Props to the University of Calgary Students' Union and their campus newspaper, the Gauntlet, for doing a superb job in covering the upcoming provincial election. The Gauntlet ran a month long series (there were only two issues this month, found here and here) on the provincial election, providing COMPREHENSIVE coverage and analysis on the candidates, the parties, and the issues. They also managed to do interviews with Alberta Liberal Leader Kevin Taft and Progressive Conservative Leader Ed Stelmach. In addition to this, the University of Calgary Students' Union ran a 'Provincial Election Awareness Week' and released their grading of the parties in terms of where they stand regarding student issues (the results are here, but the Alberta Liberals received the highest marks at a A-). The University of Calgary Students' Union’s and the Gauntlet’s efforts to publicize, mobilize and educate students to vote deserves a tremendous amount of praise. They’ve tried to cut through the apathy and engage students within the electoral process.
Being a student at the University of Alberta, I envisioned the University of Alberta Students' Union and the campus newspaper, the Gateway, to do similar things once the writ was dropped. But to my surprise, the University of Alberta Students' Union provincial election campaign consisted of: a poster and 2 tables, with party propaganda, in the Students' Union Building; two forums (one held during Read-in-Week); a mass email (sent out in today’s SU monthly news letter, simply reminding us to vote); and that's pretty much it in terms of mobilizing students to vote. The Gateway's contribution in publicizing the provincial election revolved around a panel discussion (the panel had a Liberal, a NDP, a former SU President known for her "left" wing stance, and Professor Ian Urquhart- NO CONSERVATIVE/GREEN/WILDROSE ALLIANCE/"RIGHT WING" PERSPECTIVE. Although I enjoyed the discussion, it was odd that not all the views were brought forward and that they really didn’t delve into the specific policy proposals of each party) released in last Thursday’s issue and a few Op-ed pieces. Being a student at the University of Alberta, one who is passionate about Alberta Politics (starting an Alberta political blog is justification enough I believe), calling me pissed off at the University of Alberta’s Students' Union and Gateway for not doing enough to publicize, mobilize, and educate students would be an understatement. I am ENRAGED.
For the last year, these guys have been bitching and moaning (publicizing their bitching and moaning as well) about how the Progressive Conservative government is doing nothing to address the housing shortage or making post secondary more accessible, yet when we have an actual venue (the election) to translate this dissatisfaction into political change they are ironically silent. We’re in the midst of a SU election at school, and all I hear is MORE ADVOCACY! to help students regarding housing and accessibility issues. Sure, but if you really want the needs of students met, get them to vote, get them to elect parties that actually give a damn about addressing these areas (by “get them to elect parties that actually give a damn” I mean educate them on the issues and stances of each political party, and have them decide). By not doing anything (significant, not doing anything significant… my bad, I forget the poster and 2 tables) to get out the student vote, especially in the most contested election in the last 15 years… it baffles the mind and frustrates the hell out of me.
Friday, February 29, 2008
The Provincial Election and the UofC & UofA
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Edmonton-Castle Downs RO Bullshit, Billboard #5, New Albertan's For Change Videos, and Our Man Lupe
So, turn's out the returning officer in Edmonton-Castle Downs is the former executive assistant to the sitting PC MLA, Thomas Lukaszuk. Considering the fact that the former Alberta Liberal candidate (also current candidate) of the riding in 2004, Chris Kibermanis, lost the election by 3 (THREE) votes, and in the event of a tie, the returning officer casts the deciding ballot, this appointment is OH SO SHADY. My more esteemed colleagues over at Alberta: Get Rich or Die Trying do a much more articulate job explaining the story.
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Five days to go... register to vote NOW.
#5 The Bee Gees- How Can You Mend A Broken Heart
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Also, Albertan's for Change have two new video's in which they interview real Albertan's about how they feel about Ed Stelmach. This might come as a bit of a shock, but the responses are not positive.
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Finally, just to cheer up your day, I've included the video of Lupe Fiasco's HOT new (not really) single Superstar.
