Albertans who do not want Rachel Notley's NDP government to get re-elected must start mobilizing now, the leader of the official Opposition said last week.
Albertans who do not want Rachel Notley's NDP government to get re-elected must start mobilizing now, the leader of the official Opposition said last week.
"We need to make sure we don't have a vote split again, and we don't have the opportunity for another NDP government," said Brian Jean.
The Wildrose leader was at the Sundre Legion on Wednesday, Feb. 8 as part of his provincial tour in an attempt to gauge popular support to "unite the right" as well as rally members to his party's cause and seek direction from the constituency. Despite extremely cold temperatures that night, the event was so well attended that organizers brought out additional chairs to accommodate the crowd of about 150.
"I'm not here today to sell you a plan because I don't work for myself, I work for you. I'm here today to get your feedback on a plan," he said, adding survey forms were available for anyone who wanted to offer some input.
Accompanied by colleagues Jason Nixon, Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA, and Nathan Cooper, Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA, Jean spoke of moving Alberta's conservative movement forward.
"Conservatives work better when they're together — as long as they are conservatives."
The Wildrose has risen from the brink of political ruination following the last provincial election to become the "heartbeat" of the province's conservative movement. Albertans deserves a transparent government that is held accountable for its actions, he said.
"Do you feel alienated from your government?" Jean asked, to scattered applause and murmurs of acknowledgement.
But the discussion must consider far more than simply defeating the NDP in the next election — a framework of responsible government for generations to come must be established, he said.
"Albertans have told me, clearly, right across the province, that they do not want conservatives battling conservatives. They don't want us fighting amongst ourselves when we have so much in common."
He said the people he has spoken with have expressed a desire for a consolidated conservative movement, but only in such a manner as to retain the Wildrose Party's principals and grassroots approach.
"We need to strengthen our party, not weaken it."
Jean also declared he would be willing — if the Wildrose membership so desired — to step down and run for the leadership of a new, united conservative party, and expressed unwavering confidence that he would be re-elected.
"I'm not going to lose the leadership race," he said to applause.
"But I truly will need your help."
However, although Sundre and area residents expressed their gratitude for Jean's visit, many did not seem particularly enthusiastic about extending the olive branch to the PCs, and there was certainly no clear consensus on unification.
For those opposed, the wounds left by the infamous floor crossings were still too raw, as are the memories of decades of PC fiscal mismanagement.
For those in favour, uniting is the only sensible solution to successfully ensure the NDP are not re-elected.
Following the meeting, Jean and his colleagues spent some time chatting with residents before getting back on the road.
