Alberta Election; Orange Crush

[Vasileus]

So, for the first time in 40 years, there isn't a Conservative Government in Alberta

Now, if you're not a follower of Canadian politics, Alberta is the most Conservative province in Canada.

I'll get an article later, the presses are spinning, so he's the livestream: http://www.cbc.ca/includes/provincialelections/albertavotes2015/dashboard/

So, this is a surprise for everyone. What do you think the Conservatives will do about this? Their entire election strategy is based upon the West, and now the West is spitting in a Provincial government's face, even the most important one?

I feel like this is a new era in Canadian politics. It proves that the NDP can win on Economic issues, which they've been weak on before

[Pope Joan]

I listen to As It Happens, from the CBC, and the Party in Alberta seems to have been seriously divided lately. There were offshoots such as the "Wildrose". Wasn't that the province where the Premier padded her travel accounts so egregiously?

[Atlanticatia]

I'm very happen to see a progressive, social democratic government in what is normally a very conservative province.

[Dakini]

Good. Now if they do this for the federal election too, that'd be swell.

[Oneracon]

Speaking as an Ontarian watching from afar: the fact that Notley and the Alberta New Democrats gained a substantial majority is amazing. She managed to do what Smith's Wildrose failed to do, end the 44-year PC dynasty.

For at least the next four years Alberta will have a government that's about equity, accountability, and success of all... not to mention that having the more extreme Wildrose as Official Opposition may make the NDP look even better by comparison. I don't think that we can rule out the PCs as completely dead yet, heck there may be a full PC and Wildrose merger in the future, but this definitely seems like the start of the decline.

I'm hoping the victory means that Mulcair and the federal NDP will have ground support in October under a Premier that is hopefully still popular enough to swing support. However, the extent of the loss may also galvanize support for the federal Conservatives by both PC and WRP supporters.

[Saint-Thor]

40 years in power for the conservatives, wow. That's the kind of things you see in dictatorships. I must admit I haven't followed the elections. How the hell did that happen? It can not be only due to the deficit caused by the falling of oil prices.

[Vasileus]

Speaking as an Ontarian watching from afar: the fact that Notley and the Alberta New Democrats gained a substantial majority is amazing. She managed to do what Smith's Wildrose failed to do, end the 44-year PC dynasty.

For at least the next four years Alberta will have a government that's about equity, accountability, and success of all... not to mention that having the more extreme Wildrose as Official Opposition may make the NDP look even better by comparison. I don't think that we can rule out the PCs as completely dead yet, heck there may be a full PC and Wildrose merger in the future, but this definitely seems like the start of the decline.

I'm hoping the victory means that Mulcair and the federal NDP will have ground support in October under a Premier that is hopefully still popular enough to swing support. However, the extent of the loss may also galvanize support for the federal Conservatives by both PC and WRP supporters.

In this case, I don't think it'll translate that much. Sure, they won provincially, but that doesn't translate into federal politics. Prov. NDP is actually going very moderately, just up to 12% corporate taxes, no major moves, etc, so I don't see them running into Mulcair's arms anytime soon.

Especially with all the former and current separatists in his party. One mention of that, and nationalism might kick in in Tory favour

[Saint-Thor]

Good. Now if they do this for the federal election too, that'd be swell.

I'd like to see a NPD governement just once for a change. But can Alberta vote NPD at the federal level?

[Vasileus]

40 years in power for the conservatives, wow. That's the kind of things you see in dictatorships. I must admit I haven't followed the elections. How the hell did that happen? It can not be only due to the deficit caused by the falling of oil prices.

It doesn't help when your last Premier got booted out for money scandals, your current (former, now) being acclaimed by about 1000 Tory voters, and then telling Albertans that it's their fault for the economic downturn.

[The Black Forrest]

Ok who read the title and thought broncos?

[Dakini]

Good. Now if they do this for the federal election too, that'd be swell.

I'd like to see a NPD governement just once for a change. But can Alberta vote NPD at the federal level?

I dunno if they can. I'm just saying that it would be swell if they did.

[Arkiasis]

For Americans. This would like the Green Party winning the Texas legislature.