'one for you and one for your sister/who had to work tonite but is an avid listener"... Gold Lupe, Gold.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Billboard #6
Less than a week to go... 6 DAYS TO GO...
#6 Dawn- Knock Three Times
I'm not a fan of the song but this video is AMAZING.
Monday, February 25, 2008
A Reason for Voting PC
Graham Thompson did an interesting provincial election profile of Drumheller on Sunday. What really caught my eye in the article were the comments made by Marcie Schinnour, a businesswoman of the town. Although she likes Alberta Liberal Candidate Tom Dooley and thinks 'it's time' for change, she will still be voting for the Progressive Conservatives come March 3. Her reason: the idea that if Drumheller elected an opposition MLA, it would hurt the town. She felt Drumheller might be neglected by a subsequent Progressive Conservative government. This is an interesting statement, but not necessarily false considering the nature of Alberta politics.
All over Alberta, Progressive Conservative candidates have been running on a similar message. The common slogan in their campaigns is the idea that by electing them, their respective riding will get a direct seat at the table and receive more attention from the provincial government. Edmonton-Centre Progressive Conservative Candidate Bill Donahue's slogan is a testament to this, it's "Let's Take Back the Capital" (which begs the question whether it "needs" taking back). It may sound like an undemocratic, or even absurd, message to send ("the government only listens to constituencies that vote for them, so vote for the government") but there is some truth to this argument. The Progressive Conservative government’s ‘blue book’ (Summer 2007), showed constituencies with Tory MLA's receiving a significantly more amount of provincial funding than opposition MLA constituencies (albeit the source I've provided [below as a picture] discusses only provincial funding for golf courses but I still think it shows the preferential treatment of PC constituencies).
It comes as no surprise considering the 37 years of Progressive Conservative rule in Alberta. It's common knowledge that Progressive Conservative loyalists stack provincial boards and non-partisan electoral positions. As fellow bloggers have already revealed, there is a blurry line dividing the Progressive Conservative Party and the government of Alberta. I find it ironic, arrogant, and disappointing that these Progressive Conservative candidates would run on such an undemocratic message. However, I find it more disappointing that Albertan's seem to accept this argument, this way of government, and this way of democracy. Albertans are willing to be coerced into voting for a party they don’t want to support, because they fear the political retribution of expressing what they truly believe.
To me, this is one of the most compelling reasons for change.
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UPDATE Tue., Feb 26 : Darcy Henton of the Edmonton Journal wrote a similar story in today's Edmonton Journal.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
PAUL HINMAN
Are you an Albertan?
Are you a tried and true conservative?
Are you sick of the Tories abandoning their original conservative roots?
Do you reckon that the smaller the government, the better the government?
Do you reckon that being called a socialist is akin to slander?
Do you reckon that nothing should come between a man and his gun?
Would you never vote for a political party that used the colour red, let alone the name liberal in it?
If so, I have the honour of *officially* endorsing Paul Hinman and the Wildrose Alliance as your "true conservative alternative." (check out videos here and below to catch a glimpse)
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In my view, Paul Hinman came outta the debate with the most gained. He was well spoken, clear (fairly) and charismatic. Add that with the amount of "right-wing" voters disenchanted with the Tory party, and you've got the recipe for a couple of seats being stolen and a significant increase in the right-wing vote split in the province. Some pundits peg the possible Wildrose Alliance popular support at 9% in the upcoming provincial election, and with Hinman's showing on Thursday and an expected low voter turnout (especially disenchanted Tories), this number could probably rise.. perhaps even mid-teens.
And I will do everything I can to help my Wildrose Alliance brethren out.
Billboard #10 & #9
I apologize for being M.I.A over the last few days.
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#9 Sly and The Family Stone- Family Affair
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#10 Cher- Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Billboard 1971 #11
Did you find the answers you were looking for in tonight's debate?... No?.. Neither did many others...
But dont worry, I've got some Temptations for you...
