Alberta Election Thread - Election Day April 16 2019

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

Each party wants pipelines, but have no concrete plans on how they intent on doing a better job than NDP. Just that it’s their fault. I’m not even an NDP supporter necessarily, just tired of this #### argument.

He just asked if the AP was on record somewhere about their position on the construction of pipelines. That video pretty clearly and unequivocally shows that the AP position is "build the pipelines, build all of the pipelines". That's all he was looking for.

It seems to me that the UCP, at least, has a platform that involves employing various aggressive tactics on the pipeline front. Whether you think those tactics are a good idea or mind-bogglingly stupid is a different question, but contrary to what you seem to be suggesting, it's pretty clear to me that they have quite a full answer for "what would you do differently if you were elected".

[DiracSpike]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

He can’t focus on this, because he has absolutely zero pull on this issue until there is a change with the Feds. He has nothing more to offer than Notley on this issue, and if he does PLEASE provide me with this information because I haven’t seen it. I’ve seen the question asked 100 times and never answered.

He gets elected, and Trudeau stays. He fails.
He gets elected and the conservatives take the federal position, he succeeds.

On the off chance this is a legitimate request and not a rhetorical argument method, it has been discussed in this thread and other election threads many times the difference in approaches the UCP will take vs the steps the NDP has taken. You just need to find it.

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

I don't know. There was a Conservative Gov't in Ottawa for what 10 years while there was a Conservative Gov't in Alberta and no pipelines were built to tidewater.

They can't approve/build something that wasn't proposed. This statement is factually correct but doesn't say anything about the approaches of Conservatives to pipelines it's a meaningless statement that needs to die a fiery death. It's literally like saying the Diefenbaker government never brought internet access to Canadians.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

He just asked if the AP was on record somewhere about their position on the construction of pipelines. That video pretty clearly and unequivocally shows that the AP position is "build the pipelines, build all of the pipelines". That's all he was looking for.

Yes I get that. Thanks for providing it. Not every reply is an attack. I’m commenting on the content of the video, and how it’s the same old story.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

Ugh. Since when is Notleys NDP anti-pipeline??

Clearly we have lost jobs recently due to pipeline delays. I don’t see that as NDP Alberta’s fault.

Each party wants pipelines, but have no concrete plans on how they intent on doing a better job than NDP. Just that it’s their fault. I’m not even an NDP supporter necessarily, just tired of this #### argument.

Here is the thing...not only does it appear Notley doesn't fight hard enough for pipelines, but actually employs people that are paid to fight against pipelines.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tzeporah_Berman

https://calgaryherald.com/news/local...ct-of-interest

And of course




People say "well that was then and things change yadda yadda", but Notley actively campaigned against Energy East and NOrthern Gateway...things that would be great for this province and this country.

Then just 3 weeks ago appoints Ed Whittingham to the AER. Why? This guy is a hard hard anti-pipeline guy and is appointed to the regulatory board that approves these things? Its so bloody transparent its laughable.

[Flames0910]

More revelations from CBC on the UCP leadership election. Apparently someone purchased web hosting and used it to set up a bunch of fake email addresses ahead of the vote.

Email domains purchased prior to vote

CBC News searched for historical registration data using DomainTools and confirmed that dozens of email addresses attached to UCP members were all purchased by anonymous sources in the lead-up to the UCP leadership vote, between Sept. 20 and Oct. 13, 2017.

Many of those emails, with domains like link3mail.com and jaringmail.com, all link back to the same web host.

It is not known who bought those email addresses.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calga...raud-1.5066753

[Hot_Flatus]

Has anyone heard anything regarding candidate debates or town halls ahead of the election? I would have thought this would be scheduled and promoted in each riding by now unless I've completely missed the boat.

[simmer2]

Originally Posted by AFireInside

I get what you're saying, the problem is it's pretty indicative of how ignorant and backwards that party is, whether you agree with their other policies is irrelevant. I don't disagree with some of their ideas, and I would never vote for a party that has leader like Kenney.

You can look at it another way. If it receives too much attention and affects such a small subset of people then why are the UCP even bothering to mention it at all? Why does it keep coming up in their plans. It shouldn't even be in their educational plans. Period. They keep coming back to it and it's weird.

It gives me insight into their true position on things they have no business being involved in.

It is because left-wing politics focuses on social issues which IMO governments shouldn't be involved with anyways.

So if the UCP doesn't chime in on social issues, NDP will tell everyone that this was the UCP's last stance and they'll focus on that. Then everyone gets pissy about that...it's a damned if you do damned if you don't.

Maybe we should focus on the really important topics that government should be focused on which is how they'll spend our money, how they'll tax us, and how they'll get out of our way.

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by simmer2

It is because left-wing politics focuses on social issues which IMO governments shouldn't be involved with anyways.

If left-wing politics focuses on social issues, then it's the right wing candidates that unnecessarily and with dubious reasons throw huge controversy rocks at the windshields of Albertans while you're driving. And you're going to focus on the rocks if you're in the drivers seat.

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

The politics of GSAs as an election issue are interesting to me

It’s largely a non event outside Alberta. Notley has successfully made it a wedge on a pretty fine point of distinction compared to other provinces. And she’s mobilized her supporters to hammer it.

Kenney had to know that was coming. So he’s clearly betting that the level of noise <> level of actual opposition and a more populist position will help him. He’s defending his position but not overtly attacking the other side. That suggests to me he is trying to be onside with populist views but sensitive to not appearing mean spirited to those who would see this issue as beige.

He might be dead wrong on all counts. Notley can only play the indignation card so many times before it loses effect though. If he’s right, she’s wasting a lot of campaign capital.

It’s a significant risk for both sides.

