It was walk of epic proportions in Alberta politics as nine of the Wildrose’s 14 MLAs, including their leader, were welcomed into the Progressive Conservative fold and into government.
Danielle Smith along with Rob Anderson, Gary Bikman, Rod Fox, Jason Hale, Bruce McAllister, Bruce Rowe and Jeff Wilson high-tailed it from the opposition benches in what Smith stated was a move that has been in the works for several weeks.
Local MLA and Minister of Seniors Jeff Johnson was obviously pleased to see the move and believes it will get things back on a positive track for the government and its agenda.
“I am encouraged to see the support and respect that exist for our new premier. We were elected to ensure a high quality of life for Albertans and it’s time to get past negative partisan politics and focus solely on that,” Johnson said in an interview last Thursday.
“In particular, the budget and economy are significant challenges that require our collective work.”
As for reaction that he has seen, Johnson explained the majority isn’t coming from his supporters.
“I have heard lots of reaction, most of it directed at the Wildrose caucus,” he said.
“That’s something that they have to respond to. As for me, I’m focused on the issues that are important to our constituents.”
Travis Olson, who ran for the Wildrose in the last election and earlier this year announced his intention to seek the party’s nomination in the riding again, was not reachable for comment.
Part of what was negotiated to bring the nine MLAs over included a statement of aligned values and principles that focuses on six key points – health care, education, budget and finances, energy and environment plus municipal financing – along with issues such as improving property rights laws, prioritizing capital projects, ethics, transparency and free votes on certain issues.
