Introducing the next premier of Alberta

Everybody’s favorite second choice Premier Stelmach today announced that he will not be running in the next election, he felt that he could not fulfill another term as Premier.

Surprised? No, in this province we call Alberta the home of the one party state. There as finally risen a second party from within the ranks of the right wing itself. The Wildrose party led by Danielle Smith, it is becoming quickly what the true conservatives in the province see as a viable alternative. The people that have a vested interest in seeing the Conservatives remain in power, understood a year back that Stelmach is not the leader that’s going to win the next election. Then the final nail in the coffin was the Hospital Emergency waiting time issue with MLA Sherman. The premier was left with a choice take himself out of the equation, or wait until it was too late as Ralph did.

So who takes his place? Who will save the Conservatives Bacon, can it be saved?. A leader from within the party, the most likely name Ted Morton, still probably seen by most people as part of the conservative right wing, Horner, Hancock, Liepert, Danyluk all good conservative foot soldiers, but not Premier material. In addition probably seen by the voters as part of the Stelmach legacy.

You really need a candidate from out side the party, the profile would include obviously a conservative, not too right wing more to the moderate side of the party, somebody with lots of experience, highly respected in both Alberta and Ottawa, especially if Alberta boy Harper wins the next election. Most importantly somebody that can bring the Conservative party back to its roots, and as the charisma and the appeal to take on Danielle Smith.

Who has all of those attributes? Who can ensure that the PC’s do not meet the same fate has the Social Credit party of 40 years ago?

Jim Prentice, his suddenly resignation from federal politics three months ago, he carries tremendous respect in Ottawa, he is an Albertan born and bred, he is considered a moderate within the conservative ranks. He would also have the charisma to take on Danielle Smith and the other parties leadership.

I would be interested to hear a better choice.

Another Wildrose MLA?

Check out this story from today's Globe and Mail

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/prairies/alberta-mla-booted-from-caucus-after-criticizing-healthcare-policies/article1809200/

Raj Sherman, Alberta MLA booted from caucus after criticizing healthcare policies.

“What has done has been done,” the premier said

“This is an issue of caucus discipline,” PC whip Robin Campbell

How much longer will steady Eddie last?

New Alberta Cabinet

New cabinet

Deputy premier, Minister of Advanced Education — Doug Horner
(Horner is the newly minted deputy premier, but has held the role of advanced education minister since 2008)
Minister of Finance — Ted Morton (NEW)
Minister of Education, government house leader — Dave Hancock
President of the Treasury Board — Lloyd Snelgrove
Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations — Iris Evans (NEW)
Minister of Energy — Ron Liepert (NEW)
Minister of Transportation — Luke Ouellette
Minister of Sustainable Resource Development — Mel Knight (NEW)
Minister of Justice — Alison Redford
Minister of Environment — Rob Renner
Minister of Health — Gene Zwozdesky (NEW)
Minister of Children and Youth Services — Yvonne Fritz (NEW)
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development — Jack Hayden (NEW)
Minister of Infrastructure — Ray Danyluk (NEW)
Minister of Seniors and Community Supports — Mary Anne Jablonski
Minister of Culture and Community Spirit — Lindsay Blackett
Minister of Service Alberta — Heather Klimchuk
Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation — Cindy Ady
Minister of Municipal Affairs — Hector Goudreau (NEW)
Solicitor General — Frank Oberle (NEW)
Minister of Aboriginal Relations — Len Webber (NEW)
Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs — Jonathan Denis (NEW)
Minister of Employment and Immigration — Thomas Lukaszuk (NEW)

Interesting to see New Minister of Finance Ted Morton what message is Stelmach sending there to the right wing?
Wouldn't the next couple of days be a good time for Boutiller to move over to the Wildrose?

Stelmach in trouble.

Is this the beginning of the end for steady Eddie?
Will more MLA's defect?
Who's next?
Guy Boutillier?
Should MLA's be allowed to switch parties?
What happens next?
Will the Wildrose party win the next election?

Interesting articles:
Stelmach calls for unity after Tory defections http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Stelmach+calls+unity+after+Tory+defections/2407722/story.html

Boutilier mum on plans for his political future
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Boutilier+plans+political+future/2405541/story.html

More defections may be in the wings
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Graham+Thomson+More+defections+wings/2407014/story.html

Provincial Tories Lose Seat

What is this telling us? Or more importantly what is it telling Stelmach?

ELECTION RESULTS
- Paul Hinman, Wildrose Alliance: 4,052, 37%
- Avalon Roberts, Liberal: 3,776, 34%
- Diane Colley-Urquhart, Progressive Conservative: 2,863, 26%
- Eric Carpendale, NDP: 148, 1%
- Len Skowronski, Social Credit: 118, 1%
- Antoni Grochowski, Independent: 71, 1%
Total votes: 11,028
Voter turnout: 40.5%