'Chaos, costs, conflict': Notley says UCP leader out of touch with Alberta concerns

EDMONTON -

Alberta's Opposition leader says the province is due for more chaos, costs and conflict after Danielle Smith's victory last night in the United Conservative Party leadership race.

After Smith won the leadership last night in a narrow six-ballot win, the NDP's Rachel Notley says the party will continue to be consumed with its internal bickering instead of bread-and-butter issues like the cost of living.

Notley says Smith, who hasn't yet faced any general voters, has no mandate to impose some of the measures she campaigned on, such as the proposed sovereignty act.

She chided Smith for being scared to run in an already-open Calgary constituency and called on her to declare a byelection in that riding as soon as possible.

Notley says her party is focused on things Albertans actually care about, such as the high cost of living.

She says her party is ready for an election any time.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2022.