EDMONTON – A former high-profile Alberta Tory has announced he is joining the Wildrose Alliance as an advisor to leader Danielle Smith.
Lyle Oberg was a Tory member of the legislature for 15 years under premiers Ralph Klein and Ed Stelmach, was a cabinet minister for 11 years and was Stelmach’s finance minister for a time.
He stepped down from politics by choosing not to seek re-election in March 2008.
Oberg says he can no longer support the Alberta Tories, especially after the party recently filed its fourth deficit budget in a row.
He says for those who were involved in the efforts under Klein to achieve a balanced budget in the province, it was "kind of a slap in the face."
He says he also takes issue with the Tory decision to appoint a single superboard to handle the province’s healthcare.
"It seems this government does not want to make any hard decisions," Oberg says. "When I see all the dollars that we had saved over the last while all of a sudden disappear, it’s really disconcerting.
"I’ve held my tongue … but there comes a tipping point."
Oberg says he could not support any of those in the Tory party who have stepped forward to say they will run to become premier when Stelmach steps down after the next party leadership race is held.
"I feel that Danielle is a good, fresh voice in Alberta. I like what she is saying, I like the way she is saying it, and I like the idea that she is actually listening to people."
He says he sees the Wildrose Alliance as a desirable mix – fiscally conservative and socially protective.
"We all want more dollars in our pocket, we all want to use the least amount of dollars for government, yet we want to protect those that need it."
Despite that, he says he has made it clear to Smith that he will not run for office.
"I’ve been in there for 15 years and I believe it’s time for younger people to be in. I believe it’s time for people who have the ache in their belly to run. I really see Danielle having that."
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