Calling it Quits

If the winds of change are blowing in British Columbia, a hurricane is hammering Alberta. Seriously, the changes in the Legislature since their spring 2008 election have been enormous. MLAs removed from caucus, upswing parties, loud opposition to leaders and now the Premier is resigning. To think too, Alberta politics is often a snooze fest.

This Parliament has had to deal with the global economic downturn and its implications on Alberta. As you can imagine, it hasn't treated the province well. Poor fiscal management from years past have become apparent, and so too has a huge budget deficit. This along with flip-flopping in nearly all areas of public policy and secrecy to debate legislation, the Progressive Conservatives are having a rough time. Guy Boutilier publicly criticized the government and was later removed from the caucus, sitting as an independent in the Legislature. By early 2010, two MLAs bolted from the party and joined the Wildrose Alliance Party. Just recently, Raj Sherman was removed from the caucus for objecting the status of the health care system. For now, he is an independent, but word on the street says he's looking for a new political home as well.

This has hurt the PC Party badly in the polls. On average, they have dropped approximately 20% since their 2008 election victory, into the low 30's. With such a poor performance by the government, one would expect the official opposition Liberals to be the main beneficiary. However, that is not the case at all. In fact, they've dropped in support recently, and one of their MLAs who resigned from the caucus due to "a lack of vision and direction" by the leader has now joined the Alberta Party as their first MLA ever.

No, the Wildrose Alliance Party has been benefitting from this political anarchy. They have positioned themselves further right then Ed Stelmach, and claim that if elected to government, they will return conservatism to Alberta. The people seem to like Danielle Smith, and she could very well lead her upswing party to victory by the next election and subsequently become the provinces first female Premier. This would also end the political dynasty of the Progressive Conservative Party in power since 1971. For lack of better words, that would be a very impressive feat.

The quietest party in all of this though is the NDP. The two member caucus has gained some support to about 12%, and may be able to convince Raj Sherman to join, but in the face of a massive split in the right-wing, things are quiet among the social democratic party for better or for worse.

So, with all this occurring within just over a year, as of today Premier Ed Stelmach has announced he will not run in the next election as leader or as an MLA. His political career is over. The hunt is on for a new leader and Premier, but the party might not be alone in that search. The Liberals might look towards an opportunity for renewal and dump Swann. Overall though, this is just further proof that the Progressive Conservatives are not capable leaders. Barring any tidal wave of change from this new leader, it appears that the Wildrose Alliance Party will win the next election. They won't be alone though. The PCs, Liberals, NDP, and Alberta Party will most likely be there with them. This is a time of great change in Alberta. If this is the change Albertans need though, only time will tell.