Wildrose Alliance leader Danielle Smith, seen in this file photo, accuses the Stelmach government of being too soft in defending the oilsands. (Jeff McIntosh/Canadian Press)

In a fiery speech to party members, Alberta Wildrose Alliance Leader Danielle Smith says it's time to topple a governing Tory party too feeble to fight for Alberta's oilsands.

Smith made the remarks in an election-style keynote speech to nearly 1,000 supporters at the party's annual meeting in Red Deer, Alta., on Friday.

She said Premier Ed Stelmach is the key reason her party is attracting more Albertans.

"Many who've never been involved in politics before, they're standing up and saying, 'We've had enough. We've had enough of incompetent leadership.'"

Smith said Albertans are tired of the Stelmach government because it can't balance a budget or fix health care.

She said critics of the oilsands have been allowed to vilify the industry worldwide by grossly exaggerating the extent of its environmental damage.

She said Albertans want a real Conservative government. "We've had enough of Socialists and Liberals masquerading as Conservatives," she said.

Smith's blunt talk had Wildrose members buzzing afterward.

Alex Pratt from Didsbury, Alta., said Smith's viewpoint is refreshing and will generate real political debate.

"She portrays it very well, what Albertans are thinking," Pratt said. "It's just that people are tired, fed up. The government has no vision, no plans. That's the way it is."

The party received its latest boost on Friday as another former Tory MLA, Guy Boutilier, joined the Wildrose caucus.

About 700 members will debate about 40 resolutions at the conference and elect new members to the executive.

With files from The Canadian Press