Today is the Alberta Provincial Elections Day and although I am now officially an Ontarian, I am still interested in the outcome and I think more people should be. Why? The Progressive Conservative Party enjoyed a political majority for almost as long as I have lived there. Today’s results may end or continue this dynasty.
Alberta faces several issues not only affecting all of Canada but the rest of the world (think of greenhouse gas emissions). Although the province has been blessed with prosperity and wealth, Alberta is trying to deal with their lack of affordable housing, increasing crime rates and poor infrastructure. This is partly the result of increased migration from the rest of Canada and the world in such a short space of time. That being said, the consensus among Albertans is that changes need to take place. It is not only up to the candidate’s to make changes, it is up to us to be a part of the decision making process. We as citizens have an obligation to exercise our rights to vote. We sit and complain about our leaders but yet we can’t get up and support them when they need us. The main issue however, is voter indifference and not necessarily apathy (despite the voter turn out was at an all time low in from 60 per cent in 1993 to 44 per cent in 2004).
So what is Alberta is missing? I would say charisma and inspiration. Take a look at the U.S. Presidential election where campaigning has been completely sensationalized. The candidates incorporate daytime and late night television, Hollywood endorsements etc. into there strategic campaigns. I am by no means suggesting we adapt the same style and format of the U.S. counterparts –it is a different system completely, but campaigning in Canada needs a bit of spicing whether provincial, municipal or national.
After working last year on the media buys for Ed Stelmach’s campaign, I thought that Albertans would be impressed by his ability to appeal to the masses because of his rural Albertan background (contrary to Ralph Klein’s Calgarian connection). For Albertans it was supposed to be a pleasant change from Ralph Klein’s 14-year reign of power. But like him or not “Ralphy” was a character with charisma, passion, controversy and an uncanny alcohol tolerance. Stelmach on the other hand is a quiet, kind and humble person with a desire to make changes. Lately he has been campaigning after hours to gain the attention of disappointed and uninspired Albertans. This is perhaps a sign…One of the many worries of the Tories. I do hope for the sake of Albertans, Canadians and the rest of the world, that the voter turn out for this historical election is somewhat inspiring.
Posted in politics
