Jim Lahey

1980: Pierre Trudeau wins a majority without winning a seat West of Manitoba. This set the precedent for the NEP, which undisputedly (correct me if I'm wrong) benefited the East at the expense of Alberta. This has lead me, and many of my friends and family, to adopt an 'Albertacentric' view on federal politics. Our energy sector is a major part of our livelihood, and it seems that some political parties - especially those that garner major support in the East - are likely adopt a taxation policy that would result in significantly less oil and gas production if elected. While I agree that we shouldn't be giving the oil away for next to nothing like we are currently doing, any regulations and taxation have to be adopted strategically. I have a feeling that many of these companies wouldn't mind keeping their oil in the ground for a few years until there is another election if it meant that they would make more money doing so in the long run. I expect some flaming, but I like whining. I feel like Layton thinks that our economy runs on unicorns and fairy dust and doesn't realize what a significant negative impact carbon taxes will have on our economy.

Edmonton. Maybe I'll upload a pic of my "Let those Eastern b------s freeze in the dark" bumper sticker

I'd like to voice my opinions in a place where they will be questioned, but not gainsaid. I'm asking this because I'm a regular a non-political forum, and when discussing Canadian politics, I am literally the only one that supports Conservatives. Also, are there are fair amount of Albertans here, or would I be wasting my time discussing Alberta provincial politics?

What do you call it when you take money from a group of people who have earned it and give it to those who haven't earned it? Just kidding. Now that I have your attention: hello, I'm new here. If someone could please quickly tell me how well represented Conservative supporters are in this forum, that would be great. If these is a breeding ground for NDP supporters/Bolsheviks, then I don't think you serve my kind here and I'll pack up and make my own way out of town.

Ahahaha, I used to be bothered by anti-Harper alarmists, but now that his next 4 years in power are a lock and I don't think he'll run for re-election, it's hilarious to me. I'm all for freedom of information to a certain extent, but I get Harper's train of thought. No matter what he does, says, or spends, the media is automatically going to ride him for it and make him look like a bad guy. I think he decided that he wasn't going to play the media's game, which is basically like playing Jumanji in the sense that no matter what he rolls or where he lands, he's going to be in trouble. What's everyone so scared of, anyways? Another sponsorship scandal? Buying expensive fountains? Call me jaded, but I think all politicians, especially the ones up here, are going to be corrupt to some extent. As long as there aren't any major issues with serious implications and repercussions, all this stuff should be taken with a grain of salt.

I'm a fiscally conservative guy and I don't like Alberta's tories. In theory, I'd like a different center-right party running the province, but I'm not too sure if the Wildrose Alliance is a good choice. They're heavily criticized by the media, but I think Edmonton's newspapers are garbage (especially the Journal). I'm having a hard time finding out their real policy ideas online, I was wondering if you guys might have any insight. I don't want anything too far right... not yet anyways, I'm still University. My father, who isn't the most reliable source, says that they speak for the rural population and will help them at the expense of Edmonton and Calgary. I don't trust small towns, and farmers in particular. In Alberta, I think health care and education are quite fragile... health care especially, so I don't want anyone too far right damaging those institutions. In general, I'm a big fan of high taxes and extensive government services because I'm a cocky jerk and like to think that Albertans don't need hand-outs from the governments to get by. Thanks for any input.

Hah, as an Edmontonian I'll agree that there are a hell of a lot of 'economic refugees' in Alberta. I can't walk to the store and buy a pack of cigarettes without running into at least three newfies... I think we keep electing the tories because of lack of competition. We definitely don't want to go bankrupt with the NDP, and I think the liberals have just generally failed to get their act together. I personally don't like the tories and I'm debating if I really want to give them money so I can vote for the new leader - because whoever that is is likely to be premier for some time. I distrust any political party that has been in power for the last 40 years, and I can't help but feel that they are buddy-buddy with the oil companies. What I want out of my provincial leaders is an increase in the royalty rates, but no one has the balls to stand up to the Goliaths. I disagree with the notion of the Alberta 'bible belt'. Yes, it is true that there are many socially conservative religious small communities, but they don't represent a large part of the popular opinion. Catholicism is big here, and I think we can all agree that the Vatican's tenets are a far cry from Southern US Evangelicals. I don't think religious concepts play a big part in Canadian politics at all. As an Albertan who doesn't like the Conservatives, I still think that in the next election they might be the lesser of the evils. As Albertans, we historically have to respect Lougheed and Klein for standing up for Alberta. I criticize Ralph Klein for cutting social services and the whatnot, but he did do wonders for our economy. Hate 'em or love him, he's still King Ralph. Even though I am fiscally conservative (and a proponent of Alberta's cessation, lpl), I think I'd like a more liberal government because I think that with our oil revenue, we are more able than other places to provide more extensive social services. And if I can digress to federal politics... Alberta votes for the Conservatives because they are the least likely to screw us over. Even though it is before my time, the 1980 Federal Election where Pierre Trudeau won a majority without winning a seat east of Manitoba and went on the screw Alberta with the NEP is well ingrained in the collective unconscious.