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

He just asked if the AP was on record somewhere about their position on the construction of pipelines. That video pretty clearly and unequivocally shows that the AP position is "build the pipelines, build all of the pipelines". That's all he was looking for.

It seems to me that the UCP, at least, has a platform that involves employing various aggressive tactics on the pipeline front. Whether you think those tactics are a good idea or mind-bogglingly stupid is a different question, but contrary to what you seem to be suggesting, it's pretty clear to me that they have quite a full answer for "what would you do differently if you were elected".

Ultimately, I think their plan is no different than the NDPs current plan when you get right down to it. All you can do is keep pressing Ottawa until the Federal election and exodus of the Trudeau camp. A provincial government change will likely result in zero pipeline progress unless it is immediately followed by a Federal change (to a government and leader that has the backbone to make it a priority).

What I don't like is hearing things out of the UCP front regarding building a war room and aggressively promoting the oil sands. What is it 2010 again? The time for promotion has passed, nobody is going to listen or change their minds. This is simply wasted money and resources that will fall on deaf ears around the world.

This province is doomed unless it continues to diversify itself and can actively continue to attract new industry. Sooner or later the bottom will likely fall out for good and I don't think we should be pinning all our hopes on a pipeline. I still believe this pipeline will ultimately get built, no matter what government is at the helm, but there's no denying it's only a band aid on a bullet wound.

[GGG]

Originally Posted by Ducay

God, if I hear about the GSA thing one more time, I'mma lose it. For the record, I probably think parent's shouldn't need to be notified, but it is such a marginal/niche issue impacting a subset of a subset of the population. Like the US "bathroom" debate in 2016, for the potential impact, it receives far too much attention. I agree it can have a profound impact on those involved, but why is the economy or pipelines (impacts everyone dramatically) having to take the back seat on the media stage with such a niche issue? Makes no sense beyond trying to paint the right as bigots.

The problem with this whole GSA focus is it misses some very concerning issues with curriculum changes and funding for schools.

It appears from the statements that Private schools would get 100% of the tax payer portion of the per student funding. It proposes to remove “New Math”. And while New Math does need to add more repetitive learning to it the methods taught to understand numbers are fantastic. Getting rid of it is a significant step back.

It also appears to be very regressive of Sexual Education appearing to allow schools more choice on what to teach. This is not acceptable from a public health standpoint.

Kenny’s education plan is terrible and being lost in the GSA discussion that just sewers the debate.

[simmer2]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

If left-wing politics focuses on social issues, then it's the right wing candidates that unnecessarily and with dubious reasons throw huge controversy rocks at the windshields of Albertans while you're driving. And you're going to focus on the rocks if you're in the drivers seat.

Should be focused on the road, not on the rocks.

Ignore the noise, focus on the issues that matter. Like paying less taxes so we can pay my bills, feed my family, take care of myself.

Our children will already be burdened with excessive taxes in the future to pay off the $70B in debt the NDP have incurred. Let's focus on that is the primary issue.

[troutman]

One component of the UCP platform I really don't like is allowing College students to opt out of Student Associations (and fees). This could cripple campus radio, tv and newspapers, that rely on the student levys for funding. These media are important in the community for airing alternative voices. Volunteers at these outlets gain excellent experience that can lead to great job opportunities.

Page 6:
https://www.albertastrongandfree.ca/...eclaration.pdf

Ford has done something similar in Ontario, and it is a big existential threat to these stations and newspapers.

https://www.ncra.ca/news/press-relea...99s-fee-policy

[troutman]

I noted last week that were many NDP lawn signs in West Hillhurst. Today, they are almost all gone. Someone has been removing them.

[keenan87]

Originally Posted by troutman

One component of the UCP platform I really don't like is allowing College students to opt out of Student Associations (and fees). This could cripple campus radio, tv and newspapers, that rely on the student levys for funding. These media are important in the community for airing alternative voices. Volunteers at these outlets gain excellent experience that can lead to great job opportunities.

Ford has done something similar in Ontario, and it is a big existential threat to these stations and newspapers.

https://www.ncra.ca/news/press-relea...99s-fee-policy

I completed my undergraduate degrees and masters at the U of C. I can't say I ever utilized any of the campus radio, tv, or newspapers. I might end up being in the minority but I will guess that 95% of the students don't utilize any of those media... so for me, I am perfectly fine with getting rid of them.

As for getting rid of Student Associations overall, I am also on board with that. It's usually a bunch of friends who run those things (very difficult to even volunteer if you are a general student) and not much is done with having them around.

[keenan87]

Originally Posted by troutman

I noted last week that were many NDP lawn signs in West Hillhurst. Today, they are almost all gone. Someone has been removing them.

I know it must be expensive but in areas where signs are being removed, I would put in some sort of hidden tracker and get to the culprit. I think its pathetic when people remove signs as often times its not just kids or teenagers having fun.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Originally Posted by troutman

I noted last week that were many NDP lawn signs in West Hillhurst. Today, they are almost all gone. Someone has been removing them.

How do you know it wasn't the homeowners removing signs placed on their property without permission? There are always a bunch of... zealous... volunteers early on who seem to think they can put the things wherever they please.

[Joborule]

Was it this guy?

[keenan87]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

How do you know it wasn't the homeowners removing signs placed on their property without permission? There are always a bunch of... zealous... volunteers early on who seem to think they can put the things wherever they please.

Signs can be pretty expense and not all candidates are made out of money. I am not sure how often that happens as I feel like most candidates would be pretty good with letting volunteers know about rules.

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

How do you know it wasn't the homeowners removing signs placed on their property without permission? There are always a bunch of... zealous... volunteers early on who seem to think they can put the things wherever they please.

Really? You're saying people have gone and placed lawn signs on private residence without permission? I've never encountered that.