#11 The Temptations- Just My Imagination
The Alberta Liberals: Greener than the Green Party
The Conservation Voters of Alberta has released their grading on the various parties’ environmental policies. Here's how the parties faired, in order of rank:
Alberta Liberals
Oilsands/health: B
Water: B
Land-use/species at risk: B+
Nuclear energy: incomplete
Climate change: B+
Overall: B+
New Democrats
Oilsands/health: B+
Water: B
Land-use/species at risk: A
Nuclear energy: A-
Climate change: C
Overall: B
Greens
Oilsands and health: B+
Water: B
Land-use/species at risk: C
Nuclear energy: A-
Climate change: B-
Overall: B
Conservatives
Oilsands/health: incomplete
Water: inconclusive
Land-use/species at risk: D
Nuclear energy: C
Climate change: F
Overall: D
Wildrose Alliance
Oilsands/health: F
Water: B-
Land-use/species at risk: D
Nuclear energy: incomplete
Climate change: F
Overall: D
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Billboard 1971 #12
12 days to go....
Tomorrow is the much hyped leaders debate... check out daveberta, who will be commentating live throughout the debate.
But back in 1971.... ...a new a leader with unquestioned ability first emerged on the scene... LOUGHEED?.. pfft, not even close....
I'm talkin' bout SHAFT baby, JOHN SHAFT... whose theme song was #12 on Billboard wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy back in 1971.
#12 Isaac Hayes- Shaft Theme
1971- Year of Shaft... 2008- Year of Taft?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
RO and DRO Application Forms; New Albertan's For Change Ad
The same guy`s who made edspedia.ca and rottentories.ca came up with a funny version of the Albertan RO and DRO application forms. Check em out, they seem to have some striking similarities with the actual RO and DRO appointment process.
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Albertan's for Change released a new commercial today. It details Ed Stelmach's excessive pre-election spending announcements and as always, Ed having no plan.
Interesting choice of colours for the commercial, no?
Monday, February 18, 2008
Ed's Plan for Post Secondary Education
Today, Ed Stelmach released his "plan" (apparently to no applause) to help Post Secondary students in the province tackle the rising costs of a Post Secondary Education. Here is a summary of the PC plan:
- Cut student loan rates to prime.
- CONTINUE to tie tuition increases to inflation.
Ed did a good job cutting student loan rates to prime, the PC party was a couple years late to do it but we'll take it. In terms of tuition, basically Ed has done nothing new… our tuition will continue to rise at the rate of tuition, the exact same policy we have now. Despite not really doing anything to help students out with costs, the Premier maintains his plan will "help students and their families with the high cost of education." Ha… Ha.. Ha.
Let's compare that to the Alberta Liberal Plan released Friday:
- Cut student loan rates to prime.
- Roll back tuition to 2001 levels (meaning an average tuition decrease of $1000).
- A $300 a year grant for textbook purchases.
- Create a 15 billion dollar endowment fund in 15 years.
- Double the bursary program.
- Reduce or eliminate property tax on On-Campus student housing.
That's a plan that actually helps students deal with the rising costs of a Post Secondary Education but I've already discussed the Alberta Liberal Post Secondary Education Plan. I plan to explain my feelings about the PC Post Secondary Education plan through an open letter to Premier Ed Stelmach.
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Dear Premier Ed Stelmach,
You've promised the students in this province a plan to help them face the rising the costs of Post Secondary Education, but the only word I can think of to describe your plan is BULLSHIT. I spent quite a bit of time thinking about this word and I think it accurately depicts your plan. I will try to explain why in the following paragraphs.
The problem started during the Klein years when a lot of publicly funded areas took a hit in order to achieve balanced budgets and pay down the debt; student’s weren’t any different, a significant amount of Post Secondary Education funding was cut during that time. As a result, tuiton soared (the fastest rising tuition in the country) and Alberta went from having the most affordable tuition levels to one of the most expensive. I can understand the logic behind these cuts, during the days of deficits and massive debts, but could you please explain to me Mr. Premier, how come my tuition continues to go up (the fastest in the country) despite our financial situation having been improved leaps and bounds from back then? This is why I refer to your plan as BULLSHIT. Allow me to continue Sir.
