Editorial
The defection of Danielle Smith and eight other Wildrose MLAs to the ruling Progressive Conservatives is a stunning victory for the Prentice Tories, a shocking defeat for the Wildrose, and an unprecedented opportunity for the NDP and Liberals.
In the biggest political shakeup to hit Alberta since the Lougheed Tories defeated the long-ruling Social Credit party in 1971, Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Bruce Rowe, Smith and seven other Wildrose MLAs crossed over to the government benches on Dec. 17.
Not surprisingly, Premier Prentice calls the defections a victory for conservatives in Alberta.
“We once again represent the full diversity of voices and regions from across Alberta – north, south, urban and rural,” Prentice said. “Alberta is stronger today with these committed people working together. Our province needs united leadership and shared purpose in tackling the challenges ahead.”
For her part, former Wildrose Leader Smith said: “I believe now is the right time to come together as a united conservative family under Premier Prentice's leadership.”
While Prentice and Smith are loudly proclaiming the benefits of the defections, the question of whether the shakeup will benefit ordinary Albertans remains the great unanswered question in this whole affair.
NDP Leader Rachel Notley said a PC government backed by defecting Wildrose MLAs is anything but good news for Alberta.
“The Alberta Conservatives have essentially committed fraud on many, many of the people who supported them in the last election,” Notley said.
Liberal Leader Raj Sherman said the defections reflect badly on Prentice and Smith.
“My sense is that Albertans feel betrayed. They are looking for their elected representatives to stand on principle,” said Sherman.
While Premier Prentice can take satisfaction from the fact his chief rival has now come over to his side, the heavy blow to Wildrose also creates an opportunity for the opposition Liberals and NDP.
In particular, those opposition parties have been given an out-of-the-blue chance to join forces and in doing so fill the void created by the crushing blow that has befallen the Wildrose.
A new united left-centre opposition might find significant support from Albertans disillusioned by this latest political backroom deal.
Premier Prentice and his government have scored a major political victory with the defection of Smith and her colleagues.
Whether it will lead to another era of one-party rule in Alberta or to a new political landscape where an effective, united opposition holds the government to account is anyone's guess.
