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Our team of journalists is reporting on the election across the province. Follow our live coverage here. Story continues below.

Jubilation at UCP headquarters

At UCP headquarters Tuesday night, the Big Four Building on the Calgary Stampede Grounds, the atmosphere was jubilant.

Winning UCP candidate Rajan Sawhney, who was elected in Calgary-North East, said she was feeling “wonderful.”

“It’s been such a long journey but tonight we’re on top of the world,” she said.

Sawhney added she believes tonight’s results indicate that jobs, the economy and pipelines are top of mind for Albertans and said those will be her top priorities when she goes to Edmonton as an MLA.

“We need to get Albertans back to work, we need to get our energy sector revitalized,” Sawhney said.

Ric McIver, who won a resounding victory in Calgary-Hays, said those who didn’t vote UCP might have been scared off by some of the NDP’s “personal attacks” and suggestions that a UCP government will make life worse for minorities.

“I think they’ll be pleasantly surprised,” McIver said. “Expect respect and good treatment, because that’s what you’re going to get.”

Calgary Nose Hill MP Michelle Rempel was one of a handful of well-known conservative faces to appear early at the Calgary Stampede grounds election night. Even before polls closed, she was optimistic about a UCP victory.

“I think Jason (Kenney) has run a very strong campaign (and)… has done something incredible in terms of unifying the right,” she said.

“I think he’s also presented a strong vision that Albertans are going to buy into, and I’m cautiously optimistic that Albertans will get the change they’re seeking tonight.”

Rempel was also optimistic about what a Kenney victory would mean for federal-provincial relations, particularly in the conservative-fuelled fight against the carbon tax.

“I think any time we get an ally looking at pragmatic policy in this country … that’s a very positive step in the right direction for the country writ large,” she said.

“I think we’ve got good things to come.”

Former Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper also made an appearance at the Big Four Building, inciting chants of “Stephen! Stephen! Stephen!” among the crowd.

Meanwhile, NDP supporters gathered at the Edmonton Convention Centre Tuesday night, where the mood was docile as initial results started rolling in.