Think about it, we have no debt and we have amassed somewhere in the neighbourhood of 20, 000, 000, 000 dollars in surpluses over the last 5 years yet my tuition is not only rising this year, it’s rising the fastest in country. The Alberta Liberal Plan is give students $1000 off tuition, by having the Provincial Government (an Alberta Liberal one obviously) take care of the rest, something to a tune of $160 million dollars. You question where Kevin Taft will get money for that, how about from the $750 million dollars (SEVEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS) in subsidies you awarded Alberta Horse Racing last summer? Perhaps edspedia.ca can give you some more ideas.
When you've recognized that Alberta's future relies on a strong knowledge based economy and that currently, Post Secondary Education costs are too high for most students and families, you still release this joke of a policy to try to "help" us.
I’m getting mixed signals Mr. Premier. Do you recognize that costs are too high yet horseracing is more important to Alberta’s future than students? Or you just don’t give a damn? I think it’s the latter but either way Sir, it’s BULLSHIT.
Sincerely,
Straight Outta Edmonton
xxoo
Billboard 1971 #14
Just think about it... in two weeks it'll be election day...
#14 The Rolling Stones- Brown Sugar
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Billboard 1971 #15
15 days to go to the Provincial Election... brace yo' self.
#15 Paul Revere and the Raiders- Indian Reservation
Also... I have to post the new Usher song... I know, It's stupid but... it's USSHHA
This songs gonna be a club classic... take my word.... EHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Analysis of Ed's Commercials
I couldnt sleep, so I thought watching the Ed Stelmach commercials might help. But after watching them a couple dozen times I came to some conclusions on the type of Alberta the PC's envision.
- There are no coloured people. Actually that's not fair, there is one brown guy with a turban in the background of the Environment video for about a second, but you have to keep your eye out for him.
- Albertan's dont care about details. After every video I ask myself how? Click here and check out the videos, you'll know what I mean.
- Coffee is an imporant Albertan symbol. I dont know how many close-up shots there are of coffee being made, cups of coffee and people drinking coffee. There are more shots of coffee cups than there are of coloured people. As a coloured person I'm a bit jealous. Why does coffee get the limelight? Sure we dont start your day but we play a vital role Alberta, from driving cabs to doing medical check-ups. You thought quiting coffee by going cold turkey was tough, try operating without your minimum wage nanny.
From what I've seen of Ed's vision of Alberta, it's something I dont want to be apart of. I dont drink coffee, I care about the details and I'm coloured, so obviously I dont belong. Aint that a shame.
For all of y'all ultra-sensitive types... this is a JOKE.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Black History Month
I've always been interested in the lives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. With it being Black History month, I thought it would be appropriate to post MLK Jr's. and X's most famous speeches. Check them out, these speeches will give you insight into why these men are regarded as GREATS.
Martin Luther King Jr. - I Have A Dream
Malcolm X- Who Taught You To Hate Yourself?
Friday, February 15, 2008
Proposed Post Secondary Tuition Levels, 08/09: PC's vs Liberal's
* 2008/09 tuition level's for an Undergraduate Arts or Science student. The PC figure is a 4.6% increase from the previous year, which has already been approved, the highest increase in the country.
Kevin Taft and the Alberta Liberal's today announced that, if elected, they would move to lower tuition by $1,000 this upcoming fall, rolling back tuition to 2001 levels. In addition to this, Kevin announced the creation of a $300 annual grant for books and tools for students in need; reduce interest on student loans to the prime rate; decrease or eliminate property taxes for on-campus housing, and; double the Alberta bursary program by pumping an additional $13 million in funding.
Over the last 20 years, under a PC government, tuition has risen over 300%, the highest in the country, and average undergraduate student debt is around $22, 800.
Despite it being a provincial election year, likely the most contested in 15 years, the PC's decided to raise tuition the maximum allowable amount. To me, this shows how much they respect the student vote. In all of Ed Stelmach's pre-election vote buying spending announcements, no money was announced to address post-secondary accesibility problems.
