David Swann says Alberta election was good for province, despite Liberal defeat

The leader of the Alberta Liberals party says the ousting of the Progressive Conservatives in this month's election is a boon for the province, even though his own party was reduced to one seat in the vote.

"Albertans won. They got rid of a tired old regime that needed a boot," David Swann told a crowd of supporters at the party's annual general meeting in Edmonton.

"Democracy does work."

Swann was the lone surviving Liberal MLA following the election earlier this month, which saw his party reduced from five seats.

He said he looked forward to working along with Rachel Notley's NDP party, citing similar stances on education funding, health care reform and taxation.

Still, despite being the leader of a one-seat party, Swann said he will keep the new government accountable as it faces "extreme challenges" now that it is in charge.

"I think Albertans will be looking hard at the leadership … that was promised," he said.

He said the last election showed that government accountability and a greater focus on urban issues were concerns the province would need to tackle in the near future.

Party sets sights on Calgary-Foothills

Since the election, there has been some speculation among political watchers that Swann might still find himself with a government role: everything from a cabinet position, to the Speaker's chair, or even a floor-crossing. Swann dismissed any rumours, saying he had every intention of staying on as Liberal Leader while the party rebuilds.

"We've always been there, and we always will be," Swann said.

The "first challenge" for the party is only months away, he said, coming in the form of a by-election in Calgary-Foothills to fill the spot of Jim Prentice. The former premier announced his resignation from both the Progressive Conservative leadership and the legislature hours after his party was defeated. The party's candidate in the riding, Ali Bin Zahid, came in fourth place with 7.2 per cent of the vote.

Swann said the Liberals would focus on gaining hold of the riding, although Zahid has not decided whether he will run again.

Despite the disappointing election result, Swann assured supporters that the party was in strong financial shape, which would aid its attempts to rebuild.