Alberta Election 2015

The Alberta Election 2015 is mere days away.  In case you aren't familiar with it, here is Alberta's election history in a nutshell:

                   1971- present   Progressive Conservatives
                   1935-1971        Social Credit
                   1921-1935       United Farmers of Alberta
                   1905-1921        Liberals

We are a province of political dynasties. We are also a province of majority governments.  I think it is time to consider changing that. Let's shake up the status quo, try something new, stretch ourselves a bit, and vote in a minority government. 

Too radical? Too disturbing a thought? Certainly something different for this province. 

I  think that a minority government could be a good thing for Alberta. For one thing, it might help the political parties to learn a new skill: cooperation.  That is something that has been unnecessary in the past; majority governments feel, understandably, that they have been given a mandate to go ahead and do whatever they see fit. That can be useful but, as we have sometimes seen in Alberta, it can also get out of control. A minority government could, theoretically, help the political parties to learn to play nicely together: share their toys, take turns, listen to and hear each other out. I might be a bit on the optimistic side regarding this possibility, some might say naive.  After all, they might all just as likely have tantrums, take their toys and go home. Discouraging thought. After all, cooperation and the ability to compromise are reasonable  qualities to expect our politicians to cultivate. Aren't they? 

A minority government, formed by any of the parties in Alberta, would also send a strong message to the most recent dynasty, a message that Albertans are tired of being treated like  employees  instead of shareholders.  We govern, by proxy, through our elected representatives. It is time that we take hold of that right and responsibility, and it is time that our government becomes aware of that truth, in no uncertain terms. 

So, on May 5th, let's consider making a change, and a mark in the political history of Alberta.  Whatever your political views may be,  get out there and let your opinion be heard at the ballot box. At the risk of sounding cliché,  every vote really does count.