Alberta Conservatives Win 11th Majority Government

It was a difficult campaign for Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach, but the modest farmer exceeded expectations and led the PCs to an historic 11th consecutive majority government in the March 3, 2008 provincial election. The Conservatives gained 11 seats and all 20 cabinet ministers were re-elected.

With a booming economy, Alberta has been struggling to handle the problems that come with growth, and Stelmach faced intense criticism throughout the campaign on everything from aging infrastructure, soaring accommodation costs, daycare spaces, the environment and energy royalties.

While the major theme in the campaign was change, the opposition parties were sorely disappointed. The Liberals failed to make gains in Calgary ridings as they hoped, and they lost a good deal of support in Edmonton. The Liberal Party was reduced from 16 seats at dissolution to only 9. The NDP held on to only 2 of their 4 seats, and the leader of the newly formed right-wing Wildrose Alliance Party, Paul Hinman, failed to win even his own constituency.

More on Alberta Election 2008
Alberta Elections
'Ed, Ed, Ed,' Chant Triumphant Tories - Calgary Herald
Stealthy Ed's Conservatives Crush Opposition Parties - Edmonton Journal
Albertans Elect Historic 11th Straight Tory Government - CBC News
Alberta Facts