Strathmore-Brooks MLA forms new political party
By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor
Miriam Ostermann Photo
The Strathmore-Brooks MLA dominated headlines last year with a number of well-publicized controversies. Last week he once again flung himself into the spotlight by spearheading a new right-wing Alberta party – the Freedom Conservative Party of Alberta (FCP).
The outspoken MLA, who’s been sitting as an independent for nearly a year, announced the creation of the party last Friday, stating the party is a platform for grassroots conservatives, libertarians and Alberta patriots who believe in freedom, conservatism and a stronger place for Alberta within Canada.
The announcement was made just months after Fildebrandt claimed United Conservative Party (UCP) leader Jason Kenney refused to let him rejoin the party if he planned on running in his current constituency in order to grow female memberships – sitting MLA Leela Aheer was the only one out of five nominees to have her application in on time to run for the new Chestermere-Strathmore constituency.
On Friday, Fildebrandt said the FCP wants Alberta to have direct control over the Canada Pension Plan, employment insurance, tax collection, immigration and the Firearms Act.
“We are a party of unapologetic conservatives and libertarians; we want to get the government out of your wallet, your bedroom, your schools and your churches,” Fildebrandt said. “We are committed to real grassroots democracy (and) in our party the members are guaranteed to hold the pen on policy.”
The party seeks to only have candidates running in the majority of rural and small-town constituencies where the New Democratic Party (NDP) has no chance of winning, and is expecting to have candidates campaigning in approximately 40 ridings.
During the press conference held in Calgary last week, Fildebrandt said the party does not support race and gender quotas in government and the private sector, is against government ownership of the Trans Mountain Pipeline, is committed to cutting spending, and is determined to abolish the position of the party whip – an official of a political party who ensures party discipline in a legislature.
While Fildebrandt’s decision excited some of his followers and has already resulted in several hundred people joining the party over the weekend, it didn’t sit well with some of his other supporters who took to social media claiming Fildebrandt had thrown the NDP a lifeline and that his actions are not in Alberta’s best interest. Also taking to social media was Kenney, who responded in a lengthy post that Fildebrandt was barred from running for the UCP because of a pattern of poor judgment and unethical conduct.
“We are not surprised to see Derek’s latest political stunt, and expect more of the same from him,” he stated online. “It is unfortunate to see his desperate effort to be relevant, but it will neither deter nor distract us from our goal of defeating the NDP and getting Alberta back on track.”
Fildebrandt previously faced scrutiny over subletting his taxpayer-subsidized Edmonton condo, double-dipping in meal expenses, and was fined $400 after being found guilty of a hit and run and failing to notify the owner of the damaged vehicle, in Edmonton. He also pleaded guilty to illegally shooting a deer on private property and was ordered to pay a fine of $3,000. Subsequently, Fildebrandt resigned from the UCP.
In response to Kenney’s statement, Fildebrandt countered that it was unfortunate Kenney resorted to personal attacks.
“It doesn’t’ sound like he’s ignoring us as he said he would do at the end of his statement, and first they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they take you seriously,” Fildebrandt said. “I don’t care, he’s going to say what he’s going to say. Our number one priority in the next election is to ensure the defeat and end of the NDP. Our door is open to all conservatives who believe in grassroots democracy, freedom, conservatism and a stronger Alberta.”