The polls were right and the reign is over.
The Alberta NDP won the 2015 provincial election with a majority government, ending the 44-year Progressive Conservative reign.
After running a nearly flawless campaign and capitalizing on PC missteps along the way, Rachel Notley will take over as the province’s 17th premier.
Following speeches from her counterparts, Notley addressed her supporters in Edmonton.
“I don’t know, I think, I think might’ve made a little bit of history tonight,” she said to a roar from the crowd. “Friends, I believe that change has finally come to Alberta.”
Notley thanked the leaders of the other parties, including Jim Prentice.
“I want to thank the premier for the enormous contribution that he has made to our province,” she said, but didn’t shy away from bringing up one of his most criticized comments, when during the Alberta debate, he made the infamous “I know math is difficult” comment.
“I haven’t done the math yet,” she said as the crowd screamed again. “But what I think is true is that we have elected the most women in any government caucus in the history of the province.”
Notley thanked supporters, volunteers and candidates and concluded by acknowledging her parents, as her father Grant Notley led the party in the 1970s.
“I know that my mother would be completely over the moon about this, I think my dad would be, too.”
The NDP goes from just four seats in the legislature to taking over the reigns as Alberta shifts through an economic downturn.
While it was an Orange Crush for the NDP, it was black and blue for the PCs.
Just after winning his seat in Calgary-Foothills, outgoing premier Jim Prentice resigned as PC leader.
“While I am personally saddened by the decision, the voters are always right in our democracy,” he said. “My contribution to public life is now at an end; it is time for me to dedicate my time to the other responsibilities I have as a husband and as a father and a grandfather. Accordingly, I have resigned as the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta effective immediately.”
Prentice was on defense constantly throughout the campaign, from his comment of Albertans having to look in the mirror with regards to the economic downturn, to his budget that included health care premiums and tax increases, but not in corporate taxes.
Then came his performance in the Alberta debate which was widely seen as a victory for Notley, as well as controversies around the ousting of PC candidate Jamie Lall, and the court proceedings of former Justice Minister Jonathan Denis.
The PCs not only lost the election, they also fell to third place as the Wildrose retained official opposition status with 21 seats.
Leader Brian Jean said in Fort McMurray the night was unbelievable, considering the low expectations many observers had of the party after the infamous floor-crossing of nine Wildrose MLAs, including former leader Danielle Smith.
“We’ve seen a complete change in Alberta, we’ve seen a real change and Wildrose proved them wrong,” he said. “The next four years are going to be interesting to say the least.”
Jean also congratulated Notley on her victory and that they will work together, but said the opposition will be fierce.
Liberal Leader David Swann retained his seat in Calgary-Mountain View, the lone seat for the party.
“A truly historic night for Alberta,” Swann said. “Alberta you’ve spoken, you’ve voted for change and frankly, it’s about time.”
History was also made in Calgary-Elbow, as Alberta Party Leader Greg Clark defeated PC candidate and former education minister Gordon Dirks, after narrowly losing the same riding in the October by-election.
