Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley speaks at previous press conference at the Red Deer Regional Hospital. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Alberta NDP forms official opposition; releases statement following election results

May 30, 2023 | 10:41 AM

Declared the Official Opposition following Monday’s provincial election results, Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley says she promises to hold the UCP government accountable and fight for a better future for all Albertans.

Full Election Coverage: Alberta Votes 2023

“I feel tremendous gratitude and pride in the people of Alberta—those who stood up and put their support behind a better future.” said Notley, as the party won at least 35 of 87 seats on election night.

“Although we did not achieve the outcome we wanted, we took a major step toward it. The unprecedented growth of our party through this campaign is a warm light, one that gives me so much optimism for the work to come.”

NDP MLAs were elected by Albertans across the province, including the first Indigenous woman to the Legislature, Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse in Edmonton-Rutherford, and the first Black woman to the Legislature, Rhiannon Hoyle in Edmonton-South.

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Notley thanked party volunteers and supporters, and promised to continue fighting for the priorities of Albertans, including fixing public health care, lowering the cost of living, and growing the economy.

She encouraged supporters to continue building inroads for the future of the party.

“My friends, let me be clear, now is not the time to let up. Now is the time to step up and to do the work that has been asked of us,” she said.

“The challenges facing Alberta—economic, environmental, and social—require dedication and determination. We will bring that to Alberta’s Legislature tirelessly.

“We must remain committed to the issues that matter most: rebuilding our public health care, supporting the well-being of our communities, protecting our mountains, our pensions, and our kids’ education, all while ensuring our economy works for everyone, not just those at the top.

“To my fellow Albertans, we will be your voice when this government refuses to listen.”

Leader John Roggeveen of the Alberta Liberal party also issued a reaction statement.

“I want to congratulate Premier Smith. The people of Alberta have seen fit to award the UCP another four years to govern. I respect the wisdom of the electorate and hope this new government serves Albertans well,” he said.

The Liberal party, had 15 nominated candidates, none in Red Deer; however, did not win any seats,

“Alberta Liberals will not just be hoping, however. We will be holding the government, and the official opposition, to account. And we will continue the hard work of rebuilding alongside the Albertans who have joined our party over the course of this campaign.

“For us tomorrow isn’t the day after the election. It’s the first day in the next phase of our rebuild. And Alberta Liberals are ready to get to work.

“We will continue to focus on creating jobs, making life more affordable, improving education, and fixing the healthcare crisis. We will work constructively with the government to offer solutions. And we will hold them accountable when necessary.

“In this campaign, we set out to give Albertans the better choice they deserve. That goal doesn’t change tomorrow. Or the day after that.

“Join us in our rebuild and let’s give Albertans something to vote for, instead of against, next election–to secure for all Albertans a better, more prosperous, future.”