Thread by @dkingofABC

As a long time Progressive Conservative M.L.A. and Cabinet Minister during Alberta’s Lougheed era, in 2015 I was an ardent advocate of electing an NDP government. The incumbent conservative government had grown out of touch, arrogant, and shoddy. #ableg #abpoli #abndp #abparty

I hoped the Conservative Party would learn humility, choose a visionary, disciplined, & democracy inspired leader, & re-emerge as a party worthy of support. It certainly didn’t happen. Since 2019, Alberta has been governed by a Zombie party that doesn’t ‘t deserve a 2nd chance.

Alberta deserves the best possible leadership, because it is a community of great promise. I knew Peter Lougheed up close, for the entire 20 years of his commitment to Alberta. In 2023 he would be working with a vision for Alberta. He would be including everyone. He would be

Making a place for Alberta inside Confederation, not looking for the nearest exit. Lougheed always cautioned against the American embrace. He would not be fawning over N. Dakota or Florida. Lougheed would be disciplined and consistent, not capricious and inconsistent.

In four years the Government of Alberta has lost its convictions, its courage, & its way. The people of Alberta have suffered & they can put an end to this bizarre nightmare. I hope to see Alberta become, again, a community in which everyone says, we are all in this together.

Alberta was once barn raisings, & helping neighbours with harvesting, & rural electrification coops, & a strong PUB that ensures reliable electricity at prices people can always afford. Not a rural province any more, I hope Alberta is still a place of welcome for everyone

With big dreams about getting in (not out), audacious projects, contributing (not withholding), sharing the work and sharing the outcome of good work. As Lougheed used to say, Alberta is vital to the Canada project. Alberta wants in and is ready to do more than its share.

I believe that Peter Lougheed would be appalled by the flag bearers of conservatism in this election. Appalled by the complete absence of leadership and appalled by the meek and submissive field of ‘conservative’ candidates. Appalled by the contradictions and unreliability.

Turning away completely from capricious Danielle Smith and the UCP, in some constituencies, voters have choices, and I believe creative, visionary diversity is good for government, just as victim signalling and destructive messages are bad for government. In some constituencies

the Alberta Party candidate, or the candidate of another party may provide integrity, imagination, hard work on behalf of constituents, & a ‘loyal alternative’ perspective that would be invaluable to good government. Lougheed was Leader of the Opposition before becoming Premier.

Full disclosure. I believe an NDP government would be well served if Barry Morashita and like spirited candidates are elected.