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Some lament death of storied PC party after historic vote

Jul 24, 2017 | 6:24 AM

EDMONTON — It’s been a tough time for some Alberta Progressive Conservatives as this weekend’s historic merger vote means the effective end of their storied party.

Former PC president Katherine O’Neill says she has heard from many members and volunteers who are coming to terms with the fact the PC name is no longer part of Alberta’s political scene.

PC members and the Wildrose party voted overwhelmingly this weekend to join forces as the new United Conservative Party.

The PCs were one of Canada’s great political parties, governing Alberta for almost 44 consecutive years until defeated by Premier Rachel Notley and the NDP in 2015.

O’Neill has since left the PCs and says she and others believe the new conservative entity will tack too far right on social issues.

Wildrose Leader Brian Jean, who will run for the leadership of the new party, says history and legacies are important but notes they can’t supersede what’s best for conservatives and for Albertans.