Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier has been a lot busier since nine MLAs, including former leader Danielle Smith crossed to Alberta’s governing Progressive Conservative party.
“My new role as an MLA in the new Wildrose Official Opposition has changed a bit with the situation we endured in December,” said Stier in a presentation to council on Feb. 3. “Now I’m watching several different portfolios, compared to the past.”
Originally in charge of transportation, Stier is now responsible for sustainable resource development, infrastructure and municipal affairs.
Stier and council discussed several issues affecting the Pass including the fate of Highway 3, future wildlife corridors, proposed AltaLink power lines, healthcare and backcountry rescue.
In December, Stier decided not to follow several of his colleagues in joining the Progressive Conservatives.
“I intend to remain in the seat that the electorate placed me, as a Wildrose MLA,” wrote Stier in a Dec. 17 statement. “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.”
Stier won the Livingstone-Macleod riding during the 2012 provincial election.
According to his official biography, Stier was raised on a family ranch near De Winton, where he and his family raised cattle and has lived in Alberta’s foothills his entire life.
He has worked in the seismic data segment of the oil and gas industry and is the president of River Canyon Enterprises Inc., which is a rural land planning consulting company.
The Wildrose Party announced it plans to pick its new leader June 6.