On Dec. 22 the Wildrose Opposition announced Calgary-Fish Creek MLA Heather Forsyth as new interim leader and released an updated critic roster.
The announcement has been fully endorsed by all MLAs of the Wildrose Caucus after being passed by members of the party’s executive committee.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this endorsement from my colleagues. Albertans can be assured our team is united in purpose and solidified in our commitment to serve,” Forsyth said. “We want to send a clear message to Albertans right across the province: we are here to fight for Alberta, we are here to earn your trust, and never before has Alberta been more in need of the values and principles the Wildrose stands for.”
Forsyth will be joined by a re-energized Wildrose Caucus, focused on providing a principled, fiscally conservative and a dedicated opposition.
Forsyth said she will spend her time as interim leader building up support from Albertans from every corner of the province.
“We’re here to hold the PC government accountable, we’re here to fight and we’re here to win,” Forsyth said. “I am ready to roll up my sleeves with our incredible Wildrose team and continue our work of getting real and tangible results for all Albertans.”
Forsyth will continue in her previous role as Health and Seniors Critic.
Wildrose Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes will serve as the new Caucus Whip, while picking up the new roles as Finance, Human Services, Education and Innovation and Advanced Education Critic.
“Albertans want an unwavering, fiscally conservative voice in the Legislature. This means establishing needs before wants, targeting wasteful spending, and achieving more effective and efficient government,” Barnes said. “There is much work to be done to protect our most vulnerable, get back to basics for our kids and work on ideas to have Alberta the centre of innovation across Canada. I have never been more ready for the task ahead.”
Serving as the new Wildrose House Leader will be Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills MLA Shayne Saskiw. His other duties will include Critic for Justice and Solicitor General, Energy, Environment, International and Intergovernmental Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Executive Council.
“We are renewed, refocused and strong as an opposition,” Saskiw said. “I am dedicated for sticking up for all Albertans and fighting for the needs and priorities of communities from across the province in my new role.”
Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier will serve as the Wildrose Critic for Infrastructure, Transportation, Municipal Affairs and Sustainable Resource Development.
“Communities across the province are facing the demands of growth and mismanaged spending on infrastructure,” Stier said. “I will work harder than ever before to advocate for Wildrose ideas and Albertans.”
Agriculture, Service Alberta, Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour and Culture and Tourism will be listed under Wildrose Drumheller-Stetter MLA Rick Strankman’s Critic portfolio.
“These departments need a renewed voice, and a party of individuals ready to speak on the issues,” Strankman said. “Our work begins today of building an even better Alberta.”