Wildrose divided: Fildebrandt breaks with leader, calls for merger with PCs

[riden]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmont...-pcs-1.3898810

Wildrose divided: Fildebrandt breaks with leader, calls for merger with PCs
'There's also been a tension between Fildebrandt and Jean'


Breaking ranks with his own leader, Wildrose MLA Derek Fildebrandt is calling for a merger between his party and the Alberta PCs.

"The NDP are too dangerous, they are too ideological, and too destructive to the future of this province to take chances," Fildebrandt told a Whitecourt radio station Wednesday evening.

"I'm willing to put everything I've accomplished in politics on the line for this."

'I'm not going anywhere,' Alberta Wildrose leader says
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Wildrose leader rejects PC merger in speech to party faithful

Fildebrandt, the MLA for Strathmore-Brooks, said he has heard from his own constituents, from "conservatives of different flavours," and from Wildrose members across Alberta.

"Frankly, I've heard enough," he said. "I think that people are pretty clear. They want a single conservative option to face against the NDP in the next election.

"In 2019, we're going to have a chance to elect a new government in this province, and if I have anything to do with it, that new government is going to be a business-friendly government. We're going to cut taxes, we're going to cut regulations, we're going to cut red tape. We're going to make Alberta open for business again."

Lynden McBeth, news director at Whitecourt station XM105, said Fildebrandt brought up the merger idea in response to a question from the audience. He was speaking to the Whitecourt Chamber of Commerce.

On Thursday, Fildebrandt declined interview requests from CBC.

"I'm just going to let my comments in Whitecourt stand for now, but I really appreciate the offer," he said in a text message.

PC leadership candidate Jason Kenney is campaigning on a platform of uniting the Wildrose and PC to fight the NDP.

In October, Wildrose Leader Brian Jean rejected the idea of a merger with the PCs in a speech to the Wildrose annual general meeting in Red Deer..

"That party still remains confused about its values, its principles and what it stands for. And, right now, their party is rife with uncertainty, division and instability," Jean said, adding it was not time for Wildrose to be distracted by a possible merger and putting the province's future at risk by not being ready for the next election.

"We've already been very successful consolidating conservative-minded Albertans," he said.

A spokesperson for the Wildrose said Jean would not comment on Fildebrandt's remarks.

Duane Bratt, a political scientist at Mount Royal University in Calgary, said Fildebrandt and PC MLA Mike Ellis previously hosted a couple of pub nights to try to bring the two groups together. But those discussions happened before Kenney launched his leadership bid.

"Now it looks like the unification will be around Jason Kenney," Bratt said. "So it seems to be an endorsement of Kenney as opposed to Brian Jean."

Bratt pointed out that Fildebrandt and Jean have clashed in the past.

"There's also been a tension between Fildebrandt and Jean, and observers have thought that Fildebrandt actually wanted Jean's job.

"I don't think he wants Jason Kenney's job. I think he would perfectly happy to work under Jason Kenney. And so that's the news element."

Before the legislative session ended this week, Jean removed Fildebrandt from his position as co-chair of the legislature's public accounts committee.

[rugatika]

When the PC's can field a candidate like Sandra Jansen to run for their leadership I'd say they have some house cleaning to do yet. Fildebrandt may as well be yipping about joining with the NDP.


From where I sit it just looks like more pigs that want a spot at the trough. Not much concern for Alberta that I see.

[Lefty-Canuck]

Unite the right under the Wildrose and Brian Jean...Jason Kenney is new to Alberta politics, he can assume a support role.

LC

[deerhunter]

Time to let these two Sleeping Dog parties self destruct. Without an amalgamation the present government will get re elected! Lets get on board with a new party that has the interests of Albertans and not their own egos. To many old hard liners in both parties. Present government must be just sitting back and laughing their buns off. For they know the more bickering that goes on with the PC's and WR will get the public split on votes and the BIG ORANGE MACHINE will be in for another term!
WAKE UP YOU TWO PARTIES AND GET STRONG UNDER ONE BANNER!!!!!!!!

