By Mabell, Dave on December 18, 2014.
Dave Mabell
LETHBRIDGE HERALD
dmabell@lethbridgeherald.com
Premier Jim Prentice describes it as "united leadership." But a Lethbridge political scientist says nothing like the massive defection of Wildrose MLAs has never happened before in Canadian political life.
Not since Confederation – nearly 150 years ago – have the majority of Official Opposition members in any province abandoned their duties and joined the governing party, says Faron Ellis.
"It's unprecedented in Canadian history."
It could probably happen only in Alberta, he adds, because of this province's "near monopoly" of political power. But Ellis, political science instructor at Lethbridge College, says the actions taken by former Wildrose leader Danielle Smith and eight of her caucus members are bound to anger and alienate many Albertans.
Everyday citizens who donated to Wildrose campaigns, who attended meetings or volunteered to help may feel they've been duped.
"They have every right to feel betrayed," Ellis says.
When politicians lambaste their opponents, then join them a little later, Ellis says, it's not surprising that voters become cynical or simply give up on the political process.
He may see today just how disillusioned Wildrose members in Lethbridge have become after nine of their 14 MLAs jumped ship, Ellis said. The Lethbridge East constituency – where he's considered seeking a Wildrose nomination – is scheduled to meet this evening.
"Now everything has changed," for party executive members as well as would-be candidates. One of the first questions, Ellis points out, is whether party members want to consider Smith's suggestion they abandon the Wildrose cause.
During a late-afternoon press conference alongside Prentice, Smith called on Wildrose officials to merge their party with the long-ruling Progressive Conservatives.
"I'll see what they have to say about that."
Ellis expects many will agree with Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier, the sole remaining Wildrose MLA in southwestern Alberta. His Little Bow colleague, Ian Donovan crossed the floor of the legislature late last month, while Cardston-Taber-Warner member Gary Bikman became one of the nine who quit Wildrose ranks Wednesday.
If MLAs are going to change sides, Stier said before Smith's resignation as leader, they should quit and then seek voter approval in a byelection.
"The procedure that has been pursued by some of my Wildrose caucus members would appear not to have provided the electorate such an opportunity," Stier said in a posting on Facebook.
"I cannot support it," he stated. "Instead, I intend to remain in the seat that the electorate placed me in, as a Wildrose MLA."
With just five Wildrose members remaining, Ellis points out, the party may no longer lay claim to the "official opposition" status. The Alberta Liberals have five MLAs as well, while the New Democrats have four.
An earlier Wildrose defector, Joe Anglin currently sits as the legislature's only independent MLA. Remaining members may want to bring him back into the fold.
"Maybe he'll be the swing vote," Ellis suggests.
He expects the Wildrose executive will soon meet with its remaining MLAs to name an interim leader. Whoever they select could be facing daunting challenges.
"These are extraordinary circumstances for all concerned."
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