Watch above: The leadership race is being met with mixed reaction from voters. While the opposition is congratulating Jim Prentice on his victory, they’re downplaying the next leader’s claim that it’s a new beginning for the PC Party. Gary Bobrovitz explains.
EDMONTON — Supporters and critics offered warnings and well wishes as Jim Prentice became leader of the PC party Saturday, and Alberta’s next premier.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper was quick to congratulate him.
“I look forward to working with Mr. Prentice on issues of importance for Albertans and all Canadians, including the economy, responsible resource development and job creation,” he said in a statement.
Alberta Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith also sent a congratulatory message, saying she looks forward to working with Prentice and “holding his government to account.”
“Mr. Prentice has a tremendous road ahead of him in order to rebuild trust with Albertans and get a grip on a government that has spiraled out of control. Albertans will now look to him to start repairing the government’s damaged reputation and making progress on the many challenges we face as a province.”
WATCH: Wildrose leader Danielle Smith weighs in on Jim Prentice’s win
Brian Mason, who will soon step down as leader of the Alberta NDP, said he hopes Prentice’s years of political experience will serve him well “in the rocky road that lies ahead” for the PCs.
“The Progressive Conservatives have voted in a new leader but the party itself cannot change its political stripes,” said Mason.
“It is my hope that now that this leadership race is over we can return our focus to the issues that matter to Albertans, and away from the petty mud-slinging and infighting that we’ve seen from the PCs over the last few months.”
Several others took to Twitter to congratulate Prentice, including the mayors of Edmonton and Calgary who just days ago criticized all three leadership candidates for their relationships with their respective cities.
The PC party’s executive director said between 40,000 and 45,000 new memberships were sold during the run up to the leadership election. In total, 23,000 votes were cast.
READ MORE: Jim Prentice takes vast majority of 23,000 votes cast to become Alberta’s premier-designate
While Prentice came out on top with a vast majority of the votes, political experts said he has a tough road ahead.
It wasn’t the result candidates Thomas Lukaszuk and Ric McIver had hoped for, but both men said they will continue to serve Albertans.
McIver says he will run again as a PC in 2016.
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