“My name is Rachel Notley, and I want to thank you for electing me as your premier.”
Those words from Alberta's NDP leader and premier-designate concluded her victory speech and capped a historic day that saw the province elect its first social democratic government.
As of midnight Mountain Time, the Alberta NDP was leading or elected in 53 of Alberta’s 87 seats, a comfortable majority government secured with more than 40 per cent of the popular vote.
This marks an end to the Progressive Conservatives' 44-year political rule. Premier Jim Prentice resigned as both party leader and MLA during his concession speech Tuesday evening, after being elected in the riding of Calgary-Foothills.
“My contribution to public life is now at an end,” Prentice said.
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The Wildrose Party finished second with 20 seats, mainly in rural areas, and will form the Official Opposition. In his electoral speech, despite not forming the government, party leader Brian Jean restated that he will not raise taxes, a line he repeated often in the leaders' debate.
The Liberals and the Alberta Party were each elected to one seat.
Ricochet will have more news and analysis throughout this week on Alberta's historic election and its wider ramifications for Canadian politics.
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