If a new political party is created by joining the Wildrose Party and the Progressive Conservatives, that's not the same as crossing the floor to sit with another party, according to Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA and Wildrose Party house leader Nathan Cooper.
In December 2014, nine Wildrose Party MLAs, including then-Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Bruce Rowe and then-party leader Danielle Smith, crossed the floor to sit as members of the Progressive Conservative Party.
The ensuing backlash by the public is believed by some pundits to be part of the reason the then-governing Progressive Conservatives were beaten by the NDP in the 2015 provincial election, ending an approximately 40-year PC reign. In fact, the PCs were reduced to the third party in the legislature, behind the Wildrose Party.
During a visit to Olds late last week, PC leadership candidate Jason Kenney promoted his vision to amalgamate that party and the Wildrose Party. He spoke during the Olds-Didsbury-Three Hils PC annual general meeting. Incidentally, Rowe attended that meeting.
Kenney said once negotiations to merge the two parties were completed, that decision would have to be ratified by members of both parties.
Cooper was asked if such a merger would be the same as crossing the legislature floor, because MLAs in that new party would not have been elected to that position by their constituents; they were elected representing different parties.
“I think the significant difference in that -- compared to anything else that has happened -- is it's not elected officials or myself making a decision as what I think is best for the people, but the people telling me what they would like to see,” said Cooper.
“So I think it's significantly different, but there are a lot of hypotheticals (in that question).”
Cooper said if the Progressive Conservative and Wildrose parties are amalgamated, he'll serve that new entity in any way he can. But if the Wildrose Party does not join the PCs, he'll remain a Wildroser.
“I think at the end of the day, my position has remained the same over quite a period of time, and that's that what is the most important part in this process is the grassroots and Albertans. We need to make sure that Albertans have their say in this process – particularly members,” he said.
“So should the members choose what is on the table – not that there is anything on the table right now, but the hypothetical – then I'm happy to serve in that capacity.”
Kenney said he's hopeful he will be the leader of the new party, should the proposed amalgamation be successful, but he said anyone else – including Wildrose Party Leader Brian Jean would be welcome to run for leader of the new group.
Cooper said he'd support Jean, should he run for leader of that new party.
“At the end of the day, I am a strong supporter of Brian Jean. I think Brian Jean has done an incredible job navigating very tumultuous political waters at a very unique time in Alberta politics,” he said.
“And if there's one thing that I'm more certain about today than ever, it's that politics matters. For many years, people have disengaged from the political process and I think there's a big shining light on the fact that the political process matters.
“We need leaders who put the needs of Alberta ahead of their own needs, who want to truly and genuinely serve Albertans and to try and advance Alberta's interest ahead of their own. I think that's what Brian has done.
“Should the Wildrose members decide to not have the Wildrose Party as we know it and to engage in some sort of new entity, I would support the leader of that new entity, provided that the Wildrose Party didn't exist.”
Generally speaking, house leaders are chosen by party leaders. Cooper said he's enjoyed serving as Wildrose Party house leader and would be happy to serve in that capacity in the new party if it's created.
“I love my job as house leader. I think that it's great to be able to help through the legislative process in Edmonton,” he said.
“I think it's good for the constituency. It allows me the opportunity to connect with many senior officials in the government and communicate on behalf of constituents here in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills.
“It also allows me a lot of time to be inside the chamber and speaking on behalf of constituents and doing what I try to do to the best of my ability, and that is represent the people of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills.”
