MLA Tany Yao loses UCP nomination to run in 2023

A file photo of Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLA Tany Yao. Yao lost the UCP nomination On Dec. 4, 2022, meaning he will not be representing the party in the upcoming provincial election in May 2023. Photo supplied by MLA Tany Yao.

MLA Tany Yao has lost the United Conservative party nomination to run in the riding of Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo in the upcoming 2023 provincial election.

Zulkifl Mujahid won the nomination on Dec. 4, 2022, edging Yao and Keith Plowman, CEO of the Fort McMurray Construction Association.

First elected to the riding in 2015 as a candidate in the former Wildrose Party, Yao was re-elected in 2019 as a member of the UCP.

Prior to joining Alberta politics, Yao worked as a paramedic.

Former Wildrose Party leader, Brian Jean, encouraged him to run in the 2015 election.

In 2020, Yao introduced a private-members bill to overturn a ban on paid donations of plasma across the province.

READ MORE: Bill to reverse ban on paid blood donations passes Alberta Legislature

In December 2020, multiple sources found several provincial MLAs, including Yao, travelled internationally during the holiday break, while public health guidance urged Albertans to remain at home to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

READ MORE: A list of politicians who travelled abroad despite pandemic-era advice to stay home

Yao apologized for taking the trip aboard.

As a result, he was removed from the Standing Committee on Families and Communities and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

In October 2022, new UCP Premier Danielle Smith named Yao the Parliamentary Secretary of Rural Health.

The next provincial election will take place in May 2023.

MyMcMurray has reached out to MLA Yao for comment.