At the Alberta Progressive Conservative party convention held in Red Deer on May 7, with about 1,000 delegates attending, it was decided to continue as the original party had been organized, according to the PC constitution.
The general consensus was that having won 28 per cent of the total votes cast in the May 2015 provincial election was proof that the party, (contrary to what the press asserted) had the support of a substantial proportion of the [Alberta] electorate. The percentage of votes won has convinced the party that they still had a part to play in Alberta politics.
The PC vote (although getting only 10 MLAs elected) was spread somewhat throughout the province as a whole, suggesting that many Albertans do support and have been generally satisfied with the previous PC governments.
Did the PCs deserve to lose the last election? Possibly so, and in the election’s wake the party has been purged of much of the “dead wood” with which it was inundated, and getting back to their grassroots. In order to get past the 2015 election disaster and begin moving ahead, the party will have to develop new and intelligent public policy and moving into the future benefiting Albertans of all walks of life.
One would have to accept that although we had the advantage of the oil boom, previous Progressive Conservative governments spread the wealth in many wise ways.
Albertans have generally enjoyed low provincial income taxes, more paved roads per capita than any other province, and have had one of the best health care systems even with overly long waiting times. We have had one of the better educational systems available, as well parents have had the privilege of enrolling their children in any of the public, separate, private and religious schools and others.
The “Alberta Advantage” allowed low corporate income taxes, no provincial sales tax and a welcoming environment for entrepreneurs. This all just did not happen by itself.
It was also more than a half-century of good governance (Social Credit and Progressive Conservative) that facilitated the evolution and development of these advantages.
Over the last few weeks some federal conservative have considered becoming involved in Alberta Progressive Conservative politics specifically making suggestions in rebuilding the party in leadership efforts. It is worth noting that provincial politics is substantially different from federal politics.
Some contestants have grandiose designs of “uniting the right” which may or may not be worthwhile in their efforts. It might be wise to leave the Wildrose party, which is healthy, to chart its own visions and policies as it pleases.
The person wishing to lead the PCs must show respect for all members of the party and be willing to accept advice.
He or she must engage with the (voting) public, and to work for the betterment of all, not just the party. He or she must have the ability to make sound decisions and communicate with all Canadians as well as Albertans.
Will the Progressive Conservative party find the above-described person to lead the party? There is no doubt that it is possible and that very candidate could well emerge from any part of the province.
