Danielle Smith leads UCP to Alberta majority government

A victorious Premier Danielle Smith promises she will work for people of all political stripes — and hopes Albertans will stand together against Ottawa and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The United Conservative Party was elected for a second term in Monday's election despite losing seats in a tight battle against the Alberta New Democrats.

Early Tuesday, UCP was leading in 49 ridings, with 47 called by the CBC decision desk. The NDP was ahead in 38 ridings.

"To paraphrase our dear friend Ralph Klein, 'Welcome to another miracle on the Prairies,'" Smith said to cheers a cheering crowd at the UCP's Calgary victory celebration.

Smith said many had written off her campaign but Albertans had chosen to "move our province forward by re-electing a strong, stable United Conservative government."

She struck a conciliatory tone, promising to work to improve for those who had chosen not to support her and offering kudos to her rival, NDP Leader Rachel Notley.

"The election is now over," Smith said. 

"It is time to put partisanship, division and personal and political attacks in the rear-view mirror. It is time to move forward together as all Albertans, no matter who we voted for."

Smith repeated many of her party's goals — including diversifying the economy, improving health care, and keeping taxes low — before shifting to challenge the federal government and prime minister.

"And finally, my fellow Albertans, we need to come together no matter how we have voted to stand shoulder to shoulder against soon-to-be-announced Ottawa policies that would significantly harm our provincial economy," she said.

Without going into detail, she said the policy would involve restrictions on electricity generation from natural gas. She called on Trudeau to halt the plan and work with Alberta on an emissions strategy.

"Now Alberta is willing to be that partner and we need our federal government to show it is willing to partner in good faith as well," Smith said.

Notley conceded the election in a speech late Monday in Edmonton. The NDP leader said she had called Smith and congratulated her on the UCP's victory. 

"I also know that we are very deeply disappointed in the overall result," Notley said.