Changing Politics? Breaking down Alberta’s provincial election and what it means for the rest of Canada

Presented by Daniel Béland, JSGS Professor and Canada Research Chair in Public Policy; Rose Olfert, JSGS Professor Emerita; and John Courtney, JSGS Policy Fellow Moderated by Michael Atkinson, JSGS Executive Director In Alberta, the Progressive Conservatives (PC) have been in power without interruption since 1971. At the most recent provincial election, back in 2012, polls predicted the victory of the opposition Wildrose Party but, in the end, the PC unexpectedly won enough seats to form yet another majority government. Calling the election earlier than scheduled, new PC Premier Jim Prentice expected to crush a recently weakened Wildrose Party but polls rapidly suggested a high level of dissatisfaction among the public and much stronger support than expected for the NDP. In other words, Alberta’s 2015 electoral campaign is much more exciting and much less predictable than anticipated. This election also takes place in a context of fiscal and economic challenges related to lower oil prices and the volatile nature of a resource economy, among other factors. Taking place a couple of days after the election, this panel explores its historical, political and policy implications, for Alberta, Saskatchewan and the rest of Canada. More information: http://www.schoolofpublicpolicy.sk.ca/News_Events/calendar_details.php?id=535

More information at: http://www.uregina.ca/events/changing-politics-breaking-down-albertas-provincial-election-and-what-it-means-for-the-rest-of-canada