Conservative Alberta MLAs Abandon Stelmach Ship

by Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke | January 4, 2010 at 08:59 am

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In recent polls it has become apparent that dissatisfaction with the Stelmach government has been growing in Alberta. Stelmach's government commands an impressive 72 seat of 83 majority in the Alberta Legislature.

A poll in early November indicated that when it comes to popularity though, Stelmach has lost significant ground in Alberta. The new Wildrose Alliance Party leads with 39% support of the electorate, while the Conservatives have decreased popularity to 25%, even with the Alberta Liberal Party.

In a recent by-election the Wildrose Alliance Party was successful in taking the Calgary-Glenmore riding that was a long time (1969) Conservative Party stronghold. Danielle Smith, who recently won the leadership campaign of the Wildrose Alliance Party, seems to be the preferable leader for Albertans.

This morning at an upcoming press conference by the Wildrose Alliance Party it is expected that two conservative candidates will cross the floor to sit with the Wildrose Alliance.

Calgary-Fish Creek MLA and former cabinet minister Heather Forsyth as well as Airdrie-Chestermere MLA Rob Anderson have announced the move during a press conference held by the Wildrose Alliance Party.

Rob Anderson stated, "Unfortunately, the current PC Party Leadership has failed to address my constituent's concerns and will not permit me to speak publicly about these issues. Instead of remaining silent I have decided to stand up with even greater force for the people who elected me," "This is what the citizens of Alberta pay me to do."

The dissatisfaction seems to go beyond these two members. Anonymous sources indicate that at least ten other members are contemplating the move, abandoning the Stelmach ship.

Earlier this year Guy Boutillier, MLA for Fort McMurray, was kicked out of caucus for speaking out against the government over the cancellation of a long term care facility for seniors. Boutillier has not yet decided if he will join the Wildrose Alliance Party.

With the two defections, to be announced later today, Stelmach will still have a commanding majority with 70 of 83 seats.

Perhaps Ed Stelmach should listen to members of his own party, let alone the public.

Two legislature members from Alberta's governing Progressive Conservatives are crossing the floor to the fledgling Wildrose Alliance, says a political commentator, who warns they may be just the first to change parties.

Calgary-Fish Creek MLA and former cabinet minister Heather Forsyth as well as Airdrie-Chestermere MLA Rob Anderson will announce the move Monday morning at a Wildrose Alliance news conference, said Paul McLoughlin, publisher of Alberta Scan.

Other Conservative MLAs who are unhappy with the party's direction may make the switch, McLoughlin said.

"Is this symptomatic of a larger feeling within the Conservative backbenches? I would have to say it is," he said.

"As many as 10 backbencher MLAs were talking about it. These are just the first two, in my mind, to surface and to say we can't make it work for our political beliefs in the PC caucus anymore."