Alberta Doing it the Prentice Way

Before I delve into Alberta politics let me comment on a real threat to Canada’s democratic system – the fad toward electronic voting systems.  A few weeks before the Alberta PC party voted on their new leader (and to be Premier of Alberta) a meeting was held in Smoky Lake to support the Jim Prentice campaign and explain (?) the electronic voting system to be used in the leadership vote.  One PC supporter at the Smoky Lake meeting asked that the old ballet voting system be retained – his plea was discounted.  The constituency elite was also asked about the threat of interference – the possibility of someone hacking into the system – the response was “have faith” in the system and the new electronic age. There is another recent example of a mismanaged electronic voting system.  Last month’s New Brunswick provincial election saw some disturbing delays in the results being electronically tabulated.  The delays in the New Brunswick results were attributed to a “software glitch”.  The voting machine company responsible for the system insisted that an “off-the-shelf computer program” malfunctioned.  Sounds to me like a lot buck passing on to known or unknown forces – Elections New Brunswick stands by the electronic count.  Call me old fashioned but there is a lot to be said for counting ballets at a polling station under the supervision of scrutinizers – where the election process and the vote count is a human exercise rather than having a computer system determine the final results.  And in my view, an electronic voting system will always be challenged by unseasoned nerds and diabolical hackers.

Jim Prentice – Advancing the PC Brand

The first month in office for Alberta’s Premier Prentice has been a particularly busy one with a number of obvious objectives.  In his first week as premier, Mr. Prentice demonstrated that he is different from his most recent predecessors.  In my view he is functioning with a determined attitude that the so called “entitlement” brand no longer exists.  As for weeks two, three and four of the premier is outlining an aggressive, positive agenda.

Monday, September 15: Jim Prentice is sworn in as the sixteenth premier, Province of Alberta.   Premier Prentice announces a “new” smaller cabinet that includes two prominent, unelected members:  Stephen Mandel for Health and Gordon Dirks for Education.  Premier Prentice, over and above his responsibility as premier, is also responsible for International and Intergovernmental Relations and Aboriginal Relations.  Conclusion:  Premier Prentice has shown himself to be a different, more responsible leader.  The premier is retaining control and responsibility for a major priority issue, moving Alberta’s resources to international markets. Tuesday, September 16: First decision made by the new cabinet, cut the government air fleet – the fleet that got the former premier into so much trouble.  A smart political move on the part of Mr. Prentice but the decision could prove impractical and unworkable.  The decision also means that cabinet ministers and senior government officials will be flying commercial.  Wednesday, September 17:  The premier’s office announces a revamping of Alberta’s diplomatic service with a review of the 13 offices located outside of Alberta.  The contract for Gary Mar in the Hong Kong office will not be renewed.  Thursday, September 18:  The premier unveils the design for Alberta licence plates – unchanged from the old design.  Friday, September 19: The premier announces that the Michener Centre in Red Deer will remain open, reversing a decision made by former premier Alison Redford.  Monday, September 29:  Premier Prentice announces four by-elections to be held on October 27 – three in Calgary, one in Edmonton.  Thursday, October 2:  Premier Prentice announces that the final contract to twin 63 has been signed and there will be upgrades to the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre in Fort McMurray.  Both anticipated but worth mentioning at by-election time.  Wednesday, October 8:  Premier Prentice announces the “largest ever” school construction program in the country with 55 new schools planned and upgrades to 20 others.  Friday, October 10:  Premier Prentice and Prime Minister Harper meet in Calgary to discuss the Alberta economy, energy and Alberta’s need for skilled labour.  The two first ministers also discussed the need to strengthen relations with the aboriginal communities, something the prime minister hasn’t been able to achieve.  The bottom line for the two leaders is straight forward, if pipelines are to be built the experience and respect the aboriginal community has for Premier Prentice is indispensable in working out a reasonable solution.  With a federal election likely in the next six months a workable strategy has got to be developed soon.