It was a day of firsts in the Alberta legislature.
Alberta’s fall legislature session began Monday with a floor crossing, a revitalized opposition and campaign-style attack speeches ahead of an election that is still 18 months away.
Jason Kenney looked on from the Speaker’s gallery — he does not have a seat in the legislature. Kenney named former Wildrose M-L-A Jason Nixon as the new leader directing caucus activities in the legislature in his absence.
Nixon accused Notley’s team of failing to stand up against federal environmental pipeline review changes he said are responsible for the recent scrapping of the transcontinental Energy East pipeline.
The NDP accused the UCP of planning to impose deep cuts on the health system should it win the 2019 election. Health Minister Sarah Hoffman said the result would be shuttered hospitals and severely reduced ambulance services.
Kenney awaits a byelection call in the Calgary Lougheed constituency — Dave Rodney, the U-C-P member for that riding, announced over the weekend he is stepping down to allow Kenney to run.
Brian Jean, who ran against Kenney for the leadership of the UCP, does not have a role in the new party’s leadership team.
He did not attend the pre-session UCP caucus meeting and sat near the end of the front bench during question period, tapping out messages on his phone.
Jean declined to answer questions on what role he wants to play in the United Conservatives or discuss his political future.
Kenney said he’s had a discussion with Jean and will soon be naming critic portfolios.
Also today, former Calgary NDP member Karen McPherson joined the Alberta Party.
That brings to two the number of Alberta Party MLAs — McPherson and Leader Greg Clark.
