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WATCH: Albertans turned to social media to vent their frustrations and share their thoughts on the mass floor crossing. Emily Mertz has some of the highlights.

EDMONTON — Word that nine Wildrose MLAs, including Danielle Smith, had crossed the floor to join the governing Progressive Conservatives led to quite the stir on social media Wednesday afternoon.

Side by side, premier Jim Prentice and the former Wildrose leader made the announcement at a joint news conference at government house. Smith said she and eight of her Wildrose caucus colleagues decided to join the PCs because they needed to be “at the table, not outside the door.”

“Today we stand together ready to move on from past partisan rivalries and lead Alberta with renewed focus and a strong sense of purpose,” said Smith.

READ MORE: Wildrose leader, 8 others join Alberta’s PC party

The one-time political foes shared a hand shake prior to the announcement, which led to some mockery on social media.

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That Smith/Prentice picture is just begging to become a meme. #ableg — Mariam Hatim (@LittleMarsbar) December 17, 2014

Was this hug as painful for you as it was for me? #akward . #ableg pic.twitter.com/j4lecaW6ps — Marc Doll (@dollhouseyyc) December 18, 2014

Is this an #ableg press conference or an eHarmony testimonial? — Marty Chan (@Marty_Chan) December 17, 2014

The hashtag #ableg was trending on Twitter for much of the afternoon and into the evening, with people taking to social media to share their thoughts on the move.

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Here is a quick video of me taking a chainsaw to my Wildrose membership card https://t.co/yevYcQJaSS — Paul Niewinski (@PaulNiewinski) December 17, 2014

As an Albertan I feel my democracy has been stripped away. #ableg — Julie Y (@JulieEY) December 17, 2014

Tired of the same, boring old politics in your province? Move to Alberta, the political land of opportunity. Never a dull moment. #ableg — Gary Spicer (@Mxhdroom) December 17, 2014

Can I please get a refund for my membership? @TeamWildrose #ableg — ali lee (@alison_l33) December 18, 2014

So who are #wrp supporters going to vote for now? Genuinely curious. #ableg — Liz Krampus (@lizludwig) December 18, 2014

Who knew these two had so much in common! #ableg pic.twitter.com/8eNU909LBg — Mack D. Male (@mastermaq) December 16, 2014

I need an “Explain it like I’m 5 subreddit” for Alberta politics…. #ableg — Kristin Ashmore (@Prokristinat0r) December 18, 2014

Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Prentice came to say, Danielle your future’s not bright, won’t you cross the floor tonight? #ableg — Ryan Cormier (@el_cormier) December 18, 2014

@GlobalEdmonton @JimPrentice this is great for Alberta. We are now united in dealing with issues facing us. Together we are stronger #pcaa — Iris Kirschner (@IrisKirschner) December 18, 2014

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@GlobalEdmonton IMO great move for Alberta Residents. Prentice is a very capable leader and and has many new challenges. — Doug Lehman (@28doug) December 18, 2014

@GlobalEdmonton Crossing the floor should not be allowed, because it is undemocratic. — Dwayne Wladyka (@myrnam71) December 18, 2014

@GlobalEdmonton She's basically saying if you can't beat them join them, what's happened to the party principles? — Taban (@magok4) December 18, 2014

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