Hopefully, by student's stepping up and voting, this lack of respect will cost the PC's.
Billboard 1971: #18
There are 18 day's left until the Alberta Provincial Election.
#18 Paul McCartney- Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Billboard 1971: #19
There are 19 days left untill the provincial election! Register to vote now.
I'm counting down the last 20 days of the election by showing you the top 20 Billboard hits of 1971 (the year the Tories came to power).
This time it's one of my ALL-TIME favourite songs, from one of my ALL-TIME favourite albums, from one of my ALL-TIME favourite artists. If you havent heard this song.. you must.. just take a few minutes to check it out (I purposely put on the longest version I could find).
#19 Marvin Gaye- What's Going On
Some relevance to the current election??? Huh?? Or am I reachin??
Imagine Alberta Campaign
Imagine Alberta launched their campaign this week. The group is a coalition of post-secondary students and faculty members pushing for inreased access, quality and affordability of post secondary education this provincial election. Check out the webiste here.
Kevin's Moment?
Today, I enjoyed an Alberta Provincial Election discussion at the University of Alberta, led by Professor Ian Urquhart and set up by the U of A Political Science Undergraduate Association. Dr. Urquhart gave an interesting analysis of the factors that led to the demise of the Social Credit Dynasty in 1971 and the near defeat of the Progressive Conservative's in 1993, and whether similar factors were at play in the current provincial election. I won’t give a synopsis of the talk, but Urquhart touched on the current insurance debate that has arisen. Urquhart sees it as a weak point for the Ed and the PC's, and a potential gift for the opposition parties if they use it correctly. National Post columnist/blogger Kevin Libin also shares the opinion that the insurance ruling should play into the hands of the opposition parties.
If this is the case, that the insurance issue is a golden opportunity for the opposition parties. If the Alberta Liberals were looking for an issue that could take them to the promiseland this election, this maybe it. Kevin Taft needs to jump on it and make it his own (also mentioned by Libin and Urquhart). He needs to position himself as the defender of the consumer and embrace public auto-insurance rather than the current "let's study it" approach.
But in saying that, it's difficult (well for me) to say whether the insurance issue will in fact be the issue of this election or whether public auto-insurance will resonate with the voters (especially due to many Albertan's passionate belief against the Provincialization of pretty much anything).
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Dave Hancock Blog Update
Seems like Dave Hancock is checking this blog. Shortly after I blogged about his blog's failure to incorporate the views of voters, he changed his blog to allow people to leave comments. Good on yah Dave, it's a step in the right direction.
The next one would be letting anyone comment rather than just those with a site username, live journal account, or VOX blog (read: no one).
Billboard 1971: #20
With 20 day's left in the election, I thought it would be appropriate to count it down with the top 20 Billboard Magazine Hits of 1971 (when the PC's came to power in Alberta).
#20 The Jackson Five - Never Can Say Goodbye
The Returning Officer Gong Show
The Edmonton Journal has reported that 34% (28 out of 83) of Alberta's returning officers have strong ties to the Progressive Conservative Party. The story has been the focus of many bloggers:
Daveberta - 34% of returning officers have a known association with the tories.
Alberta: Get Rich or Die Trying - Soooooo Shady, Part. 2
Pierre Trudeau is My Homeboy - 34% of Returning Officers in Alberta have Ties to the Tories
and Alberta Tory's defence and attack of Kevin Taft for speaking out against this blatant example of political patronage (A.T. seems to also have trouble getting his statistics right... 28/83 have Tory affiliation not only 4).
The first three blogger’s sum up my view on how undemocratic and “SHADY” the practice of returning officers being appointed by the governing party. This, if you needed another one, is a CLEAR example why 36 years of Tory rule is enough.
The Alberta Liberal Fiscal Plan and the New Kevin Taft
Yesterday, Kevin Taft announced his fiscal policy. It's a sensible plan that calls for significant saving and investment of oil royalties in post secondary education, infrastructure development, the Heritage Fund and the arts. It also clearly (relatively) outlines where the Alberta Liberals plan to get all the money for the election promises made so far.
