Ahead of a planned news conference with Premier Jim Prentice, the Progressive Conservative caucus confirmed in a press release put an end to rumours of a mass floor-crossing with the names of nine new members of their caucus.

In a release, titled “Progressive Conservative and Wildrose caucus members come together under shared principles”, the governing PCs outlined their nine newest members.

  • Danielle Smith (Highwood) – former Wildrose Leader
  • Rob Anderson (Airdrie) – former Official Opposition House Leader
  • Gary Bikman (Cardston-Taber-Warner)
  • Rod Fox (Lacombe-Ponoka)
  • Jason Hale (Strathmore-Brooks)
  • Bruce McAllister (Chestermere-Rocky View)
  • Blake Pedersen (Medicine Hat)
  • Bruce Rowe (Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills)
  • Jeff Wilson (Calgary-Shaw)

“I have always believed conservatives should be united in bringing our common principles and combined energy to public service,” Prentice said in the news release. “Today, we once again represent the full diversity of voices and regions from across Alberta – north, south, urban and rural.

“Alberta is stronger today with these committed people working together.”

The news came after a long meeting of the PC Caucus, Prentice said support for the new MLAs was strong, but the vote was not unanimous.

“Today we stand together, ready to move on from past partisan rivalries, and lead Alberta with a renewed sense of purpose,” Smith said.

The move leaves five MLAs with the Wildrose Party: Heather Forsyth (Calgary-Fish Creek), Drew Barnes (Cypress-Medicine Hat), Shayne Saskiw (Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills), Rick Strankman (Drumheller-Stettler), and Pat Stier (Livingstone-Macleod).

The current numbers for the Wildrose Party mean it has the same number of MLAs as the Liberal Party.

Shortly after the release was sent out, Speaker Gene Zwozdesky told CTV News he would review precedents, and he would announce the official opposition in the coming days but until any changes are announced, the Wildrose Party remains the Official Opposition.

A statement released by the Wildrose Executive Committee Wednesday afternoon said the party had started the process of selecting a new leader of the party.

Meanwhile, Smith said she hoped more Wildrose MLAs would join her in crossing the floor.

Prentice said there are no plans for a cabinet shuffle at this time.

Lacombe-Ponoka residents react to change

Former Wildrose MLA Rod Fox was one of the defectors announced Wednesday, he represents the Lacombe-Ponoka constituency.

CTV News spoke with some of the residents of that region Wednesday, and reaction was mixed.

One Lacombe resident said the change makes sense, since the governing party and the opposition share relatively similar values.

“I think we have two values that are coming together that are almost the same now,” Business manager Leenell Harding said. “It’s just repetitious to have two separate parties of the same principles.”

Harding said he thinks the Progressive Conservatives with Jim Prentice in charge work for his area.

“He seems to be fiscally responsible, and he knows what he’s doing.”

The Mayor of Lacombe is also optimistic at the change.

“It does nothing but good for myself, in a working relationship with the current government and with my MLA,” Mayor Steve Christie said.

In Ponoka, about 20 minutes north of Lacombe, many appeared to not be as willing to let go of the Wildrose Party.

“You vote for them while they’re for that party, they should stay with that party until the next election,” Resident Harry Warren said.

Another Ponoka resident called Fox’s move ‘wrong’.

The constituency of Lacombe-Ponoka was created in 2003 – and had voted Progressive Conservative before the last provincial election that saw Fox’s election.

With files from Serena Mah and Bill Fortier