Opposition parties prepare for potential spring election

Brian Mason has announced that he will try for another term as an NDP MLA, as Alberta's opposition parties prepare for the possibility of a spring election.

Mason, who has been the MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood since 2000, said he plans to run in the next provincial election, which has not yet been called.

Mason stepped down as party leader in October, saying that the NDP needed someone new at the helm.

He was replaced byEdmonton-Strathcona MLA Rachel Notley, who won the leadership with 70 per cent of the vote.

Blakeman considers Liberal leadership

Masons announcement came one day after a string of MLAs including former Liberal leader Raj Sherman will not be running in the next election.

Shermans immediate resignation leaves the party without a leader at a time where rumours are swirling about a spring election.

I know that people like to say 'liberals, dead in the water, forget it, wipe them out, said Liberal MLA Laurie Blakeman.

Ill admit that it doesnt look good, Im not that naive, but were not dead yet.

The partys board of directors is meeting Sunday to discuss whether to appoint an interim leader or to hold a leadership race.

Blakeman thinks the latter would be a mistake, saying thata leadership race during the election would prove a distraction for the party.

I wouldnt be jumping for joy about that choice.

Blakeman, who said she doesnt have fond memories of leadership races following her loss to Sherman in 2011, has not ruled out if she would take the interim leadership if offered.

She said if she did head up the Liberals, she would investigate ways to work with the NDP and unite Albertas progressive vote, although didnt say she would necessarily push to merge the two parties.

Im looking for ways to combine the best out there.

Three Progressive Conservative MLAs Donna Kennedy-Glans, MLA for Calgary-Varsity, and Red Deer-North MLA and Battle River-Wainwrights Doug Griffiths also announced they would not be running in the next election.