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Also during the course of yesterday's announcement, Kevin gave an interesting response to a reporter’s question. A reporter asked him whether charisma matters during an election campaign, Kevin responded: "If it's a charisma race between me and Ed Stelmach, I like the odds."
The line illustrates a change in Kevin's demeanour over the course of the last month. From the alternate throne speech in early February, you gotta sense that he was loose and in complete control (Kevin has historically been characterized as a stiff intellectual). The change also seems to be coming through in his body language (in the recent media clips of Kevin that I have seen), as well as responses like these. This, alongside with his expertise in policy and with Ed Stelmach's less than stellar early performance, should pay dividends, if he is able to maintain his new style heading into the debate on February 21.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Partisan Slugfest
Things gotta little heated today in the Alberta Political Blogosphere in response to a post by daveberta. A heated exchange erupted (albeit on the comments board) when Dave Cournoyer said that he had just seen his first PC lawn sign (Edmonton Gold Bar candidate David Doward). In the early stages, I thought it was amusing that people (Tories) actually cared how many signs Dave really saw and what he meant by 'ten times.' Things started to turn nasty when the debate switched over to allegations (likely Liberal allegations) that the PC's had messaged their members in the Alberta Progressive Conservative Association facebook group to visit and vote on daveberta's poll (for the PC website, of course). Than Liberals, and more Tories, entered the debate and it ended up being a gongshow.
Let’s all take a chill pill.
What does it matter how many signs Dave saw? Or which party is winning in his poll? That's just his opinion (an admittedly biased one at that) and if y'all believe that this election can be won through who wins the argument on a comments page or who wins daveberta’s poll, you need to check yo' self.
Keep it civil.
Alberta's First Political Video Blogger?
I found Fringe North on Youtube. He is AWESOME.
He gives a historical overview of Alberta politics here:
View on oil sand development:
The Dave Hancock Blog
So, a couple of bloggers (Ken Chapman and Edmonton Journal's Archie McLean) have talked about Edmonton Whitemud Progressive Conservative MLA Dave Hancock's Daily Blog. Like these other bloggers, I think it's a great idea and more candidates should start blog’s of their own, in order to reach a younger and more 'new media' engaged voter.
But in saying that, I don’t think Dave's lead is the way to go.
The purpose of a politician’s blog (especially during an election) should be to engage voters with your ideas as well as receive feedback from them. But Dave's blog doesn't allow voter's to leave comments, rather it just spews the PC rhetoric that Ed Stelmach has a 'courageous vision' and that Dave (a minister under Klein and Stelmach) is 'campaigning for change.'
Take a look at another Dave for an example of how a politician’s blog should be. David Swann, Calgary Mountain Liberal MLA, has operated his blog since November 2006 (not just during election time) and has not only brought forth his vision but has also allowed voter's to share their input.
This is what democracy in the 21st Century should be like.
Friday, February 8, 2008
The Adventures of PATMAN
Props to Calgary North Hill Alberta Liberal Candidate, Pat Murray, for his awesome flash video, you gotta check it out. Pat was also endorsed this week by former Canadian Alliance insider and Preston Manning aide, Ron Wood.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Alberta Black History
February is Black History Month.
Educate yourself on Alberta's earliest Black Pioneers.
Ed: No Plan?
Ed makes major policy announcements regarding health care this week and gets nailed on all fronts by the experts:
The 'No Plan' nickname is kinda hard to shake... especially.. well... when, uhh.. you have no plan.
What Chu Talking Bout Carl?
It has come to my attention that Carl Benito, the PC Candidate for Edmonton-Millwood’s, has made an interesting personal commitment to the voters in his constituency. Benito has vowed to not collect any MLA salary if elected, and instead would use that money to fund a Post Secondary scholarship. Benito wants to provide those in his community who have the "passion and determination" but cannot attend Post Secondary Education due to "financial limitations" the option of receiving a higher education. He goes on to say that a higher education is key to stemming major problems in our society, including youth crime.