[Oneracon]

Speaking as an Ontarian watching from afar: the fact that Notley and the Alberta New Democrats gained a substantial majority is amazing. She managed to do what Smith's Wildrose failed to do, end the 44-year PC dynasty.

For at least the next four years Alberta will have a government that's about equity, accountability, and success of all... not to mention that having the more extreme Wildrose as Official Opposition may make the NDP look even better by comparison. I don't think that we can rule out the PCs as completely dead yet, heck there may be a full PC and Wildrose merger in the future, but this definitely seems like the start of the decline.

I'm hoping the victory means that Mulcair and the federal NDP will have ground support in October under a Premier that is hopefully still popular enough to swing support. However, the extent of the loss may also galvanize support for the federal Conservatives by both PC and WRP supporters.

In this case, I don't think it'll translate that much. Sure, they won provincially, but that doesn't translate into federal politics. Prov. NDP is actually going very moderately, just up to 12% corporate taxes, no major moves, etc, so I don't see them running into Mulcair's arms anytime soon.

Especially with all the former and current separatists in his party. One mention of that, and nationalism might kick in in Tory favour

Perhaps, but the thing with the NDP is that all the provincial parties are affiliated to the federal party and all provincial members are automatically federal members. It may be a case of Mulcair saying "Well, you're a member of this party so get out there and win us some federal seats in Edmonton".

If anything, how Notley runs her government until October might put a more palatable face on the federal party for Albertans.

[Yukonastan]

I can support Notley's win myself, as a socialist, and I hope that the changes will resonate at the federal level. While I didn't get to vote in this election (not a citizen >_<), I will vote in the next one, and I hope that the changes carry on to boot Harper out later.

For all the flak Danielle Smith gets for her floor crossing, she's a great woman as a person imo.

[Solaray]

Well Alberta, you had a good run, but now it's your turn for the "Saskatchewan Treatment", so-to-speak.

In all seriousness though, this probably isn't gonna be especially good for the province, but also likely won't change much.

[Kincoboh]

When the polls indicated the NDP was heading to a majority, I couldn't believe it. Notley seems like a decent person and I'm hopeful that Alberta heals over its time with Redford and Prentice. Perhaps one day she will run for the federal scene.

[The Liberated Territories]

For Americans. This would like the Green Party winning the Texas legislature.

The Green Party actually had a seat in Arkansas in 2008.

[Steamtopia]

Good god. This was completely unexpected. The NDP winning in Alberta? This would be the equivalent of Bernie Sanders winning in Alabama, Labour winning in Surrey, or the Nazis taking back control of Germany.

[Calarhall]

As a Vancouverite looking at Alberta, I am very happy for them. I am a Liberal at heart, and actually have a great respect for David Swann from what I have heard of him, but Rachel Notley seems to be a real class act. If only the Federal NDP had such a person at the helm, I might consider voting them.

I hope that Premier Notley can do better than our BC NDP did in the 1990s

[Great Franconia and Verana]

As a Vancouverite looking at Alberta, I am very happy for them. I am a Liberal at heart, and actually have a great respect for David Swann from what I have heard of him, but Rachel Notley seems to be a real class act. If only the Federal NDP had such a person at the helm, I might consider voting them.

I hope that Premier Notley can do better than our BC NDP did in the 1990s

This

[Nationalist Eminral Republic]

Prentice also resigned as PC Leader and as MLA for his riding even before the counting has not been officially over.

[Oneracon]

Prentice also resigned as PC Leader and as MLA for his riding even before the counting has not been officially over.

Having a by-election immediately after a general... he just had to have the PCs waste taxpayers' money one last time before giving up the reins.

[Great Franconia and Verana]

Prentice also resigned as PC Leader and as MLA for his riding even before the counting has not been officially over.

Which is too bad, I dont mind Prentice really, but 44 years is just too long for any party

[Solaray]

Prentice also resigned as PC Leader and as MLA for his riding even before the counting has not been officially over.

Which is too bad, I dont mind Prentice really, but 44 years is just too long for any party

Yeah, a 44 year political dynasty can certainly get... stale. It's too bad it wasn't the Liberals who took over instead of the NDP, though.

[Empire of Narnia]

Orange Crush is great. I also like Grape Crush. They should bring back Lime Crush though.