Watch above: For the first time since two Wildrose MLAs crossed the floor and joined the PCs, leader Danielle Smith answers questions on the issue.
EDMONTON – Alberta Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith is confident no more MLAs from her party will be leaving to join the Progressive Conservatives.
Smith answered questions about the Wildrose defections for the first time Wednesday, after reading a prepared statement Monday afternoon, but declining to respond to questions.
“It’s not been a great month for our party,” she said. “There have been ups and downs… This is the nature of how things go sometimes.”
On Monday, two Wildrose MLAs, Kerry Towle and Ian Donovan, crossed the floor to join the PCs. On Tuesday, former Wildrose MLA (now Independent) Joe Anglin said he knew of several more party members who were thinking about jumping ship.
On Wednesday, Wildrose MLA Jason Hale told Global News he had considered crossing the floor but ultimately decided to stay the course.
WATCH: Constituents react to MLAs’ decision to cross over to the PCs
Global News sat down with Smith and asked if she’s confident the Wildrose has seen the last of MLAs crossing the floor.
“Yes,” Smith replied.
When asked about Anglin’s statement, she responded quickly.
“I’m not going to comment on rumours from an individual who’s clearly just seeking attention.”
Smith said losing Towle was difficult both professionally and personally.
“Obviously, Kerry Towle was a friend and I think she did a great job representing our most vulnerable, representing seniors. We’re going to continue on in that regard.”
“The sad part is they’ve taken a very effective voice and now muzzled her by having her in the PC caucus.”
“You lose your voice for your constituents and you lose your voice to advocate,” Smith added.
She said she found out about Towle’s decision along with everyone else when it was reported in the media.
“She never talked to me beforehand.”
(Watch below: Danielle Smith has now addressed questions about Wildrose party unity. Fletcher Kent sits down with the leader following two defections.)
Despite the rough week, Smith said the Wildrose caucus remains “very positive.” Since the byelection losses, Smith felt the party has had to assess its role.
The role of the Official Opposition is vitally important… more important than ever.”
READ MORE: Wildrose floor crossers to sit far away from old mates in house
“We’ve already seen the kind of impact we’ve been able to have,” she added. “We’ve had some major reversals on the part of this new premier almost entirely credited to the voice of the opposition parties.”
“We’re here to just make sure that Albertans are taken care of and that when the government makes mistakes they’re called out on them,” said Smith. “They make an awful lot of mistakes so it keeps us pretty busy.”
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