In talking to Drumheller-Stettler MLA about the year that has passed, it is an understatement to say the least that it has been eventful.
Almost exactly a year ago, Rick Strankman left Edmonton after the sitting of the legislature closed, and within days, pundits were talking about the demise of the party.
Fast-forward to today, his party has been realigned, revived, and is taking on the sitting government as an effective opposition.
“It has been a whirlwind, I’ll even use the word surreal,” said Strankman. “Coming from the Wildrose/PC environment to now I would call the ideological environment of the NDP government.”
Discontent following the dramatic floor crossing of nine Wildrose MLAs was vastly underestimated and many say played a part in the demise of the PC government.
“I have always believed the Wildrose’s policies and principles were near and dear to the hearts of many Albertans. The communication of these policies and principles have been important but not always properly conveyed. The understanding is that it is Albertan's choice, and not someone from a higher elected position to improperly hear what those voices are saying.”
“Going forward for Wildrose, our challenge is to improve the communication of our polices and ideals for Albertans and hopefully offset the communication of the NDPs policies and ideas.”
Under the leadership of Brian Jean, the party has taken a focused approach to its role as official opposition, this was evident in their performance in the legislature debating climate change policy and Bill 6 particularly.
“Certainly we made comments about the weakness of the legislation but Wildrose didn’t bring 1,200 out to Medicine Hat or 1,000 to Lethbridge…Albertans did,” he said. “When Albertans are rising up en masse like that, that is a serious infraction by the government of the day.”
For the future, Strankman says communication is key.
“I think the important thing is learning to communicate, but more - learning to listen, and learning to understand what Albertans want,” he said. “I feel vindicated by our policies and principles that we now have an MLA duly elected in Calgary Foothills…even coming from coming from the potentiality of a death kneel from those people who thought they had the skill set to walk away from their constituency.”
