CHRISTOPHER C. THRESHER
Opinions Writer
For 38 years the Progressive Conservatives of Alberta have remained the dominant political entity.
The PC dynasty was so powerful that it was arguably on par with the federal Liberals’ standard of being the “natural governing party of Canada.”
For many conservatives, Alberta once represented an incredible opportunity; they glowingly talked about obliterating debt, balanced budgets, free market reforms and pioneering a spirit to take on the powerful federal government. While many of these opportunities were realized in one form or another, there stands today an overwhelming sense of failure among dissatisfied conservative supporters.
These feelings stem from many significant failures: a burgeoning bureaucracy of political operatives, out of control spending and the abuse of Alberta’s royalty revenue framework. As a result, the political climate in Alberta has changed dramatically. The Wildrose Alliance, once a fringe right-wing conservative party has finally united and is now bridging the gap needed to form the opposition.
Remarkably, the Wildrose Alliance began its ascent with the by-election win of Paul Hinman on Sept. 14 in the long-held Tory riding of Calgary-Glenmore with 37 per cent of the vote. Calgary-Glenmore had been held by the Progressive Conservatives since 1969 and was considered one of their safest seats. Since then, the Wildrose Alliance has been buoyed in the polls, approaching nearly 22 per cent of popular support across the province.
The fact that a fledgling political party has managed to surge to second place is a remarkable feat in a province that has virtually been a one party state.
In order to properly face the Progressive Conservatives the Wildrose Alliance needed to rise to the challenge with a new leader. On Oct 17, Alliance members wisely chose libertarian Danielle Smith over social conservative Mark Dryholm by a 3-1 margin.
Danielle Smith is a dream candidate for many libertarians and is one of the few individuals willing to say the word “libertarian” out loud. She has strongly asserted her belief in a woman’s right to choose, does not oppose same sex marriage and has refused to enter into a dialogue of religious conservatism.
Her opponent, Mark Dryholm, has been unabashedly pro-life, opposes same sex marriage vehemently and is known for his religiosity.
Fortunately Smith’s views are well grounded in support for personal responsibility, choice, privacy and individual liberties. Smith represents an opportunity to dispense with the divisive politics of social conservatism and instead focus on lowering taxes, slashing the size of the state and maximizing individual rights. While described in the press as “a fiscal conservative and social liberal,” her views can be best described as libertarian in nature.
Danielle Smith’s libertarian credentials are impeccable. Smith began with an internship with Canada’s pre-eminent free market think tank, the Fraser Institute. Afterwards Smith worked for the Canadian Property Rights Research Institute, numerous lobbyist organizations and even has a distinguished career in both television and print media.
The next step in eventually defeating Premier Ed Stelmach and the Progressive Conservatives will be the leadership review about to occur in Red Deer on Nov 7. Former Premier Ralph Klein has already thrown down the gauntlet, challenging Stelmach to reach 70 per cent approval or step down as leader of the Tories.
Three possibilities could occur with Stelmach’s leadership review after Nov. 7: Stelmach resigns with low approval, continues leading with low approval or continues leading with high approval. But in all three cases, the Tories will suddenly face a new leadership race within their own party or continue with a premier who has been labelled as incompetent.
If the premier manages to survive the upcoming leadership review, he will have an opportunity to reinvigorate his party and change his image in the process. However, should this occur, there remains a dangerous potential for dissatisfied Progressive Conservatives to cross the floor.
Particularly exciting would be the resignation and subsequent floor crossing of Cabinet Minister Ted Morton. Rumours have circulated for many months that up to 10 of 73 current Progressive Conservative MLAs are considering the jump.
In the next few months, Albertan politics will finally take on a life of its own. For many ardent political aficionados, the fledgling Alliance marks the start of a potentially raucous next few years. Many obstacles await and underestimating the power of Alberta’s strongest political dynasty is a foolish proposition. However, it is also unwise to underestimate the potential of the intelligent and popular Danielle Smith.
If the Wildrose Alliance eventually becomes a viable entity it will certainly shake the halls of power within the Progressive Conservative party. Likely, a strong showing for the Wildrose Alliance would both spell the end of moderate Premier Ed Stelmach and usher in a new era of ideologically conservative politics in Alberta. With a stronger more libertarian-conservative Alberta, the possibilities are endless.