Greg Clark wins 1st seat ever for Alberta Party

Alberta Party Leader Greg Clark has secured thefirst seathis party has ever had in the provincial legislature.

Clark beat out former education minister Gordon Dirks in the riding of Calgary-Elbow in Tuesday's historic election.

"What this says is local issues matter and local politics matter," said Clark.

"I hope the legislature operates a little more the way it was intended to, which isMLA's representing the views of their constituents."

Only three PC cabinet ministers won their seats: Wayne Drysdale, Manmeet Bhullar and Ric McIver.

What this says is local issues matter and local politics matter.- Greg Clark, Alberta Party Leader

"The people of Albertahave spoken loud and clear. They wanted change. They've chosen the NDPtonight. My job is to make sure we hold the government to account," said Clark.

He became the leader of the centrist party in September 2013, but remained relatively unknown until last October'sbyelectionin Calgary-Elbow.

Clark came close to winning the seat, but lost to Dirks by roughly 800votes.

Clark said in February that he wastrying to position hisparty as afiscally-responsible,socially-moderate alternative to the PCs.