Former NDP MLA Karen McPherson has joined the Alberta Party. The Calgary-Mackay-Hose Hill MLA left the governing caucus in early October to sit as an independent.
In a press conference Monday, she said she made that move so she could speak to constituents about her next steps. When McPherson left the NDP, she said she didn’t like how polarizing politics in Alberta are becoming.
“The Alberta Party has seen a tremendous influx of members from diverse backgrounds including former MLAs, volunteers, and members from across all parties since Jason Kenney’s victory was imminent,” says party president Pat Cochrane in a release. “There is a place for centrist, pragmatic, common ground citizens in Alberta; the Alberta Party is that brand of politics.”
McPherson is the second Alberta Party MLA in caucus, along with leader Greg Clark. Clark says he expects they will now get official status in the legislature.
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Story by Erica Fisher.