Premier Ed Stelmach's surprise announcement that he will be stepping down as premier and will not be seeking re-election is certainly one of the biggest political shakeups to hit Alberta in many years.
And while the Tories have been quick to say the resignation won't impact their ability to lead the province, opposition parties say the opposite is the case.
Whether Albertans in general, and those in West Central Alberta in particular, will benefit from Stelmach's departure remains anyone's guess. What is known is that the run-up to the next provincial election ñ a provincial vote must be held on or before March 2013 ñ now promises to be very interesting indeed.
In announcing his resignation, Stelmach suggested his departure will be seen as an unwelcome surprise for many Albertans.
ìThere is no doubt that my decision today will come as a shock to many and a disappointment to my friends and Albertans,î said Stelmach. ìI am grateful to those who gave me the opportunity to raise integrity and honesty into government for the benefit of all Albertans.î
While most Albertans would probably agree that Stelmach's departure is a big surprise, to call it a ìdisappointmentî depends very much on whom you ask.
For their part, the opposition parties have been quick to say Stelmach's departure is very bad news ñ for the ruling Tories.
ìThe PC Party can change its leader, but it can't change its political stripes,î said NDP leader Brian Mason. ìThe Alberta Tories can't be trusted to protect public health care. They run the least competent government in Canada. That's the real problem.î
Liberal leader Dr. David Swann said Stelmach's departure must not be used as an excuse for the government to ignore important issues facing all Albertans.
ìWe cannot allow this civil war between conservative factions to distract us from timely action for all Albertans on health care, education, and the economy,î said Swann.
Wild Rose Alliance leader Danielle Smith said: ìWhat we are seeing now is the PCs hope that by changing leader they'll be able to change their slide in the polls. I don't think that's going to be the case.î
If the PCs can get their new leader in place without too much fuss and controversy, Stelmach's departure may end up being just a blip on the road to re-election victory in 2013.
If, on the other hand, the leadership race turns out to be a down-and-dirty battle, it may prove to be a golden opportunity for the opposition parties to make significant inroads with voters, including in West Central Alberta.
