Donna Kennedy-Glans returns to PC caucus as party gears up for byelections
An Alberta Progressive Conservative caucus member has returned to the fold after leaving the party in protest.
Calgary-Varsity MLA Donna Kennedy-Glans confirmed on social media that she has been accepted back into the PC caucus after making the request in August.
She left under former premier Alison Redford, saying she could no longer be party to the culture of entitlement.
Kennedy-Glans says she looks forward to working to rebuild government trust with Albertans.
“I’m looking forward to Ms. Kennedy-Glans being a part of our caucus," said Premier Jim Prentice. "Her intellect and impressive resume will be of great value to our team.”
Calgary MLA Len Webber also left the caucus, saying he could no longer work with Redford. He is currently sitting as an independent, but is seeking a federal seat.
Fort McMurray MLA Mike Allen was turfed from caucus after being caught in a prostitution sting in Minnesota, but has since been allowed back in.
Byelections coming
Meanwhile, nominations for the vacant seats of Calgary-Elbow and Edmonton-Whitemud have also been opened to PC Party members. Those interested in the race have until next week to enter, and candidates will be selected on Oct. 1 in Calgary and Oct. 2 in Edmonton.
Newly-appointed education minister Gordon Dirks is expected to run in Calgary-Elbow, which was vacated when Redford resigned in August.
But the Calgary Herald is reporting that Tory activist Pat Walsh also plans to seek the nomination in the riding.
Stephen Mandel, who was also appointed to Prentice's new cabinet as health minister, is expected to run in Edmonton-Whitemud.
The seat became vacant after Dave Hancock announced he was resigning after 17 years.
Nominations have not opened in any other riding. The riding that Prentice will run in has not yet been announced.
He said after being sworn in as Alberta's 16th premier that he wants all the byelections to be completed for the fall sitting of the legislature.
