After two days of speculation, upheaval and handwringing, combined with celebration and relief, depending on which side of the floor you are on, late Wednesday afternoon, Premier Jim Prentice welcomed nine former Wildrose MLAs into his government.
Former Wildrose leader Danielle Smith was among the nine who crossed the floor. Locally Bruce Rowe, MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills and Strathmore-Brooks MLA Jason Hale both became Progressive Conservatives. Rick Strankman MLA for Drumheller-Stettler has said he will remain as a member of the Wildrose Party.
Smith resigned early Wednesday morning, stating in her letter, “When I became Wildrose leader more than five years ago, I did so with one singular objective in mind: to return to government the conservative values and principles that I had spent my life defending. Under Premier Prentice’s strong leadership, I believe we can work together to lead Alberta with a renewed focus on the values and principles that we share,” Smith said
Prentice welcomes what he is characterizing as a movement towards unification.
“Throughout my public and political life, I have always believed conservatives should be united in bringing our common principles and combined energy to public service. Today, we once again represent the full diversity of voices and regions from across Alberta – north, south, urban and rural,” Premier Jim Prentice said. “Alberta is stronger today with these committed people working together. Our province needs united leadership and shared purpose in tackling the challenges ahead.”
