This blog is maintained in conjunction with POL S 421 (Provincial Politics in Canada) at the University of Alberta. Comments and questions from students, guests, and the community are welcomed.
I'm interested to know your thoughts on the impact that Alison Redford's downfall will have on the issue of gender equality in the political realm. Her leadership showcased such a difference from her campaign promises, do you feel that her turning on those who she recruited to support her (teachers, etc) will negatively impact the fortunes of potential female political leaders in the future?
Given that Jim Prentice has a prominent history as a federal Conservative politician, what impact do you forsee this having on the Wildrose's strategy? Do you think that the relationship between the Wildrose and CPC will affect their ability to attack him?
Do you think that there will ever be a serious effort to diversify the Albertan economy, or (barring any radical changes to the energy market) will the resource sector always dominate the economy?
Canada has a diverse economy, but Alberta does not. It is, and will continue to be, an energy economy. Yes, financial and manufacturing sectors have emerged, but these are all tied to the energy sector. Agriculture, ranching, forestry may exist, but the strength of the Alberta economy is oil and gas.
Do you think that Alberta's political culture has changed from so many people moving to Alberta from other provinces? If so, has this played a role in the vulnerability of the PC dynasty?
Inward migration has existed for several decades, but support for PCs has remained. Lots of debate on this point. Some say it is self-selection, in other words people who come to Alberta are attracted to its political culture. Others argue that once here, they become politically socialized within Alberta.
In your presentation, you mentioned that the PC's lost many ridings, particularly rural ridings, south of Red Deer. How do you think the next PC leader can garner support from those regions? Are there any particular policy promises that the PC party can make to win back votes?
I'm interested to know your thoughts on the impact that Alison Redford's downfall will have on the issue of gender equality in the political realm. Her leadership showcased such a difference from her campaign promises, do you feel that her turning on those who she recruited to support her (teachers, etc) will negatively impact the fortunes of potential female political leaders in the future?
ReplyDeleteGiven that Jim Prentice has a prominent history as a federal Conservative politician, what impact do you forsee this having on the Wildrose's strategy? Do you think that the relationship between the Wildrose and CPC will affect their ability to attack him?
ReplyDeleteDo you think that there will ever be a serious effort to diversify the Albertan economy, or (barring any radical changes to the energy market) will the resource sector always dominate the economy?
ReplyDeleteCanada has a diverse economy, but Alberta does not. It is, and will continue to be, an energy economy. Yes, financial and manufacturing sectors have emerged, but these are all tied to the energy sector. Agriculture, ranching, forestry may exist, but the strength of the Alberta economy is oil and gas.
DeleteWhat do you see as the future for the smaller parties such as the Alberta Liberals, NDP, or the Alberta Party?
ReplyDeleteDo you think that Alberta's political culture has changed from so many people moving to Alberta from other provinces? If so, has this played a role in the vulnerability of the PC dynasty?
ReplyDeleteInward migration has existed for several decades, but support for PCs has remained. Lots of debate on this point. Some say it is self-selection, in other words people who come to Alberta are attracted to its political culture. Others argue that once here, they become politically socialized within Alberta.
DeleteIn your presentation, you mentioned that the PC's lost many ridings, particularly rural ridings, south of Red Deer. How do you think the next PC leader can garner support from those regions? Are there any particular policy promises that the PC party can make to win back votes?
ReplyDeleteThanks Dr. Bratt, that was excellent.
ReplyDelete