Premier Jim Prentice says democracy thriving in Alberta

Premier Jim Prentice maintains democracy is alive and well in Alberta despite swallowing most of the official opposition Wednesday.

"I dont equate democracy with conservatives fighting withconservatives," he told Edmonton AM'sMark Connolly Thursday morning.

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Prentice pointed to the three opposition parties as evidence. The parties now have 14 members among them, plus one independent MLA, compared to the Tories' 72 seats.

Prentice also maintained his party remains progressive despite suggestionsthat theWildrosemembers found his party attractive because it is more conservative than theWildrose,

"My entire life I spentfighting for progressive values," he said.

Prentice said somebody from theWildrosefirst approached his office about a merger four or five weeks ago.

He said he was surprised when told andwasntsure if the offer was entirely serious so asked partywhip GeorgeVanderburgto follow up.

He eventually sat down with Danielle Smith last week, Prenticesaid.

Speaking on CBC Radio Thursday morning, Prentice also saidhe is not anticipating any moreWildroseMLAswill cross the floor to sit with his governing Progressive Conservative party.

They're most welcome, theyre respected people and they want to make a contribution in what are pretty challenging times for us as a province, he said.

Wildrose MLAdisheartened, betrayed

WildrosePatStiersays he was shocked, disheartened and betrayed when nine of his caucus colleaguescrossed the floor.

"Im really disappointed with what Danielle has decided to do," he told Connolly on Thursday. "Its just so hard after youve worked with someone that youve had as a good friend for the past five years."

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Stiersaid the process for joining the Progressive Conservatives should have included the voter.

On Facebook,StiersaidAlbertanselectMLAsin good faith and expect themto follow theirdecision.

"When a time for change becomes necessary for elected officials, in my opinion they should then follow a procedure that includes their electorate in the new process, prior to making such a change."