As the new provincial government takes office, this is a good opportunity to take stock. Today, Alberta remains on shaky ground.

As the new provincial government takes office, this is a good opportunity to take stock.

Today, Alberta remains on shaky ground. Our economy is faltering, our fiscal situation remains bleak, and our opponents -- domestic and foreign -- continue to seek control over our resources. These problems are significant, but they are not insurmountable. And, for the first time in a long time, hope is on the horizon.

As I wrote in December, my New Year’s resolution is to step up the fight for fairness and restore Albertans’ faith in a better tomorrow. For me, this is what the recent election was all about. United Conservatives sought to give folks a choice between continued economic and social decline, and the opportunity to fight for a future of our own making.

The results were inspiring. More than one million Albertans rose to the occasion and gave United Conservatives a real mandate for change. Here in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills I was humbled to receive the support of more than 20,000 people, or 78.6 per cent. I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to continue representing our families and communities.

I also want to thank my fellow candidates Chase Brown, Dave Hughes, Kyle Johnston and Allen MacLennan for putting their names forward and running strong, honourable campaigns. Together, I think we helped set an example for how to disagree without being disagreeable.

Now that the election is over, the real work begins.

For the UCP, uniting Albertans was always the first and most important step. I have been blessed to play a significant role in this process to this point, serving as the UCP’s first interim leader. Moving forward, I will continue working to the utmost of my ability, and in the best tradition of conservative statesmanship. As they say, the most important step in any journey is the next one, and I look forward to the days ahead.

In the weeks and months to come, our province will continue facing some significant challenges. But for the first time in a long time, I suspect we now have a government that is up to the task. It is a strong team, elected with a real mandate for change.

More importantly, it is a team that truly understands the Alberta way.

- Cooper is the second-term MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills