Fenske defeats stubbs to win Fort Saskatchewan/Vegreville: Pre-election polls, controversial candidates let down upstart Wildrose

BY MICHELLE PINON
Editor

Despite predictions of a possible Wildrose majority in pre-election polls, Albertans gave an overwhelming majority of their votes to the PC Party during yesterday’s election.

Joining PC leader Alison Redford, the first female to be elected Premier in the 107 year history of the province, will be Jacquie Fenske, who will be representing the constituents of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville.

Fenske took an early lead in the polls, and eventually widened the gap over her nearest rival Shannon Stubbs of the Wildrose by more than 2,000 votes.

Fenske, who took a leave of absence from her job as Strathcona County councillor to run in the riding, will have a new posting, and big shoes to fill in former Premier Ed Stelmach’s riding. Fenske is more than up to the challenge, and has shown strong confidence and leadership over the course of the 28 day campaign.

Fenske was quoted as being “thrilled” with the results, during a telephone interview with the Edmonton Journal. She went onto state: “I am pleased to be able to return the riding Ed Stelmach represented back to the PCs.”

Premier Redford stated that: “Albertans chose to build upon the shoulder of our great history in choosing the PCs to return to government. Today, Albertans, you spoke, and you spoke loudly. And I want you to know that I heard you.”

Although the Wildrose Party was highly touted to win just as many or more seats in the province, they did not live up to the hoopla and hype in the media or in the polls. The Wildrose did, however, manage a respectable showing and gained many legislature seats.

Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith said she was “surprised and disappointed, but not discouraged by the results, and admitted it will take more time for the Wildrose to prove itself.