"Danielle Dollars" and the Wildrose's pledges

Alberta is no stranger to political parties trying to buy votes. Former Progressive Conservative Premier Ralph Klein once “shared” the provinces oil revenue with Albertan citizens. This political move increased the sales of I pods and other consumer electronics across the province.

Once again Albertans could be looking at getting a little bonus from the government. Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith has promised to give Albertans a similar energy dividend of about $300. These “Danielle dollars” are being heavily criticized by other parties, especially the current P.C government.

Retiring Medicine Hat PC MLA Rob Renner argues that there are other expenditures that need to be looked after before giving Albertans cheques. He said, “Until you can actually have the money in the bank, people are satisfied you have met the needs that are required, then you shouldn’t be talking about sending them back [cheques].”

Alison Redford, when refereeing to the dividends, said, “it is another daily announcement that just doesn’t add up.” The Wildrose party similar to the Progressive conservatives want a balanced budget. However, can the Wildrose achieve a balanced budget as well as the promised  to increase the heritage fund to $200 billion dollars in twenty years? Furthermore, can Wildrose do this while sharing Alberta’s resource wealth with Albertans by just giving them cheques? Share your opinion on “Danielle dollars” and the Wildrose pledges. 

Wildrose Pledge #1

Wildrose Pledge #3

Alberta Politics heating up after decades of stagnation.

What is going to happen to Alberta’s political landscape this election? The Progressive Conservatives stand only to lose this election, while every other party has an opportunity to make significant gains. Some projections predict the Wildrose party will unseat the conservatives this election. The polls place the Wildrose support as high as 37.3 percent with the conservatives trailing by less 4 points with 33.7 percent.

 Will a new conservative dynasty be established in Alberta, or will Alberta become a two party province. Will the era of majorities end? Even if the right holds it control Alberta, at least there is a chance to see some great political debate between the PC’s and the Wildrose.

However, there is another possibility. With votes on the right split, the left has chance to capitalize this election and make some significant gains. The New Democrats are running in all ridings. Will the orange wave hit Alberta? Linda Duncan put an orange stain on Steven Harper’s attempt to paint this province blue. However, if the provincial NDP want to win they will need to mobilize younger demographics, which is a major of the political challenge not just in Canada, but any Western democracy.

Though both the Liberals and Alberta party may not be running candidates in all ridings, they have the opportunity to become major players in Alberta politics by potentially working with the NDP on many issues. However, I think the Alberta party has a lot of potential to shape politics in this province. If a conservative minority is formed they, either Wildrose or PC, will most likely not want work with each other, the NDP, or the Liberals. The Alberta Party might be the only support a minority government could work with to stave off another election.

Every party needs every vote they can get. So your vote matters more now than in any other time in Alberta.

The next posts will discuss policy and platforms of the Parties running.

Alberta Election Called

How are the people of Alberta going to vote on April 23? How will the Conservatives fair against the Wild Rose? Can the Liberals or NDP make any gains with the Right split?  What is your opinion? What the issues that are going to matter to you this election? answer these questions and add any important issues about the election to the comments. People out side Alberta wage in your concerns and hopes as well. Alberta is a driving force in our economy. However, it oil sands cause many issues with in our foreign policy. Tell us who you are going to vote for and why. Advertise and advocate for your candidate on this site.