Alberta (Legislative Procedures‪)‬

On April 4, 2006, Premier Ralph Klein announced that he would be retiring in September 2006. The Premier stated he would remain in office until his successor is chosen which is anticipated to occur sometime in November 2006. The Premier's announcement occurred following a Progressive Conservative convention at which time the Premier received an approval rating of 55.4 per cent. To date, the following individuals have announced their intentions to seek leadership of the Progressive Conservative party: former Ministers Ed Stelmach (PC, Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville), Dave Hancock (PC, Edmonton-Whitemud), Lyle Oberg (Ind, Strathmore-Brooks), and Private Member Ted Morton (PC, Foothills-Rocky View). Former Provincial Treasurer Jim Dinning, who left politics in 1997 and former Cabinet Minister Mark Norris, who was defeated in 2004 have also announced their intentions to run. There is speculation that Preston Manning may announce his candidacy.