Great West Media has reached out to every 2025 Federal Election candidate in the Airdrie-Cochrane riding with the same questions. They will be published in the order that they were received.
Sarah Zagoda is the NDP candidate for the Airdrie-Cochrane riding in the 2025 Federal Election.
Zagoda previously ran with the NDP during the 2021 Federal Election in the Banff-Airdrie riding. That riding will be abolished this election cycle to become Airdrie-Cochrane.
QUESTION: What is your political experience and why have you chosen to run in this election cycle?
ANSWER: I never wished to be involved in politics. I thought governments were run by adults with good intentions, then that veil was lifted in 2019 when the UCP and Jason Kenney were elected. I got involved initially due to the cruelty and malice of their funding cuts to children with disabilities and interactions with our local MLA. It lit a fire in me. I started to pay attention to everything... I got involved... Then I was asked to run for NDP in the 2021 Federal Election for Banff-Airdrie, and I did and came in second. I learned so much..Since then I have taken on leadership roles as the President of Airdrie-East NDP and also for Federal.
I believe elected representatives should work for their constituents — not against them — and will fight for policies that truly benefit people regardless of party lines. I believe in the greater good and as Spock would say " the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one."
Q: What have been some of your proudest achievements before running for office?
A: Ahh that's a hard question...I guess I have a few...Raising three humans with my husband...Working hard and growing to where I am now. Growing the Airdrie NDP movement and advocating for people. Having a student tell me they were going to pursue a career in IT because of me. Helped start Halifax Roller Derby with a friend when I lived there and helped over 100 people come together and learn and gain self confidence that lasts a lifetime. Learning from mistakes.
Q: What will you and your party do to stand up to President Trump’s tariffs and 51st state rhetoric?
A: Everything. It's absolutely ridiculous that this is even happening. We all need to come together on this. Everything is on the table. Yes, energy should be too.
As much as I hate to quote Doug Ford he said "United we stand, divided we fall." I'm very upset that our Alberta Premier isn't on board with the Team Canada approach.
Q: What is the biggest issue facing Canadians that you wish to tackle?
A: Aside from the threats south of the border it's definitely affordability. I've been volunteering with the Indians of Airdrie Society and their food drives giving away free groceries on Saturdays. The line ups are so long and growing every weekend. We run out of food. People are struggling with everything right now. Housing + rent prices, grocery prices, utility prices, insurance prices, child care costs. Our Health care system that's being dismantled by the province. I know that a lot of these issues are made worse by conservative provincial policy but yeah the struggle is real. National policy and supports are a great way to bring costs down and help.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: I am proud that the NDP has championed the creation of dental care and pharmacare, and I'm happy to see its latest expansion ensuring Canadians have access to essential healthcare services. I am committed to protecting and expanding these programs so that no family has to choose between their health and financial stability.
I love this country and believe in its potential to be a nation where everyone can thrive. If you would like to support or get involved please visit my website www.zagoda.ca
