Just as an aside - when the Liberals ran right wing of Ross Thatcher in 1993 against Canada's most incompetent provincial government, they still lost - despite having a popular Ukrainian-Canadian and Edmontonian at the helm.
The name is what hurts, not the policies. The NEP runs deep in that province John.
NEP runs deep, but I will argue Jurist that Decore had the correct platform, no doubt about it. The platform certainly didn't hurt the party in that election.
Worked here. HOw bout the Alberta Party. Then we would have SP and AP.
Pull the social programs from the left and the economic policies from the right. Ditch the NDP as they have about as much chance as the marijuana party, take the best of them and you get two major parties instead of three.
That's actually not a bad idea, not a bad idea at all!
Not a bad idea to be restricted to 2 political parties??? Ummm, alright there John.
Let's not forget that the NDP, in modern times has more often than not been the opposition party, whilst the Libs were the also rans.
John,
You are absolutely correct that the Liberal name is not the biggest problem with that party. The biggest issue is, as you suggested, that their platform is too far "left" for Albertans. Taft made a big point of saying he was going to win big in Calgary and then proceeded to say numerous things that made Calgarians feel uncomfortable about the prospect of a Liberal gov't. Ie - saying that he would review the royalty regime again without providing details. He also announced way too much spending for a Liberal. Now, if he was an Alberta PC, he may have gotten away with it. But, the reason the Tories can get away with sending big is because they slayed the deficit and debt - there is history there. The Liberal history is that of big gov't and the NEP. They scared Albertans.
The leader was also a problem - have you ever heard Kevin Taft speak? He sounds like he is lecturing a class of grade three students when he speaks.
The reality in Alberta is that the threat will come from the right. Ed Stelmach is acting like a liberal or a new democrat in other provinces. The fact is that the Alberta PC tent is enormous. If the right wing can get out of the social conservative stuff and find good solutions to environmental issues (a la Preston Manning), save $ and keep the economy going strong then they will be a serious threat to win the next election. The problem with a party from the right is they have to fight to keep the crazies (I.e. Craig Chandler and the PGIB) from taking over the party. If they could do that and organize effectively over the course of the next 3 years then they could mount a serious challenge.
The lIberals are at least 8 years away, especially if Kevin Taft continues to refuse to step down as leader. Someone young and dynamic might make it possible in 4 years. The reality in ALberta, despite the results in the recent election, is that people are ready for a change - they just want a reason to believe in those that offer such change.
Thank you teaspoon for verifying what I've been saying, and adding to it! You hit the target more precisely than I did!
The Alberta Liberal Party would be wise to end its disastrous experiment with socialism, and move to more common sense territory on economic issues. A definition of insanity is repeating the same behaviour and hoping for a different outcome each time. I am curious to see if there is anyone in the Alberta Liberal Party with the foresight and the brains to steer the ship in the right direction?
John,
As you know, there is not much new blood in the Alberta Liberal caucus. They appear to be putting some hope in newly elected Kent Hehr - a young lawyer from Calgary that was injured in a drive-by shooting when he was in his early twenties. By all accounts, Mr. Hehr has an impressive life story but, unfortunately, is not all that politically savvy. His campaign manager is supposed to be a very bright political operative but I heard him on CBC radio suggesting that the Liberal brand (read: name) is the problem, as opposed to its policies. I think they are doomed to repeat their mistakes.
The other notables in caucus are Dave Taylor a former Calgary radio personality. He is known to be a bit of an attack dog and is unlikely to lead the party to the promised land. I don't know where he sits on the political spectrum though. Also, David Swann who is best known for staging a hunger strike over something that was within federal jurisdiction (whilst a sitting MLA). Also not a shining light.
Frankly, the ALberta Libs should join the NDP as there is really no difference between the parties. Those who share your Liberaltarian views in Alberta ought to swear off the political spectrum (a la Vaclav Havel - in The Art of the Possible) and steal the middle ground from the Tories. The problem in Alberta will be finding people to lead the charge that are not solidly in the Tory camp. It will be especially hard to find a young, dynamic leader that would be willing to lead the charge.
Very, very interesting. Thank you for that teaspoon.
There must be another Laurence Decore out there somewhere - surely the Alberta Liberal Party can't be chalk full of socialists!
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