[rugatika]

If the PC's have any interest in doing what is best for Alberta they shouldn't run any candidates in the next election.


I don't think the NDP stand a chance of winning any seats in the next election, judging by how poorly they're doing in the polls anyway. Last poll I saw they were well behind the Wildrose and PC's. That may change...but I doubt it.

[skidderman]

The Pc's are what caused the mess we are in. To ask me to vote PC again is never going to happen. If they unite then I guess I just won't vote except perhaps if Brian Jean was the leader. I'm conservative to the core but what they did will not be forgotten. You do what you want. I know what I will or won't accept and it won't be another bunch of arrogant conservatives. Federal is a different story though.

[CMichaud]

PCs need to merge with the WR. The WR does not need to merge with the PC.

If the PC can't see this then their egos have not taken the required **** kicking from the last go-round

[Redfrog]

Originally Posted by rugatika

When the PC's can field a candidate like Sandra Jansen to run for their leadership I'd say they have some house cleaning to do yet. Fildebrandt may as well be yipping about joining with the NDP.


From where I sit it just looks like more pigs that want a spot at the trough. Not much concern for Alberta that I see.

The PCs have alot of house cleaning to do, when the best [leadership candidates] is what they are holding up. That Sandra Jansen was a real peach.

Fildebrandt sounds more and more opportunistic all the time. It appears he just wants the best deal........................................for him.

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by rugatika

If the PC's have any interest in doing what is best for Alberta they shouldn't run any candidates in the next election.

Hate to break it to ya Ruga, but it's the Wildrose that won't be running any candidates in the next election.

When Kenny wins the PC Leadership, Wildrose will collapse. Merger is a formality, and probably even unnecessary. There will be 30 other WR MLA's like this guy jumping ship to Kenny's party. They want jobs, hopefully cabinet jobs. Jean's a nice guy, but he doesn't stand a chance against Kenney.

[CMichaud]

Originally Posted by Okotokian

Hate to break it to ya Ruga, but it's the Wildrose that won't be running any candidates in the next election.

When Kenny wins the PC Leadership, Wildrose will collapse. Merger is a formality, and probably even unnecessary. There will be 30 other WR MLA's like this guy jumping ship to Kenny's party. They want jobs, hopefully cabinet jobs. Jean's a nice guy, but he doesn't stand a chance against Kenney.

You may be right but we will have to see.

I am not sure Kenny is the savior that some think he is. Also, it is not just an issue of selecting a new leader and we're back in the game....there has been a loss of trust in the PC party/establishment itself. It is for this reason that they may be better to fall in under a Wildrose banner instead of vice versa.

Maybe Danielle will be back for another run too!

[rugatika]

Originally Posted by Okotokian

Hate to break it to ya Ruga, but it's the Wildrose that won't be running any candidates in the next election.

When Kenny wins the PC Leadership, Wildrose will collapse. Merger is a formality, and probably even unnecessary. There will be 30 other WR MLA's like this guy jumping ship to Kenny's party. They want jobs, hopefully cabinet jobs. Jean's a nice guy, but he doesn't stand a chance against Kenney.

Maybe I'll vote NDP as a throw away vote. What's the worst that can happen? No way they'll get in again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtVH76crNZc


Seriously, I'm hoping that "those kind of Wildrosers" got cleaned out of the party during the last ship jumping event. It would be funny if they did it again and the Alberta Liberals got elected.

[urban rednek]

What Derek Fildebrandt doesn't understand is that the PC Party of Alberta hasn't been conservative for over a decade; the executive has been infiltrated by socialist progressives. It was obviously leaning that way when the party executive decided to change the election rules to put Ed Stelmach in as party leader in 2006. It went downhill from there, culminating in the party members electing Alison Redford as leader in 2011. Really? A lawyer whose background included working for the EU and a special appointment for the UN?
Remember her motto for the 2012 election: "This isn't your daddy's PC party"? The party executive and members promoted that statement, much to the consternation of the conservative members of the party, who were derided as akin to dinosaurs?
I believe that Brian Jean gets that; he understands that there is no point in merging with a party that is controlled by socialist conservatives. Until the PC Party of Alberta does a thorough house cleaning, they do not deserve to be called conservative. Ergo, there is no "right" to unite.

