importance of Representation
Advocates echo Hoyle’s call for more political representation. “We helped develop Alberta and should be part of the governing body to move forward, because our voice matters,” said Deborah Dobbins of the Shiloh Centre for Multicultural Roots.
Seeing Black leaders in provincial office shows Black youth what is possible and opens doors of opportunity. Hoyle is committed to being a leader for all groups who currently lack representation.
Hoyle Commits to Governing for All Albertans
While the Edmonton MLA-elect takes pride in breaking barriers for the Black community, she emphasized she will govern for all constituents by holding the ruling party accountable.
Hoyle planned to apply her small business experience to support local companies, families and seniors in her riding across issues from the economy to healthcare and education.
At last, Rhiannon Hoyle carved out an overdue but groundbreaking space for Black women’s voices at Alberta’s legislative assembly. She now looks ahead to pulling even more diverse perspectives up the political ladder behind her.
