Opposition 21 / Gov't 62

Well, the new session of the Alberta Legislature began today with the election of a new Speaker. I haven't heard, but it was expected that long long long long time Tory MLA Ken Kowalski would be acclaimed as Speaker. Kowalski, who was elected the same year dirt was invented, is the current MLA for the riding of Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock.

This session will see a new beefed up opposition ready to take on the Tories! Kevin Taft and the Liberal Official Opposition have 16 members (3 incumbents & 13 rookie MLA's), Brian Mason's perpetual third place New Democrats will be bringing 4 MLA's (2 incumbents, 1 rookie, & a former MLA). Also joining the Legislature for the first time will be the Alberta Alliance, represented by Cardston-Taber-Warner MLA Paul Hinman.

Let's hope the opposition gets under the Tories skin!

This new Legislature has 21 Opposition members (out of 83 seats - the Tories hold 62 seats).

Alberta's new opposition MLA's are:

Liberal Caucus
Bharat Agnihotri - Edmonton Ellerslie
Dan Backs - Edmonton Manning
Laurie Blakeman - Edmonton Centre*
Bill Bonko - Edmonton Decore
Harry Chase - Calgary Varsity
Mo Elsalhy- Edmonton McClung
Jack Flaherty - St. Albert
Hugh MacDonald - Edmonton Gold Bar*
Weslyn Mather - Edmonton Mill Woods
Bruce Miller - Edmonton Glenora
Rick Miller - Edmonton Rutherford
Bridget Pastoor - Lethbridge East
David Swann - Calgary Mountain View
Kevin Taft - Edmonton Riverview*
Dave Taylor - Calgary Currie
Maurice Tougas - Edmonton Meadowlark

ND Caucus
David Eggen - Edmonton Calder
Ray Martin - Edmonton Beverly Clareview
Brian Mason - Edmonton Highlands-Norwood*
Raj Pannu - Edmonton Strathcona*

Alberta Alliance Caucus (of one)
Paul Hinman - Cardston-Taber-Warner

*Incumbent MLA's.