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by urban rednek

What Derek Fildebrandt doesn't understand is that the PC Party of Alberta hasn't been conservative for over a decade; the executive has been infiltrated by socialist progressives. It was obviously leaning that way when the party executive decided to change the election rules to put Ed Stelmach in as party leader in 2006. It went downhill from there, culminating in the party members electing Alison Redford as leader in 2011. Really? A lawyer whose background included working for the EU and a special appointment for the UN?
Remember her motto for the 2012 election: "This isn't your daddy's PC party"? The party executive and members promoted that statement, much to the consternation of the conservative members of the party, who were derided as akin to dinosaurs?
I believe that Brian Jean gets that; he understands that there is no point in merging with a party that is controlled by socialist conservatives. Until the PC Party of Alberta does a thorough house cleaning, they do not deserve to be called conservative. Ergo, there is no "right" to unite.

I tend to agree with much of your assessment, but when Kenney gets in he will either change that, or sell the impression that he has changed that. Few mistake Jason Kenney for a liberal.

[pdog15]

There has to be a whole lot more than just "uniting the right to defeat the NDP"
It's about time we starting hearing a whole lot of the "more" if we are to believe that the "new" PC way is any different than the "old". The old PC way - all about power first and then let the policies/actions happen along the way. Still far to many Liberal-Lite remaining in the PC, imo. How does Kenney et al change this after serving 25 plus years in Ottawa and pretty much becoming Liberal-Lite in practice. Funny how all the aspirants from whatever spectrum claim to fiscally conservative and socially progressive. What does this even mean anymore?

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by pdog15

There has to be a whole lot more than just "uniting the right to defeat the NDP"
It's about time we starting hearing a whole lot of the "more" if we are to believe that the "new" PC way is any different than the "old". The old PC way - all about power first and then let the policies/actions happen along the way. Still far to many Liberal-Lite remaining in the PC, imo. How does Kenney et al change this after serving 25 plus years in Ottawa and pretty much becoming Liberal-Lite in practice. Funny how all the aspirants from whatever spectrum claim to fiscally conservative and socially progressive. What does this even mean anymore?

Well if you think the Harper government was Liberal-light, I don't think you are going to be happy with any party that has the capability to win an election, though in the post-Trump era, I'm hesitant to say that anyone can't win. LOL

[brazeau]

Originally Posted by Lefty-Canuck

Unite the right under the Wildrose and Brian Jean...Jason Kenney is new to Alberta politics, he can assume a support role.

LC

Not to argue but sorry Lefty, Jason Kenney is not new to Alberta Politics. He's been a sitting Member of Parliament elected in Calgary Southeast and Midnapore continuously since 1997 or 19 years. Brian Jean was a sitting Member of Parliament in Ft. McMurray-Athabasca from 2004 to 2014 or 10 years and has only been in provincial politics for the last 1 1/2 years. Jason Kenney might not be your choice but he's as qualified as your man or more.

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by Lefty-Canuck

Unite the right under the Wildrose and Brian Jean...Jason Kenney is new to Alberta politics, he can assume a support role.

LC

You are RIGHT!!!! Kenney is new. Before Jean became Wildrose leader he was...... uhhhh a Federal Conservative MP... like Kenney.... but with less seniority and no cabinet experience.

I'm not trying to be hard on Jean. I like him. He just doesn't have the backing of his own members, and it's highly unlikely he can out fundraise or debate Kenney. Kenney is already pulling in Wildrosers.

[Redfrog]

What has Kenney done for Alberta interests? I know he worked hard and did some good in immigration, but this is a different gig.


And Urban Redneck , you made some good points.

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by Redfrog

What has Kenney done for Alberta interests? I know he worked hard and did some good in immigration, but this is a different gig.
.

