Local MLA and Deputy Premier Doug Horner said he is considering putting his name forward for the upcoming PC leadership race but said he needs to discuss the matter with family before making a final decision.
“I was asked the question whether or not I would consider it and my response honestly is, well yeah, you’re going to consider it but it doesn’t mean I’m going to do it just yet,” Horner said during a break from caucus meetings in Calgary on Wednesday.
“I haven’t even had a chance to talk to my family yet. I’d like to be able to do that and talk to some folks and find out whether or not there is a possibility to do it and then make a decision from there,” said Horner.
Horner, MLA for Spruce Grove-Strugeon-St. Albert, said he was disappointed by Tuesday’s announcement when Premier Ed Stelmach said he wouldn’t seek another term in office.
“I’ve had the honour to serve with him for these past 10 years as an MLA and as a minister, so I was disappointed,” Horner said. “He’s a man who has a tremendous vision, he is a great listener and a great leader.”
“He led us through an economic downturn which this province hasn’t seen and continued to invest in capital and I think history should record the positive,” he added.
Internal sources have indicated Finance Minister Ted Morton, along with several other MLAs were at odds with Stelmach over next year’s draft deficit budget. Morton was reportedly prepared to quit over the issue.
Although he has not announced his intention to run, Morton is touted as the frontrunner in the leadership race.
Making sure the province is positioned for growth is one challenge facing the province in the months ahead, Horner said.
“Making sure that we position ourselves for the future and making sure we are on the right path, which we are,” he said. “Certainly we are in a good position to do that.”
Randy Duguay, president of the St. Albert PC Constituency Association said he isn’t throwing his weight behind any potential candidate just yet.
“I’m not really advocating or suggesting anyone at the moment. I guess I’ll see who comes out. I don’t have anyone at this point,” he said.
Like many Albertans, Duguay said he’ll be watching to see if Morton steps forward.
“We’re probably expecting that he would be thinking to do that. It will be very interesting to see who steps forward,” Duguay said.
He said Stelmach did a lot of good things during his time as leader and he hopes there is some appreciation for his efforts.
“As far as political dynamics are concerned, I think it’s going to make a very interesting election coming up.”
“I think the people of St. Albert can look forward to a good democratic process, I think it’s going to be an interesting election,” he added.
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