Strategic Moveprovincial- Alberta

Danielle Smith + 8 MLAs

2014Wildrose→Prog. Conservative

2/5 - Some moderate benefit, eventuallyNotable Crossing

Why They Crossed

In one of the biggest floor crossings in Canadian history, Wildrose Party LEADER Danielle Smith led 9 of her MLAs across the floor to join the governing Progressive Conservatives. It was widely seen as a backroom deal with PC Premier Jim Prentice.

What Happened

Voters were furious. Smith couldn't even win the PC nomination for her own seat. The NDP's Rachel Notley won the next election partly because of public anger at the crossing. BUT - Smith later came back, became leader of the United Conservative Party, and is now Premier of Alberta. So she recovered, but it took years.