Alberta's NDP distances itself from Ottawa, national party in bid to expand membership
The membership practice has long been a target for the governing United Conservatives, who say Nenshi's party answers to political masters in Ottawa that don't support Alberta's oil and gas industry.
Premier Danielle Smith, speaking in the legislature Thursday, said the weekend vote suggested Nenshi's party wants to distance itself from a 'damaged brand' after the federal NDP lost 17 seats and its official party status in Monday's election.
Nenshi, like some members who spoke up Saturday, remains skeptical the policy change will shield the Alberta NDP from what they called disingenuous attacks.
'The premier treats Albertans with contempt. She takes us all for fools. She thinks that we'll fall for the most obvious lies, and I believe that Albertans are so much smarter than that,' he said.
Saturday's vote required more than two-thirds approval from delegates, and in a show of hands, some two or three dozen delegates in a crowd of more than 1,000 stood firmly against the move.
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