Alberta Provincial Election

[Kaere]

So, we're having an election here on May 5. The budget is hooped because oil prices dropped so much and the reigning conservative gov't (the Progressive Conservatives) depending on it too much (overspending). The PC's have been in power in this province since 1971, just for interest. The Wildrose Party was the official opposition, until it's leader and approx. ten others crossed the floor (and then lost their nominations for their ridings hahaha).

BUT ANYWAY!!

Imagine this as the only other choice to a corrupt gov't...

http://www.cbc.ca/news/elections/alberta-votes/wildrose-candidate-s-bring-your-wife-s-pie-event-bakes-up-twitter-backlash-1.3035811

...it is truly stunning sometimes.

[Rockhopper]

Which is why I don't Tweet. Too many twits tweeting there.

PC gone mad!

Good luck with you province's election!

Tim.

[Kaere]

PC gone mad? No, it's the Wildrose party, not the Progressive Conservatives. And wasn't about twitter, it was about the ridiculousness of the title of the event. But I do think the tweets about it all were right on form. Really, 'bring your wife's pie'?! ... of course 'pie' being a euphemism for a woman's genitals. Also, jeez... speaking only to the male folk out there? Yay for the far right wing! /sarcasm... Left a hugely bad taste in my mouth, not that they haven't done that before.

[Rockhopper]

I see, sorry, it was lost in translation Ka. Phrases sometimes have different meanings in different countries.

Your criticism was fair under those circumstances.

Tim.

[Rogue]

...and the volunteers get the blame!!! OMFG!

The same party in power since 1971... that is very scary. Kaere, does everyone get out and vote, or has apathy set in?

Good luck girl! Doesn't seem like theres any choice.

[Kaere]

I'm not sure about our voter turn out rates, to be honest. Hovering somewhere around 70% I think? Canadians traditionally do not vote FOR a party but more AGAINST a gov't we don't like. The PC party back then brought finances under control and the province flourished, there was a rainy day fund and all sorts of amazing things (like we don't have a provincial sales tax while all other provinces do). But the party has recently come under new leadership and they have tanked it, well and truly. Soooo things may change, I dunno.

I truly doubt the PC's will be voted out...

[Rockhopper]

Quite true Ka. Govt's are voted out not voted in.

Tim.

[Rogue]

I see there was a big change in your government this election Kaere, the last 44 years has finally been put to bed!

[Kaere]

*phew* you're not kidding. I think no one expected the change at all. And it's shifted from Conservative to New Democrat at that. That's like the State of Texas voting unanimously for Obama and throwing their guns in the trash on their way out the polling station lol

Alberta has been a province since 1905, there's only been four previous gov'ts since then. I found that a really strange factoid.

I think the change will be very good. People get paranoid, of course. Energy markets were freaking out (the NDP says they want to review the royalty system). But the Alberta NDP is still quite a bit to the right in terms of taxation and social policy *shrugs*

I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

[Rogue]

Sounds like steps into a better direction. I hope so.

[Kaere]

Me too

In case anyone is curious, here's a little article about the party.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/elections/alberta-votes/rachel-notley-alberta-premier-designate-says-new-government-reflects-diversity-1.3067618

[Lenzabi]

Big changes

[Rockhopper]

Big changes indeed! Certainly looks like a change in the right direction.

Tim.

[Sponsored content]