Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock MLA Glenn van Dijken says he is happy with the document that spells out the process for the potential unification of the Wildrose Party and Progressive Conservatives (PCs).
“I am happy that this is out in the open. You might remember that others tried to do this behind closed doors and that this was not a very successful endeavor,” said van Dijken, referring to the 2014 floor-crossing by former Wildrose leader Danielle Smith and seven other Wildrose MLAs.
“But when we as elected officials keep everything above board, open and transparent, I think that serves the people well, and I’m happy with how this is proceeding.”
On May 18, Wildrose leader Brian Jean and PC leader Jason Kenney signed an agreement in principle that proposes the merger of both parties into a new United Conservative Party (UCP).
However, before the merger can take place, it will first have to be ratified by the memberships of both parties in a referendum in July.
In an interview the day of the announcement, van Dijken noted several times that the agreement in principle preserves the aspect of the Wildrose Party where the membership was in full control of how the party ran.
“The agreement protects the foundation of our member-driven party,” he said, adding that it also protects the assets of the Wildrose.
“I look forward to growing the party and continuing to have membership in the driver’s seat.”
When asked if he thought the membership of both parties will indeed vote for unification, van Dijken indicated he was “just one person” and couldn’t speak for everyone else in the Wildrose party.
However, he said he thought the majority of people in Alberta believe in the right of individuals to live and prosper without having to deal with undue government influence.
“I am happy with the document. Is it everything that I dream of? No,” he said, noting there were some things he thought the membership would decide upon down the road.
When asked who he would favour as the leader of the new party, he indicated that they could decide that once they voted upon unification.
However, he said, “I have to commend Brian Jean on being very open to this process and putting his job on the line. At the end of the day, this definitely reflects on his character. He puts Alberta before himself on this issue.
“I’m happy that we’re moving in a direction where politicians and elected officials are putting their own self-interests aside and are willing to be part of an open leadership campaign,” he added.
van Dijken indicated the process by which members will vote on unification — whether through meetings hosted by constituency associations or perhaps some kind of mail-in ballot — hasn’t been decided yet. However, the process will respect the principle of one member equaling one vote.
When asked about the possibility of non-conservatives purchasing memberships to influence the process, van Dijken said that’s always a concern.
“I believe that if the conservative-minded people want to be part of the process, then they need to buy a membership and ensure that they outnumber anybody that tries to infiltrate the party,” he said.
For more on the merger between the PC and Wildrose party, see Page 2 of this week’s print or e-edition of the Town & Country.
