CALGARY — Canadian conservative icon Preston Manning says he’s seeing trouble in the Tory heartland.
Mr. Manning says an aging Progressive Conservative government–along with health-care and economic woes — have left Alberta in a volatile political state and the province’s 39-year ruling Tory dynasty on shaky ground.
The founder of the former Reform party said this week that the challenges facing the Alberta government on health, energy and the economy, combined with a fresh face in Danielle Smith and her rising opposition party, the Wildrose Alliance, are producing political upheaval not seen in the province for decades.
“Alberta is in one of those transition times that it has periodically, where the governing party is challenged to reinvigorate itself from within and you’ve got a new group coming along challenging it,” Mr. Manning said.
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As a disgruntled tory I would say that Special Ed the farmer never saw a political cow pie that he couldn’t step in. However the PC drift began under Ralf and Special Ed has only made things worse. In truth I don’t care who is in power so long as they do these simple things:
Provide a pro-business environment that takes into account the need for businesses to make money and the need to pass along to our children a livable environment. A business environment that encourages the little guy without unduly punishing the big guy.
A government that accepts people where they are, takes care of those in need without creating an expectation of entitlement by every ne’er-do-well that wanders into Service Alberta looking for a handout.
A government that builds a sustainable health care system not necessarily one that is sole source by the government.
A government that breaks up monopolies whether business or labour and works to prevent their forming.
A government that is prudent with taxes determining what is needed not always what is wanted.
A government that accepts its role in providing infrastructure without extravagant waste.
This is an Alberta thing Joe and up to Albertans to sort out but I find it all fascinating as does Manning I suspect. Like you I believe Kline went off the rails somewhere in his last term in office as he started to tangle horns with Harper.
I’m keeping my eye on things.
#2 – right on and as Kline used to say “I’ll drink to that” Heck, he would drink to anything.
Joe: have you heard the leader of the Wildrose Alliance speak? I have and I believe that she might have heard your wishes. Special Ed does not have a hope in the next election, IMO, he and the PC’s are toast.
Albertans are so fortunate to have a Party and a leader to vote FOR; as verses holding you nose and voting for the least rotten. I lived in Alberta for many years, most of my friends moved there from the Yukon when The Yukon elected a Dipper gov’t (out of disgust with the Special Ed type PC gov’t that was here at the time, Conservatives stayed home (a mistake our friends south of the border made in the last election) and the pinko squeaked in… I want Alberta to prosper. I am cheering for Danielle and Albertans; they know how to get good things done and there is no doubt in my mind or my heart that this job is no exception.
“Agreed”, Jema.
I guess Canada has found their “Sarah Palin” (sidebar) — there’s more here.
You want “Harper’s replacement” — here she comes.
“BUT” the lady needs a little time to get used to the idea.
Let’s hope that Wildrose blooms and the pollen from that conservative success spreads far and wide. Danielle articulates conservatism very nicely in that link at #6. Also Joe has done a nice crisp outline of what is required.
It sure would be nice to get a Trillium Party started here in Ontario and drop the “progressiveness” from the PCs , which is just a wishy washy word to not be brave enough to stand apart from Liberals. Let’s have a clear choice , not just a fight over who can run the best bureaucracy with OUR money.
Re: #7 — Agreed.
Any leader that respects property rights has my vote. Unfortunately Danielle Smith is from the West, she’s down to earth, and hasn’t achieved her position through some Progressive diversity program. Hence she would never be accepted by the urban elites in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.
The majority of Albetans will not stand for a Liberal spend-tax-spend government. The PC’s have become that goverment. Klein started out his leadership with belt tightning, slayed the deficet, paid off our provincial debt. Then legislated no deficets ever. This was early in his reign. Now Stelmach has torn up that law, and we are staring down a 5 billion deficet. If you can believe it Alberta spends 40% more per capita than Ontario on Health, education etc. Stelach is hopefully toast.For sure the WRA has my vote when the next election is held.
Alberta has a habit of sweeping out the old and ushering in the new. Not a bad idea in my mind.
I disagree that Danielle Smith is our Sara Palin. I think there’s lots more substance to Smith than Palin.
I agree Larry as Palin pails in comparison to Smith – someone to watch and hopefully has a role to play in Ottawa, at some time in the future. I wonder if she’s fluently bilingual.