Wildrose party looking to bump up leadership vote as election rumour swirl
Four people have expressed interest in running for the Wildrose leadership
Political parties in Alberta are gearing up for a spring election, despite the fact that one has yet to be called.
All signs have been pointing to Premier Jim Prentice dropping the writ in early spring, even though provincial legislation has the vote set for next year.
Saturday was a big day in Alberta politics, with the Wildrose Party gathered for their annual meeting in Calgary, the PCs holding several nomination votes and the Alberta Party hosting its annual general meeting in Red Deer. Here's where the parties stand.
The Wildrose Party: Looking for a leader
About 200 people attended the Wildrose member assembly in Calgary today.
The party may be bruised after last year's high-profile defections, but interim leader Heather Forsyth says it's not defeated.
On Dec. 17, 2015 nine party members — including leader Danielle Smith — crossed the floor to join the governing PCs. Forsyth feels there is growing anger over the defections.
"Noticeably, over the last two weeks for sure, people are starting to rally behind us," she said.
Forsyth has said she does not intend to seek the leadership on a permanent basis.
Four potential leaders have taken steps to submit their candidacy: Drew Barnes, Derek Fildebrandt, Brian Jean and Linda Osinchuk.
"The Wildrose party is here, its members are ready to fight. They just need to know what direction we’re moving in, they need to know we have some leadership and viability," said Fildebrandt, former Alberta Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
The party was scheduled to elect its new leader in June, but in light of a looming election, it is now considering moving up the leadership vote.
"I could be wrong, and I hope I'm wrong, that the premier is going to call an illegal election," said Forsyth. "If he’s going to do that, then we have to look at the timing of our leadership vote."
"I don’t think he’s gentlemanly enough that he would wait until after."
In 2011, the province passed the Election Amendment Act, which stated Alberta would hold a general election in 2016.
The Progressive Conservatives: Acclimation abound
There are 23 nominations across the province but only seven of them are actually up for grabs.
Most candidates, including many cabinet ministers and the premier himself, will be acclaimed.
Earlier today, Premier Jim Prentice voted in his PC riding of Calgary-Mountain View. Other ridings open to voters were Calgary-Fish-Creek, Calgary-Northwest, Medicine Hat, Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre, and Spruce Grove.
Earlier today, Leader <a href="https://twitter.com/JimPrentice">@JimPrentice</a> cast his ballot at the Calgary-Mountain View nomination! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperSaturday?src=hash">#SuperSaturday</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ableg?src=hash">#ableg</a> <a href="http://t.co/nOQ5rHGRNC">pic.twitter.com/nOQ5rHGRNC</a>
—@PC_AlbertaPC results
- Richard Gotfried announced as the PC candidate in Calgary-Fish Creek. Seat is currently held by Wildrose MLA Heather Forsyth, who is not seeking re-election.
- Rus Matichuk announced as the PC candidate for Spruce Grove-St. Albert. Seat was held by PC MLA Doug Horner, who resigned last month.
- Blake Pedersen announced as PC candidate in Medicine Hat. Pedersen held the seat as a Wildrose MLA before crossing to the PCs last year.
- Sandra Jansen announced as PC candidate for Calgary-North West.
- Mark Hlady won the nomination in Calgary-Mountain View, he will take on Liberal leader David Swann.
- Tammy Cote earned the nomination for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre.
- Craig Copeland was announced as the candidate in Bonnyville-Cold Lake.