Not sure I could point to anything Jean has done. Obviously nothing since he came back from Ottawa as he hasn't been in power here. I'd say Kenney's work in various cabinet positions and as leader of the Alberta, and later Canadian, Taxpayers Federations, was more impactful.

And how come you never say I make good points??????


Oh, I get it... because I don't. LOL

[Sooner]

Originally Posted by CMichaud

PCs need to merge with the WR. The WR does not need to merge with the PC.

If the PC can't see this then their egos have not taken the required **** kicking from the last go-round

Agree. Get behind the official opposition and make a united front. Fildebrant seems like he don't tow the line very well.

[CMichaud]

Originally Posted by Okotokian

Kenney is already pulling in Wildrosers.

Yep....didn't Prentice also have some crossers before the collapse?

[Redfrog]

Originally Posted by CMichaud

Yep....didn't Prentice also have some crossers before the collapse?

Yeah it worked so well last time, let's do it again.

People like Smith, and Jansen and it looks like Fildebrandt seem to be interested in themselves and not the province.

PC needs to clean house or risk getting sent to the bush with the NDP.

they misread the voters last time. I how they are smarter now.

[AB2506]

I belong to both the PCs and the Wildrose. Not happy with either.

The PCs are very confused and many think that after this hiatus from power, the electorat will return them to power. That may have been true with the Ralph Klein or Peter Lougheed Tories, but not the idiots from the last decade. I get weekly newsletters that describe what the caucus has been up to. I'm telling you, most of the remaining MLAs have no clue what "conservative" means. They aren't really fiscally conservative and they definitely are not socially conservative. Sandra (and other) didn't miss too many Pride parades or non gender specific public bathroom openings etc etc. I'm sure she will be more comfortable in the NDP. What is surprising, is that someone thought that she should run for leader of the party? Really? Unbelieveable. Without a major change, they are doomed.

Their only hope is Jason Kenney. If he can get chosen as leader and if he can unite the right in whatever form that may be.

Brian Jean has some good points and he certainly works hard and keeps the NDP's feet to the fire. However, he is not growing the party and he does not get any good press from the press. Lately he has been inserting his foot in his mouth every other week starting about the time he "joked" about beating Notley up. Stupid, stupid move. He will likely never be electable as leader of a party.

Now neither party has enough and shows no signs of growing enough to get elected next election and this situation could and likely will allow the NDP to get elected again.

Likely both parties must swallow their pride and the parties collapsed into a new party, much like the federal PCs and Reform formed the Conservatives.
Jason Kenney may be the guy to run that.

That is the way I see it.

[JustMe]

Originally Posted by CMichaud

PCs need to merge with the WR. The WR does not need to merge with the PC.



If the PC can't see this then their egos have not taken the required **** kicking from the last go-round

Too many egos in the way for that to happen. Both leaders feel they should be Premier, then Firebrandt (real loose canon, that boy. The sooner he's gone the better for everyone) does this. They're all screwed me thinks and shaping up to self destruct.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Redfrog]

The consensus seems to be that the PC learned nothing yet from being sent to purgatory [no offence].

If that doesn't change then they will not form the next gov't.

[rugatika]

http://www.threehundredeight.com/p/alberta.html

Wildrose: 34%
NDP: 27.6%
PC: 27.1%


Weighted averages updated on Dec 9, 2016

[KGB]

Originally Posted by AB2506

I belong to both the PCs and the Wildrose. Not happy with either.

The PCs are very confused and many think that after this hiatus from power, the electorat will return them to power. That may have been true with the Ralph Klein or Peter Lougheed Tories, but not the idiots from the last decade. I get weekly newsletters that describe what the caucus has been up to. I'm telling you, most of the remaining MLAs have no clue what "conservative" means. They aren't really fiscally conservative and they definitely are not socially conservative. Sandra (and other) didn't miss too many Pride parades or non gender specific public bathroom openings etc etc. I'm sure she will be more comfortable in the NDP. What is surprising, is that someone thought that she should run for leader of the party? Really? Unbelieveable. Without a major change, they are doomed.

