OK - this idea of an Alberta minority government is a very hypothetical possibility today. There is no imminent election in the province but the politics are more volatile than most people living here have ever seen.
All signs point to a change from the political status quo next election. Will we do the historical thing and go for a wholesale change of government? Or will we reaffirm the status quo like in the last provincial election that returned the PCs with an increased majority under Stelmach as a new leader. Were we that supportive, or looking for stability or just wanting to give him a chance to prove himself? Or will we be so divided and uncertain about our future by the time the next election comes around that we end up with a minority government.
The key question, of course, is which party would form the minority government? Some of the power shifts in a minority government situation to a smaller party, provided they have enough votes to keep the minority government in power, or not. In that case it is just as critical a question for citizens to consider as to who should have that balance of power to make or break the minority government.
If Albertans decide to elect a minority government next time, will it be a sign we want to change incrementally or perhaps we want to send the PCs a message of our discontent but not rejection. That is what Albertans in Calgary Glenmore did in the by-election by putting the PCs in third place in popular vote. That was in a constituency that had been held by the Deputy Premier. OUCH!
I wonder if Albertans interpret that by-election as indication that the warning shot across PC bow has already been delivered. If so the next election outcome could be much more open and uncertain than the conventional wisdom that tends to think tomorrow will be a reflection and a mere extension of yesterdays results.
The blog poll this week presumes a minority government but not who wins. It ask who do you want to be the conscience of any minority government should we end up with one. Will you answer differ depending on who you think will form the minority government? Or will you trust one party over all others to hold the balance of power to keep any potential minority government on their toes and honest? Is that balance of power party choice chosen because they are able to assure a wider range of opinions will be debated? Or is that balance of power party perceived as a government in waiting and able to pick the time and ballot question in the next election after this one?
This is not a random scientific poll just a conversation starter and an attention focus for readers. I hope your comments on this post will give some insight as to what party you would prefer form a minority and why as well as who you trust to have the balance of power and why. It is complex stuff and an informed answer requires that you think about where you want the province to go and how to return political stability as part of the means to get there.
Looking forward to your choice and you feedback in the comments.
I would like to see an even balance of all Parties, but there would never be an even balance in the Alberta legislature, if the P.C's or the Wildrose were to have a minority, the actions of the two would be basically a majority with very little difference of opinion. I say this due to the relationship of the Fraser Institute, the Wildrose leader Ms.Smith and P.C MLA (wanting to be party leader) Ted Morton, not to mention that they will also be following our present Prime Minister's tactics, thoughts and more of the same Conservative Dictatorship. IMHO the best people to have the Minority is the Liberal Party, as the NDP seem desperate at most times ( esp over Raj Sherman)and the power would confuse them on dealing with Party/Provincial/ Union & citizen problems , the Alberta Party needs the experience in the Legislature, but are on the right track for a sensible balance of both the Public & Private sectors ( which I feel the Liberals are also).
ReplyDeleteKen,
ReplyDeleteAs a previous multi pc voter, I had an unwavering loyalty to PC ideals. But since the veil of the inner workings and moral compass of the PC party and the MLA's was lifted, I have lost all respect for anybody in the PC's.
The best in this province would be a minority government that is constantly embattled, as this will ensure greater accountability.
The RW parties in AB have historically not provided any stability or value into the System through an healther, more educated population, that can be competitive and worldclass. IMO, we have the cash and talent, but have squandered many opportunities to become a worldclass centre of excellence on many levels, other than oil production only. Even the Arabs are educating their people at a fierce rate and ensuring that they have good health b/c there is not much else left, if the world economics do not support export of our energy abroad. We have to have better long term vision and diversification. The RW PC's and WRA have too narrow of a focus and want to rule top down, focussing on the exclusive needs of big business first. Big business is a great asset and should always be viewed as such, but RW parties have lost their way and just don't have the vision to know what is important for AB's and for AB to be competitive. The people of AB are also the greatest asset of Alberta. A sick, uneducated population is a huge economic drain on future generations, sadly RW parties don't want to address this, but would rather just cut and slash and force people to pay out of pocket and de-list as much as they can to get rid of the problem and give freebee contracts to their political supporters. Again, a complete lack of vision, or is it intentionally narrowed vision? You are a smart guy, you make up your mind.