Just over a year ago grassroots movement  Alberta Can't Wait held a meeting rallying conservatives to unite the right, and on Saturday (July 22) they did just that.

Both Wildrose and Conservative members spoke up when it came to uniting forces, 95% of voting members chose to support the idea of unification in hopes of defeating the current NDP government in the next election. Jason Kenney, Leader of the PCs, says while he knows initially some Albertans have concerns of unification he was pleased to see them push past their doubts and in his words make 'Alberta Strong' once again.

"It's a great day for Alberta, hope is on the horizon. We are renewing the Alberta advantage with this democratic decision made. Tens of thousands of PC and Wildrose members have decided to put our province ahead of any political party."

Kenney believes strong support is due to the fact that 200,000 Albertans are still looking for employment, businesses that once thrived have gone under, and thousands of talented people have left the province during one of the longest recessions in history made worse by a government, in his mind, that has not helped. "The government has raised taxes on everything, is driving our province deeply into debt and that has scared away tens of billions of dollars of investment."

While not all conservative supporters, supported the idea of unification Kenney was quite clear that their vote will be needed. "We need you and we want you in the united conservative party. Whether you are a former Progressive Conservative or Wildroser, if you have concerns about what the new party will end up standing for then please the best way to express that concern is through your active involvement."

In order to not repeat mistakes of the past, work will still need to be done, shares Kenney. "We are learning from our mistakes, we must ensure in the future that this is a fiscally responsible party and government that we offer. One of the valuable things the Wildrose Party has introduced is a focus on democratic accountability and we need to learn that in the inner government of the united conservative party but also hopefully in the government of Alberta in the future. It will ultimately be up to the members who make up the united conservative party to define the polices and ways that we can ensure there's accountability."

How does Kenney feel the NDP will respond?! Besides resume writing, Kenney shares he believes the NDP will see the writing on the wall. "This accidental NDP government will be a one term government. In addition to them panicking, one expression of that panic you are going to see I predict right now they are going to turn up their left wing anger machine to ear breaking decibels. They are going to be in an absolute panic."

Cochrane Now is awaiting to hear from MLA Cameron Westhead, on his thoughts on the referendum vote.

An interim leader will be announced later today with the leadership vote occurring on October 28. Brian Jean WRP, Jason Kenney PC, Doug Schweitzer Calgary lawyer , and Derek Fildebrandt are expected to be among those running.