The Latest on Alberta Election

Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 209 (February 22, 2012)

Whispering in the Wind

Over the past six weeks I’ve devoted a lot of “Whispering in the Wind” space to Alberta’s upcoming election and I expect to devote even more space to the campaign as things start to really heat up. And of course there is the aftermath of the election; that is, the days and weeks after the polls declare the winners. At this moment in time there is a bit of a lull in the lead up to the official campaign with preparations still underway and the various parties sharpening their swords.

The Candidates –
As of February 18: the Alberta PCs have put in place 86 candidates of 87 constituencies; the Wildrose have 84 / 87 candidates; the NDP have 84 / 87; the Liberals have 41 / 87; the Alberta Party has 13 / 87; the Social Credit Party has 1 / 87; the EverGreens have 6 / 87. For the Athabasca – Redwater constituency we continue to have three candidates: for the Alberta PCs, incumbent Jeff Johnson; for the Wildrose, Travis Olson; for the NDP, Mandy Melnyk.

The Polls –
It is a little early in the proceedings to declare any winners but the polls are suggesting that the major battles will be on the right; between the more “extreme” right and the more moderate, “progressive” right. For Alison Redford and the Alberta PCs, the polls have suggest continued support with one poll taken in mid-January suggesting that her party would obtain 53 percent of the vote – that same poll suggested that Danielle Smith and her Wildrose Party would obtain 16 percent of the vote. In the most recent poll (taken on February 10, one day after the budget was tabled in the Legislative Assembly) the PC party support has narrowed considerably (with Alberta PC Party support at 37 percent with the Wildrose Party at 30 percent). On the left, the polls have been pretty solid and steady with the latest poll suggesting that the Liberals getting 14 percent support, the NDP getting 13 percent; with the Alberta Party and others getting 6 percent.

At This Stage in the Game –
At this stage in the game, a good two thirds of eligible voters in Alberta are leaning toward the political right and still trying to decide what to do in the 2012 election. The edge has to be given to Alison Redford’s PC party so it will be up to Danielle Smith and her nominees to explain and convince Albertans that her option is the better option – and that means I and I think most Albertans want real solutions to the challenges facing our government – and not simply offer criticisms.

Footnote –
Last week I had the pleasure of attending Alberta’s Legislative Assembly and watched (and tried to listen) to the day’s Question Period. I sat in the Member’s Gallery, in amongst 50 or so well behaved youngsters. Across the way was another gallery with another 50 youngsters, all eager to see and watch civil democracy in action. I was embarrassed for the children at what took place and thought the Speaker should not allow anyone to watch the proceedings unless you are of voting age. In my view what the Liberals and the Wildrose members did with their banging of fists and their hollering, was not only uncalled for, it was disrespectful of the institution of government.