Wildrose Leader Brian Jean made a stop in Lacombe yesterday, as part of a provincial wide tour speaking about his vision for a united conservative movement.

Over 100 people made their way out to the Lacombe Memorial Centre, to have their say on what a united party between the Wildrose and Progressive Conservatives would look like.  

In an effort to take down the NDP, PC leadership candidate Jason Kenney has run on a platform to merge Alberta's two main conservative parties.  

Brian Jean said unification would only happen under Wildrose structure and guidelines.

“I do believe that using the legal framework and the foundation of the Wildrose and bringing the two parties together into a new unified force is a good thing,” Jean said.

“First of all it’s legal and it would get the overwhelming majority of all members approving it, because they know that Wildrose is the vehicle that gives membership the power.”

Under Alberta election laws, if two parties merge they must forfeit all finances and assets to the Crown, but with his proposal Jean added the Wildrose would be able to keep party funds.

The PC leadership vote will be held in March and at that time it will be clearer as to whether or not the talks of unification will continue.

Speaking to other issues, Jean told the crowd he promised to appeal the NDP’s carbon tax within thirty days, if elected in the next provincial election.

But because Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said all provinces will be required to put a price on carbon by 2018, or have one imposed for them, Jean said he would challenge the tax constitutionally under section 92.

“That sets out the powers and jurisdictions of the province and I think we need to challenge them on that. Brad Wall is doing that and I think that’s a great decision and we would do the same thing.”

“If indeed we are unsuccessful with the federal government, what we would do is lower other taxes such as property taxes or income taxes, to set off what they’re taking out.”

Jean made other stops in Blackfalds and Ponoka and will continue his tour today in Sundre and Rimbey.