Their only hope is Jason Kenney. If he can get chosen as leader and if he can unite the right in whatever form that may be.

Brian Jean has some good points and he certainly works hard and keeps the NDP's feet to the fire. However, he is not growing the party and he does not get any good press from the press. Lately he has been inserting his foot in his mouth every other week starting about the time he "joked" about beating Notley up. Stupid, stupid move. He will likely never be electable as leader of a party.

Now neither party has enough and shows no signs of growing enough to get elected next election and this situation could and likely will allow the NDP to get elected again.

Likely both parties must swallow their pride and the parties collapsed into a new party, much like the federal PCs and Reform formed the Conservatives.
Jason Kenney may be the guy to run that.

That is the way I see it.

I have to agree with you here. Kenney is the only person at this moment that can unite the conservative movement. I do like Brian too but just like you said, he is too "weak" for this role. PC have to do the major clean up thou...

[schmedlap]

some of you have the political smarts of ... well, you just clearly have no historical perspective or practical knowledge of the "game".

The ND's are not politically stupid. They are idealogically stubborn and stupid. But, politically, they are on the verge of having finished ramming all the "surprise" unpopular stuff down our throats in the early stages of their guaranteed term, and, you watch, over the next 2 years or so they will play the game of buying off as many opponents as possible and dividing the opposition as equally as possible. If the PC's and WR do not largely unite, it will quite possibly be exactly the same situation as the federal scene of the 90's and early 2000's over again. They will get in with their "hard" 35% again and again, while the "right" beat each other up over pretty minor differences, in over-all societal terms.

I like all of Brian, Jason, and Derek. No one is proposing an undemocratic merger. Jason and Derek (now apparently) are proposing a merger into a new party if and when the membership of both old parties is majority on board. Brian is, very effectively and with considerable honor, doing his job, as leader of WR, of promoting WR, and perhaps being quite honest about his own preferences - but he is not by any means dying on the hill of ruling out merger.

In the event of a "merger" (however one wants to frame the process), the PC component will shed the Liberanos who very cleverly hijacked the party to put Redfraud in charge. If anyone here thinks that component really represents the core of that party, you are wrong. The WR component will shed the small percentage fringe shrill one issue idiots, who can all go back to labelling themselves with some tilt at windmills label. Neither component will largely go to the ND's, per se, and they are a very small loss. The united front is one that will have the vast majority of both components - a fairly "center right" tent in which the members will not always agree on everything (what else is new?), but will have the democratic right to express and propound their positions, while having to learn to accept, in practical political terms, not always getting their way.

How many here are aware that Ralph Klein was officially, for many years, a "Liberal" before he was recruited to run for MLA under the PC banner? Well, in terms of the times, he was a fiscal conservative and a social liberal - but not a milquetoast pc social liberal, rather a realistic one. That is THE most winning combination in political terms in AB, and the one that, IMHO, has produced by far our best governments, both provincially and federally.

Or, you can all keep pounding little narrow idealogical or vengeful drums and ignoring the big picture, and then potentially spend another many years whining and agonizing about the results (?). Great news for all our kids (?), which is what I care about.

[justsomeguy]

Reality is JK's plan is to ditch the left 25% of the PC party (otherwise know as Liberals in any other province), and WR is going to have to lose 10-15% of their far right end......throw the two together with JK as leader, Derek as second in command, come up with a platform that is right of centre both socially and fiscally and you have a party that will pull in 40-45% of the vote in the province.

Reality is PC-leaning big city folk will never go all in with WR as they fear the right fringe of the WR, just as WR rural folks won't go all in with PC as they fear the left fringe of the PC party. The majority of AB is right-centre and that is where the big tent needs to focus. Let those on the left who took over the PC party drift back to the Libs/AB Party and those on the far right drift back to their traditional protest vote far right fringe parties.

[raab]

If Fildebrandt wants to go to the PC's he can. He just has to pay his fee and good riddance. I thought we were past the floor crossing but apparently not. Also no surprise the PC's are as slimy as ever.