Alberta’s Conservative dynasty ends

Alberta’s Conservative dynasty has come to an end after nearly 44 years.

The NDP, led by rookie leader Rachel Notley, knocked the Tories from power in resounding fashion and will form a majority government for the first time after sweeping all 19 ridings in Edmonton and making significant inroads in previously barren NDP territory in Calgary, Lethbridge and rural Alberta.

The Wild Rose Party took second place and will form the official opposition, while the Progressive Conservatives have to settle for third.

Alberta Premier Jim Prentice has already stepped down as leader and has said he’ll also resign the seat in Calgary that he managed to win last night.

Prentice had called the election a year earlier than required, saying he needed a mandate to implement a tough budget that proposes sweeping increases in taxes and user fees and cuts in government spending to make the province less reliant on oil revenue.