Alberta Party looks to future
Dear
editor,
Graham Thomson’s history lesson
of the Alberta Party (Aug.2) was excellent. We did create a progressive political
party to re-engage Albertans in a respectful, grassroots dialogue. In two years, the Alberta Party
attracted over 2,000 members (of all political persuasions) saddened Alberta
politics had become so angry and divisive.
Alison Redford did take the wind
out of Alberta Party sails. The
minute she was elected, she ripped her party to the centre because she knows that’s
where most Albertans stand. When
Albertans looked at their options on April 23: the moderate new face of the PCs
or the Wildrose Party—espousing social conservatism Albertans will not tolerate,
a disregard for climate science and a philosophy of privatization of public
services—they ran back to the PC Mother Ship. It was their safest option. The Alberta Party, as Thomson pointed
out, was simply too new and unknown in the face of such a threat.
Even as a candidate for the Alberta Party, I was relieved
we avoided a Wildrose government.
However, as hopeful about Ms. Redford as I am, I remain pessimistic the
PCs can truly reconnect with average Albertans. Forty-two years of power makes it difficult to feel much
empathy with ordinary Albertans.
We can hope the Wildrose Party distances itself from its
social conservatism and an aversion to public services. We can hold our breath the Liberal
brand suddenly catches on in Alberta. We can cross our fingers the PCs commit
to more than superficial transparency and accountability. Or… the Alberta Party can continue to forge
something new and exciting for the majority of Albertans... in whatever form that
might take.
Graham Thomson is right, The Alberta Party has the
best name in Alberta politics (not to mention the coolest logo). But we also have a history of respectful
debate, quality candidates, grassroots involvement, transparency and creative
solutions that cannot be denied.
Whatever happens in coming months, Alberta Party
supporters will protect the high standards that went into the creation of
Alberta’s freshest political party, but everything is on the table.
William Munsey (New Sarepta)
VP Policy
Alberta Party
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