To Benito's credit, I think his heart is in the right place but it's kinda ironic that the guy recognizes that affordability issues are discouraging bright students from attending Post Secondary, that investing in student accessibility to post secondary institutions has a positive reverberating effect on society and yet he's carrying the Progressive Conservative banner.
Let's take a look at the PC record on post secondary accessibility:
- Tuition has risen over 380% since 1990, the highest increase in the country.
- Tuition will rise 4.6% this year, the highest in the country.
- The average undergraduate debt is $22, 787. (UofA Students' Union)
- 64% of students have to work during the school year. (UofA Students' Union)
- Only 69% of students complete their undergraduate studies. (UofA Students' Union)
So, rather than directing your salary to alleviate this problem, why not support a party that actually cares about Post Secondary Education and accessibility.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Ed TV Begins
Ed Stelmach has released his first television ad and it focuses on Ed's "plan" to deal with health care. There isnt much substance but that's expected from a TV ad, but to be honest, with the amount of money the Tory war chest has, I was expecting something better (with better actors). But judge for yourself:
Compare this with the Albertan's for Change campaign health care video:
Ed coulda learned something from these.
But when third party political groups are running better TV ads than you, there might be a problem with your campaign.
Taft Boosts Public Transportation
The idea of enhancing Edmonton's public tranportation system is getting a lot of momentum these days with the election of "pro" public transportation city councilors in November and also the rise of groups like Transit Riders' Union Edmonton (TRUE). Frankly, if Edmonton wants to become a world class city (WE DONT HAVE 24 HOUR BUS/LRT SERVICE, CMON) or even address its massive infrastructure debt (Klein's legacy), they need to invest more into public transportation. Today, in Kevin Taft's Edmonton Regional Plan policy announcement, one of his central points was a greater investment in Edmonton's LRT and public transportation system. This is a step in the right direction, as a greater public transportation system alleviates stresses on the enviroment, infrastructure development, and Post-Secondary Education.
Kevin's New Media Campaign Update
So, an update to a post I did a couple days back (Kevin's New Media Campaign). The Alberta Liberals have elevated their New Media Campaign. Before it was just videos of Taft floating around Youtube, but now videos of candidates have popped up, such as Alberta Liberal Candidate for Sherwood Park, Lousie Rogers:
Although there are videos from the NDP's and the PC's, they are not on the same level. For example, the NDP videos seem to be more of a local constituency effort and not of much substance (yet) such as Deron Bilous in Edmonton Centre. The PC's have videos, but only right now they consist of Ed's leadership victory and their latest TV ad. The Alberta Liberal Party videos, on the other hand, are well done, substantive and are designed to create a personalized relation with the viewer.
All the parties should follow the ALP lead in embracing New Media. It opens up politics to a whole new generation of new voters, who have been criticized due to their lack of interest in politics. What Kevin and the ALP are doing is bringing politics to them, getting the message out on our level. They've set a great precedent in Alberta politics.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Anti-Ed Websites
Anti-Ed websites have popped up according to the Edmonton Journal Election Blog. The funniest section has to be Eddie Tube, the question period clips sum up Ed`s oratory skill. But this is my favourite video from the site:
Ed`s Health Care Strategy
Ed Stelmach announced his plan to address the health care professional shortage Alberta is likely to face in the not-so-distant future. But Alberta's College of Physicians and Surgeons doesnt think the plan will work, suggesting that the Premier slow down "the rate of growth within the province to make sure that our infrastructure including human resources can catch up" inorder to address the shortage, something Ed is vehemently oppossed ("it doesn't make sense").
University of Alberta Liberal Campaign Poster Launch
Student Debt 
Post Secondary Endowment Fund
That 70's Show
Ed Stelmach and the Internet
(created and provided by the Alberta Young Liberals)
Cassette Tape
Let me know what you think and check out our website.
