With six days to the 2012 Alberta election, we know this will be one to remember. Provincially, the Wildrose has given the PCs a real run for their money, with most polls placing the Wildrose in a commanding lead. As all candidates are quick to point out though, only one poll matters, and that’s the one on April 23.
Forums in Lac La Biche, Vilna and St. Paul have given voters across the constituency a good idea of where the four candidates stand, with four very distinct views on the problems facing Alberta. It’s interesting to note where the candidates agree, like with the Liberals, NDP and Wildrose tag teaming the PCs on property rights, and where they don’t – like each party’s approach to high power bills, long term care and health care.
This is an election about policy and the future of the province, not the gender or the heritage of candidates or leaders. Thus far, it’s been a healthy debate based on the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates’ ideas - something the electors will ultimately decide on Monday.
It’s also been an unusual election in many ways. A PC campaign worker belittled the Wildrose leader not having children, the first version of the Wildrose campaign bus had some unfortunately placed wheels, and the minister of Education alleged he was assaulted when door knocking. Locally, a PC-decaled truck has spent much time parked outside the Wildrose office in St. Paul. At the three all-candidates forums in the constituency, the four men vying to be our MLA traded shots and engaged in a stimulating and healthy debate.
The PCs have had to fight harder than they have in a long time, the price to pay after over four decades in power. The electorate will decide if the party and its new leader are worthy of another four years.
It’s shaping up to be an election no Albertan wants to miss.
