EDMONTON- The Alberta Party has elected a new leader. Greg Clark, an entrepreneur from Calgary, was voted in by party members Saturday afternoon.
“I’m really excited about the Alberta Party,” he said shortly after the vote.
Clark was endorsed by 87 per cent of members who cast ballots in an online vote. There were 337 votes cast, representing about 58 per cent of eligible voters.
While excited, Clark has an uphill battle in front of him. In the last provincial election, the Alberta Party did not win a single seat. And after contemplating dissembling the party, members decided not to turn it in.
Now, Clark says it’s his responsibility to build the party; something he’s excited to do.
“We’ve grown the membership by about a quarter since the start of the leadership campaign. I’m confident we can double the membership in the next year and double it every year between now and the next election,” Clark said.
“There’s a lot of Albertans, after the last provincial election, really disappointed with how things have gone in the province in the last year and a half.”
Clark says Albertans now have an alternative, because he believes his party does politics differently.
“I consider myself fiscally responsible, socially moderate and I think most Albertans feel the same way. I think that Albertans feel like there really are only two choices; I think that’s not true. I think the Alberta Party can and will grow into a political force.”
Will Munsey, president of the Alberta Party, says this marks the beginning of the next chapter in the Alberta Party story.
“Nothing good is ever born completed; nothing happens quickly. We are still the best idea in Alberta politics,” he said in an emailed statement. “Party board members will be spreading out across the province to meet Albertans in the months and years ahead.”
Clark was up against Troy Millington, a stay-at-home dad from Calgary, for leadership of the party.
“I congratulate Greg on his win,” Millington said. “The party is in good hands and it was truly a pleasure to participate with him in this contest. Greg is a friend and a great colleague. I will be working with him to help move the party forward.”
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