Airdrie MLA Rob Anderson called on premier designate Jim Prentice on Sept. 9 to identify which riding he will call a by-election in, and run for a seat in the Alberta Legislature.
After taking a commanding lead during the PC leadership election night in Edmonton on Sept. 6, Jim Prentice, 58, was declared premier designate with 77 per cent of the PC vote.
Prentice earned 17,963 votes compared to election rivals Ric McIver with 2,742 votes and Thomas Lukaszuk rounding out the three with just 2,681 votes.
Prentice will be sworn in as Alberta 16th premier in the coming weeks and will run in a by-election to earn a seat in the Legislature.
“Tonight, we begin the work of restoring trust in government – and making Albertans proud of those who serve our province,” Prentice said in his acceptance speech on Sept. 6.
“Tonight, we begin the work of advancing and protecting sound, conservative fiscal principles. And tonight, we begin the work of helping Alberta achieve its remarkable potential and secure our prosperity for generations to come. I cannot do any of this alone but together… Well together we can do all this and more.”
Anderson said he believes Prentice’s run is already showing some signs of “concerns.”
“So far, he’s given away free memberships, the voting irregularities that happened, it’s not giving me a lot of hope,” he said.
It was unknown as of press time when the swearing in would occur.
“If Mr. Prentice does not immediately call a by-election in Calgary-Elbow and run there, he is continuing the PC record of manipulating the political process to ensure an entitled party that is long past its due date maintains its tenuous hold on the reins of power. Sadly, all indications so far suggest he is determined to avoid running in a constituency where he’s not guaranteed a win,” said Anderson.
“Not only is this blatantly undemocratic, it is a gross abuse of taxpayer dollars. Forcing a by-election in a constituency that already has a sitting MLA would cost taxpayers an additional $200,000.”
Anderson said it is “incumbent upon him that he identify immediately which seat he intends to seek so that the other political parties and candidates can take the necessary steps to prepare.”
“If Mr. Prentice refuses to tell Albertans where it is he will seek a seat, it is yet another example of him perpetuating the PC tradition of pulling every political trick in the book to stay in power. If he’s serious about changing the culture of entitlement plaguing every level of the PC government, this is his chance,” Anderson said. “If Mr. Prentice does not do these things, he’s just more of the same – the same old entitled, corrupt PC machine that is bent on manipulating politics in Alberta in a desperate bid to cling to power.”
According to the Alberta PC Party, more than 23,000 votes were cast and recorded by membership carrying PC supporters.
Prentice replaces embattled former premier Alison Redford who resigned on Aug. 6 amid criticism over personal expenses and private and excessive travel on provincial aircraft.
Prentice - former MP for Calgary-Centre North riding and former Aboriginal Affairs Minister – is expected to announce his cabinet in the coming week after his swearing in.
Controversy swirled after Prentice told local media that he would consider appointing non-elected officials to cabinet, a move which is possible under the legislation of the Westminster system.
“I think it’s a slap in the face for Albertans,” said Anderson.
“You don’t get in (to the Legislature) just because of who you know ... you are elected by the voters. To take (the accountability) away from Albertans would be unconstitutional.”
Prentice announced his transition team on Sept. 8 also in Edmonton.
“This is a group of talented, principled, and well respected Albertans who will assist in the transition to a new Progressive Conservative government, and I am honoured to have them on my team” said Prentice.
“Under my leadership we will restore the bond of trust between Albertans and their elected officials, and return to sound conservative fiscal principles.”
Prentice Transition Team includes: Tim Hearn (Chair), Honourable Robin Campbell, Stephen Mandel, Sarah Raiss and Robert Seidel.
