Tories extend dynasty in Alberta

What was supposed to be a day where a changing of the guard was to happen in Alberta, ended with deja vu.

In a report by the Montreal Gazette, the provincial election in Alberta held on Monday did not produce the upset previously reported.

Despite opinion polls that predicted that Danielle Smith and her Wildrose party would win, the Progressive Conservatives extended their hold on power to 41 years in Canada's most conservative province. Although not  final, the Edmonton Journal reported late Monday evening that the PC won 44 per cent of the popular vote compared to the 34.5 per cent of the vote racked up by the Wildrose party.

A long 28 day campaign in Alberta resulted in moments that will be remembered for its nastiness. The Wildrose were at the heart of the nastiness when a controversial statement concerning racial identity and gay rights was made by a Calgary candidate of the party.

The results enable Alison Redford to remain the Premier of Alberta. She keeps her post and extends the third longest political dynasty in Canada to date behind only the Nova Scotia Liberals and the Conservatives from Ontario.

The NDP with 4 ridings won and the Liberals with 3 ridings won finished third and fourth respectively when the results were released at 9pm local time.

Flickr photo by: dave.cournoyer