Jean says Wildrose and NDP could work together
Wildrose Leader Brian Jean would work with the NDP if Albertans elect a minority government May 5, but he said his refusal to compromise on taxes would likely make a formal coalition impossible.
Both the Wildrose and New Democrats share similarities because both parties are “disgusted” by the direction the Progressive Conservatives have taken, Jean told the Journal’s editorial board meeting Tuesday.
“I think we could work well with the NDP on some issues,” Jean said.
Public opinion polls indicate Rachel Notley’s New Democrats on the verge of sweeping Edmonton, while the Wildrose is popular in ridings outside urban centres. Polls suggest Jim Prentice’s PCs have a slight edge over their opponents in Calgary, but a large number of undecided voters could lead to a minority government.
Jean said his steadfast refusal to introduce new taxes or hikes would likely rule out a formal coalition government with any party.
“It would probably be issue by issue and then we’d have to present a budget,” Jean said. “Whether they agree with that budget or not is the question.”
Speaking in Calgary, Notley welcomed her Wildrose counterpart’s openness to work together to ban corporate and union donations and to clean up government.
“In terms of working together, we have not had a particularly functional legislative assembly for the last few years. The revolving door of PC drama has made it less and less effective,” Notley said.
Both Jean and Notley said the Tory regime is crumbling, while Progressive Conservative Leader Jim Prentice warned of the dangers of either party taking power.
“Their time is coming to an end,” Jean said during a stop in Calgary.
Notley also announced her party would reverse funding cuts to provincial apprenticeship funding. Liberal interim leader David Swann, meanwhile, pledged to spend millions of dollars to bolster long-term and home care for seniors.
Earlier in the day, Prentice assailed the Wildrose and NDP financial platforms.
Prentice told the Calgary Herald editorial board the two parties have not put forward credible plans to deal with an $18-billion revenue hole in the province’s finances caused by low oil prices.
Polls during the race have indicated a close three-way contest, with the possibility of a minority government in the air. Prentice wouldn’t talk about the prospect of teaming up with either party in a minority government.
“I’m running to form a majority Conservative government, and I think what this province needs right now, more than anything else, is stability and leadership because we are in uncharted waters,” he said.