Riding Profiles
My original intention was provide a profile of every riding in Edmonton but after checking out the CBC's Alberta Votes 2008 page and their comprehensive review, I thought it would be redundant. Instead, I plan to outline ridings to watch during the election.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Let-Down-Eddy
Premier Ed Stelmach launched Alberta into its 27th General Election with promises to phase out Health Care Premiums in another four years. This is something the opposition has been advocating for years and is a central component of the Alberta Liberal platform.
But I'm waiting for more. Eddy was supposed to show us change, show us something dynamic and bold. He is supposed to show us that he indeed represents change and that the "Progressive" label does apply to his leadership. We didnt hear anything of that nature today.
What we saw were policies already announced or things advocated by the opposition parties for years. If Ed thinks he can sell Albertans the idea of "change from within" he has gotta do a way better job because, perhaps he can steal more ideas from the opposition.
The Race Is On
Ah, it feels oh so good.
After months of speculation (and anticipation on my part) Premier Ed Stelmach dropped the writ today after his throne speech and launched Alberta into likely the most competitive provincial election in 15 years. Ed's stumbles can be likened to that of last Socred Premier Harry Strom, and Kevin Taft and the Alberta Liberal Party are well organized and have been preparing for months (check out 'Kevin's New Media Campaign'). So, don't sit back, get yourself acquainted with the issues and vote (hopefully, FOR CHANGE) March 3.
And in honour of this, here is the unofficial blog theme song of this campaign. It focuses on the change this election can bring (ironically it is from 15 years ago). CAN YOU DIG IT... I CAN DIG IT... CAN Y'ALL DIG IT.. WE CAN DIG IT.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
The Video
This was supposed to be part of my 'Kevin's New Media Campaign' post but I couldnt find it then. I think the epitomizes the New Media strategy the Alberta Liberals have adopted for about a year. It's extremely well done and is likely to resonate with the viewer.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February is Black History Month. I will post Youtube videos of my favourite Black artists.
First up, Nina Simone's Sinnerman, the first Nina Simone song I'd ever heard. Amazing.
Spend-O-Meter Hits 1.2 Billion
Ed Stelmach's pre-election-vote-buying-spending spree has hit 1.2 billion dollars. Check it out here.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Edmonton Centre
Edmonton Centre is riding that is in the heart of Edmonton and has been held for the last 11 years by perhaps the most well known current female MLA, Alberta Liberal Laurie Blakeman. This year she is up against the following challengers so far: the Progressive Conservative candidate Bill Donahue, who has operated a political consultant company for 20 years; Deron Bilous, the NDP candidate, how has the backing of some Edmonton political heaveyweights such as Lewis Cardinal and Michael Phair; the Green Candidate David Parker; and finally the Wildrose Alliance candidate Margaret Saunter. Although there are some strong candidates, I think it will be difficult for these candidates to unseat Laurie, who won by a margin of 3581 votes, well ahead her nearest challenger.
Kevin's New Media Campaign
New media has been proven to be an extremely useful political tool, particularly through its role in electing underdog Ward 5 candidate Don Iveson in the 2007 Edmonton Municipal Elections. The Alberta Liberal Party has also adopted this strategy, effectively putting on a new media campaign for the last year or so.
The Alberta Liberal Party have been posting videos on Youtube and setting up Facebook accounts, inorder to get their vision of Alberta out. For example, Kevin Taft announced his royalty position not only through a press release and conventional media means, but also by posting a video on Youtube. While on Facebook, Kevin has 614 friends and a group entitled 'I'm voting for Kevin Taft and the Alberta Liberal Team' with a membership of 341 members. It's not just Kevin, but most of his candidates have utilized Facebook or other forms of new media such as blogs.
The effects of this are profound. It gets the message out to a demographic (comprised mainly of youth) that has been untapped in Alberta politics prior (the ND's and PC's have jumped on as well but no where near the levels of the ALP). Kevin actually writes on people's pages, updates his profile and changes his music interests, thus creating a personalized relation with people that should translate into votes.
In the aftermath of the election, it will be interesting to see how Kevin's strategy plays out and how new media campaigning will effect youth turn out.
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