March 10, 2008

Alberta Provincial Election

Stelmach leads Alberta Conservatives to another majority

RICHARD GILBERT

staff writer

The people of Alberta voted the Conservatives to an 11th straight majority government, despite a political campaign that said the province was looking for change.

Premier Ed Stelmach and the Conservative party won a decisive victory in Alberta’s provincial elections on March 3. Many observers had predicted a tight race after a rough 28-day campaign, but the Conservatives won 72 of 83 ridings. The key to Stelmach’s success was his ability to present an image of a hard-working man with a plan.

The Liberals lost seven of their 16 legislative seats, led by a collapse in their traditional base of support in Edmonton.

The NDP saw their seats cut by half, holding on to two seats in Edmonton, while Wildrose Alliance Leader Paul Hinman lost his party’s lone seat in Cardston-Taber-Warner by a narrow 39 votes.

“I think the general speculation was that it (the election) would be closer. This was absolutely fascinating. Nobody would have predicted 70 seats,” said Bill Stewart, vice president of Merit Contractors Association.

“So many times Ed Stelmach has been underestimated. I think this is another one of those cases.”

The response to the election results from union leadership in Alberta was mixed.

“Obviously we are disappointed and we will be doing a post-mortem on the ad campaign. It is clear that neither opposition party seized the opportunity that was presented,” said Gil McGowan, Alberta Federation of Labour president.

“Ed Stelmach silenced his critics and surprised his supporters. But, we must keep in mind that only 40 per cent of Albertans cast a vote.”

Another union leader has a slightly different reaction to the election results.

“I’m not disappointed. At the end of the day, we are proud that we set the tone for the election and forced the government to put forth a plan,” said Ron Harry, executive director of the Alberta Building Trades Council of Unions.

“We hope the government comes through and delivers on their plan. If they do we will be better off and have a better quality of life.”

The election was regarded as crucial, because the outcome would determine how the government deals with several critical issues.

“Unions continue to be the most democratic organizations in the country. We are concerned about families, infrastructure, health care, housing and other growing pressures the government is dealing with in the province. These are issues that are important to average Albertans,” said Harry.

“We will continue to work with the government and hold them accountable.”

Some people believe the election victory gives the Progressive Conservative leader a clear mandate to govern.

“A significant part of the electorate wants to give this man a chance. He is seen as a hard worker and a knowledgeable person. Here is his chance to shine,” said Bill Stewart.

One union leader disagrees with this interpretation of the election results.

“Stelmach has increased the number of seats the conservatives have in the legislature, but this is not a ringing endorsement of his party,” said McGowan.

“We have a problem with democracy in a province where six out 10 people choose not to vote. A majority of the people stayed at home, which is as much a problem with the opposition as the government.”

Despite a political ad campaign launched by the unions and a desire for change that was expressed in recent polls, the elections saw the lowest turnout at the polls in Alberta history.

Voter turnout dropped from 44.7 per cent in the 2004 campaign to about 41 per cent on March 3, which is the worst turnout in Alberta history.

“I think people reacted negatively to the attack ads. Working people questioned the leadership in this little adventure. Union leaders will have to account to their membership,” said Stewart.

“The ads didn’t affect the outcome in the direction they were seeking. In fact the opposite could be argued.”

One union leader says the ad campaign played a more positive role in the provincial election.

“The electorate does not say that unions should not be involved in politics. But, we must do a better job when we do,” said McGowan.

“There is no doubt the ads played a role in the election by holding the government accountable. I remain unconvinced that the election promises are a comprehensive plan.”

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