Brian Jean says PCs will need to work through identity issues before discussing merger
Posted Jul 18, 2016 1:38 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Don’t expect the leader of Alberta’s official opposition party to switch teams.
Wildrose leader Brian Jean says he’s having more talks with members about the “Unite the Right” movement, but there’s no chance he’ll be under the PC banner.
“I’m never crossing the floor, I never have and I never will. That is not who I am,” he said.
Jean argued it’s dangerous for a party, which is a stance he took as the former MP campaigned to enter provincial politics following an exodus of Wildrose members who joined the PCs.
He says it’s time to forgive the Tories for their past mistakes and the idea of consolidating Conservative Albertans was voted on during membership meetings late last year. Jean says it got overwhelming support back then, much before Calgary MP Jason Kenney announced his bid to lead the Alberta PCs on the promise of “Uniting the Right.”
Jean believes the PCs have some identity issues to sort through before a merger is discussed.
“The PCs are not sure who they are or where they are, and who they actually stand up for and what priorities they want to fight for. The PC Party, in my opinion, will be involved in a very divisive battle as they debate their stated pledge at their recent AGM,” Jean state.
The Wildrose says it will be up to its membership to vote if the PCs are worth teaming up with.
