For the first time in recent memory, Alberta’s governing Progressive Conservative party appears to have strong challengers as voters in the province head to the polls.
After weeks of speculation, Alberta premier Alison Redford called an election for April 23.
“This election will be a defining moment, where we will decide what we want the future to be and how we want to conduct ourselves,” Redford said on the steps of the Alberta legislature March 26.
While seven parties have candidates running, the PCs biggest threat comes from the right wing Wildrose party, under leader Danielle Smith.
Read Also
Why feds imposed EV tariffs
Moe and Kinew have a fight on their hands when it comes to eliminating the EV tariff. Canada has to worry about pissing off the U.S. and Mexico and hundreds of thousands of auto workers.
Since being elected leader in 2009, Smith has crossed the province gathering support, especially in rural areas where she has targeted the government’s position on land-use rights. Smith does not have a seat in the legislature.
Meanwhile, Redford will try to lead her party to its 12th election victory. She was elected leader in October and has since run on a platform of change.
Less than half of the sitting PC MLAs are not running for re-election, which throws some traditionally safe Tory seats up for grabs.
The PCs have been in power since 1971.
Going into the election, the PCs have 67 seats, followed by the Liberals with eight, Wildrose with four, the NDP with two and the Alberta Party with one. Four more seats have been added, making 87 ridings in the province.
Janice Simpkins, reeve of the northern Alberta Municipal District of Greenview, believes social media will play an important role.
“I think you’re going to find more people will be engaged that way and seek the information that way, but I think you have to remember it’s a bubble. There are only so many people engaged in social media. If they really want it to be effective, they have to find a way to engage the people who are not yet there,” said Simpkins.
“The person who can figure out how to get the people who are not yet on social media, if you can get those people involved, you’ll be headed in the right direction.”
Bob Barss, president of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties, said the group plans to send messages to all candidates.
“We don’t know who is going to be in the legislature when the election is over. Our mandate is to work with everyone,” said Barss.
The NDP, led by Brian Mason, are hoping to replace the Liberals, led by Raj Sherman, as the main opposition from the centre left.
