Oberle was quoted as saying, “The caucus is part of our party sitting in the legislature. But the government is formed at the cabinet table. Those are all the people responsible for running the government.”

“This is clear evidence that after 40 years of power this government has decayed from its roots,” Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith said.  “The party that touts Peter Lougheed as its heir, a man who believes the will of the caucus trumps cabinet, chooses now to ignore the public at large and the MLAs they elect. I would have thought the current crop of PC leadership candidates would have been quick to distance themselves from this attitude, but it’s clear there is no desire for change.”

Wildrose Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLA Guy Boutilier, himself a casualty of the current government’s disdain for the role of elected MLAs, is not surprised to hear Oberle’s position.

“This is how the party runs. They have absolutely no respect for elected MLAs. This is what happens after 40 years in power, something even former Premier Lougheed said is embarrassing,” Boutilier said. “He understood that MLAs are accountable to constituents, who are our real bosses.”

A Wildrose government will empower elected MLAs by allowing free votes in the Legislature, create a more transparent environment for the public in government decision making, and bring in recall legislation so Albertans can make sure their voice is heard between elections.

For more of our policies on democratic accountability, click here.

The Wildrose Caucus stands for free enterprise, less government, increased personal freedom and democracy. 

For further information or to arrange an interview, media are invited to contact:

Brock Harrison

Director of Communications, Wildrose Caucus

Ph: 780-399-2890