The point is, Alberta is changing, but it was -- arguably -- an oil-based economic boom shepherded by the PCs (with their neoliberal low-tax, business-friendly agenda) that brought about the changes which ultimately helped undo the PC party in Alberta.
And this is what is meant by irony.
All in all, these are only partial explanations. Ultimately, I think there's more than a little resentment for the power of big oil corporations to pollute the environment, which has huge effects on northern aboriginal communities in the provinces, not to mention rural farmers. I think there's resentment for the way that the corporate agenda has had undue influence on government policy, leading to inadequate social services (at times for the most vulnerable people in the province). And then, as I touched on briefly, there's the growing power of professional, articulate, well organized public sector workers: nurses, teachers, university faculty. In regards to the latter, I know several of my history colleagues that teach in Alberta. I believe some of them have been successful at inspiring their students to become politically aware and active. And I imagine that they're not the exception.
At this stage, I'm probably just rambling. Suffice it to say that there are many factors that went into the success of Rachel Notley and her Notley Crew. How well they perform over the next four or five years is open to question, but I have reason to be optimistic. Recent polls suggest that the Alberta public is more supportive than I might have imagined (considering that 53% or so voted for right of centre parties). I certain hope to see some truly progressive policies in place -- on environmental issues, on strengthening the social safety net, and perhaps even electoral reform. Will the NDP entrench itself as another 30-40 year dynasty? Probably not, but while it's still early, I wouldn't be surprised if they win at least a second term.
The point is, Alberta is changing, but it was -- arguably -- an oil-based economic boom shepherded by the PCs (with their neoliberal low-tax, business-friendly agenda) that brought about the changes which ultimately helped undo the PC party in Alberta.
And this is what is meant by irony.
All in all, these are only partial explanations. Ultimately, I think there's more than a little resentment for the power of big oil corporations to pollute the environment, which has huge effects on northern aboriginal communities in the provinces, not to mention rural farmers. I think there's resentment for the way that the corporate agenda has had undue influence on government policy, leading to inadequate social services (at times for the most vulnerable people in the province). And then, as I touched on briefly, there's the growing power of professional, articulate, well organized public sector workers: nurses, teachers, university faculty. In regards to the latter, I know several of my history colleagues that teach in Alberta. I believe some of them have been successful at inspiring their students to become politically aware and active. And I imagine that they're not the exception.
At this stage, I'm probably just rambling. Suffice it to say that there are many factors that went into the success of Rachel Notley and her Notley Crew. How well they perform over the next four or five years is open to question, but I have reason to be optimistic. Recent polls suggest that the Alberta public is more supportive than I might have imagined (considering that 53% or so voted for right of centre parties). I certain hope to see some truly progressive policies in place -- on environmental issues, on strengthening the social safety net, and perhaps even electoral reform. Will the NDP entrench itself as another 30-40 year dynasty? Probably not, but while it's still early, I wouldn't be surprised if they win at least a second term.
Cheers,
Bruce
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