All this NDP talk

[Smoky buck]

Ok so keep reading posts saying” this is why the NDP will get in” and it’s always because of something the UCP has done they don’t like or they believe the UCP is responsible for not because of something the NDP will do to improve Alberta

So to all of those who keep saying they are going to vote NDP out of anger towards the UCP please post what the NDP brings to the table that will benefit Alberta. Not interested in well “the UCP did this or Smith said this” only what you believe the NDP actually will do to improve Alberta

No talking crap on this thread and using it as a UCP vs NDP battle just straight up honest things you think the NDP will improve

I just want to understand the rationality

[bridger2010]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

Ok so keep reading posts saying” this is why the NDP will get in” and it’s always because of something the UCP has done they don’t like or they believe the UCP is responsible for not because of something the NDP will do to improve Alberta

So to all of those who keep saying they are going to vote NDP out of anger towards the UCP please post what the NDP brings to the table that will benefit Alberta. Not interested in well “the UCP did this or Smith said this” only what you believe the NDP actually will do to improve Alberta

No talking crap on this thread and using it as a UCP vs NDP battle just straight up honest things you think the NDP will improve

I just want to understand the rationality

The collectivists think it is OK for the government to steal from citizens as long as they get a piece of the action.

[The Cook]

The liberal media is attacking Daniele on all fronts and Rachael can do no wrong.

[elkhunter11]

The NDP will promise handouts, they will spend money, and the people that benefit directly from that spending, will be happy. The problem is that the money has to come from somewhere, either we pay more taxes, or we go deeper in debt, and either way we lose in the long run. Unfortunately, that is how socialist governments work whether it's the NDP, or the liberals. Anyone that campaigns on responsible spending, will lose voters, because today's society wants handouts, and they don't care where the money comes from.

[Smoky buck]

Yes guys but I am asking those who think they are going to vote NDP what are the benefits they personally see?

I keep hearing what the UCP or Smith has done that theses people don’t like but nothing about what people believe the NDP brings to the table

[3blade]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

Yes guys but I am asking those who think they are going to vote NDP what are the benefits they personally see?

I keep hearing what the UCP or Smith has done that theses people don’t like but nothing about what people believe the NDP brings to the table

That is usually how Canadian politics works. Vote against, not for.

All Rachet has to do is smile and be nice

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by 3blade

That is usually how Canadian politics works. Vote against, not for.

All Rachet has to do is smile and be nice

Present voting style doesn’t seem to be beneficial to Canada does it

[jungleboy]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

Yes guys but I am asking those who think they are going to vote NDP what are the benefits they personally see?

I keep hearing what the UCP or Smith has done that theses people don’t like but nothing about what people believe the NDP brings to the table

Nobody is going to admit to voting for the dippers.
If they win it will be because nobody voted for them. A lot of nobody’s

[ZJHoban]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

Yes guys but I am asking those who think they are going to vote NDP what are the benefits they personally see?

I keep hearing what the UCP or Smith has done that theses people don’t like but nothing about what people believe the NDP brings to the table

I think it will be a hard sell getting people on this forum to admit they are voting NDP.
I grew up in Victoria, so I do have a bit of the left inside of me. I did move to Alberta to be in a more conservative environment though.
I care about social issues - homelessness, drug addiction, health care, child care etc.
I also believe in maintaining rights, fiscal responsibility, natural resource utilization etc.

As of now I will continute to vote UCP.

[Scott N]

Anyone thinking about voting NDP should remember all of the successful NDP governments other Canadian Provinces have elected. Has there ever been a "successful " NDP government that didn't leave their province in a financial mess? Anyone remember "Rae Days" in Ontario?

[3blade]

The dippers won’t do squat to improve Alberta. Sure as hell didn’t last time.

DS and the wildrosies can’t attack healthcare and win. Simple as that. Vaccine butthurt is in the rear view mirror for most Albertans. Drop it.

If they don’t, NDP wins an easy victory in a campaign based on image. Just like the turd did. No one thought he was gonna do better things for Canada than Harper. It was all image.

[Bigwoodsman]

Politicians campaign on populism. They’ll do and say what they have to, to get a vote. None of them campaign on the issues. Issues are down the list. It’s all about populism and maintaining power or getting the power.

BW

[Fisherdan]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

So to all of those who keep saying they are going to vote NDP out of anger towards the UCP please post what the NDP brings to the table that will benefit Alberta. Not interested in well “the UCP did this or Smith said this” only what you believe the NDP actually will do to improve Alberta

No talking crap on this thread and using it as a UCP vs NDP battle just straight up honest things you think the NDP will improve

I just want to understand the rationality

1. Better collaboration and dialogue with Ottawa and other provinces. I love Alberta, but I would say that I am Canadian first.

2. They attempt to balance resource development with environmental initiatives

3. Better protection of natural areas. I think this is important in what seems like an ever shrinking world. As an example, our family uses the new Castle provincial Park a lot.

4. I think that Rachel Notley is intelligent and competent. Several years ago I ran Melissa’s Road Race (Half marathon in Banff). At the start line, I there was a lady beside me and I thought, “Wow! She sure looks like Rachel Notley… Damn! It is Rachel Notley!” Anyway, she had hired a trainer and worked towards running a half marathon at almost 60 years old. She ran a great time too. I was impressed.

To be clear, there are lots of things that I don’t like as well. And a lot of things that I really just don’t know. Like, do certain provincial policies matter when an American president can, with the swipe of his pen, veto a pipeline on his first day in office?

To be honest, I hate how democracies are designed on dividing up the population. It’s the best political system that we’ve made so far, but it’s still a crap system. Perhaps AI will fix that for us in a couple hundred years! Lol! I guess I’m just trying to pick the perceived lesser of two evils.

[no-regard]

Originally Posted by Fisherdan

1. Better collaboration and dialogue with Ottawa and other provinces. I love Alberta, but I would say that I am Canadian first.

2. They attempt to balance resource development with environmental initiatives

3. Better protection of natural areas. I think this is important in what seems like an ever shrinking world. As an example, our family uses the new Castle provincial Park a lot.

4. I think that Rachel Notley is intelligent and competent. Several years ago I ran Melissa’s Road Race (Half marathon in Banff). At the start line, I there was a lady beside me and I thought, “Wow! She sure looks like Rachel Notley… Damn! It is Rachel Notley!” Anyway, she had hired a trainer and worked towards running a half marathon at almost 60 years old. She ran a great time too. I was impressed.

To be clear, there are lots of things that I don’t like as well. And a lot of things that I really just don’t know. Like, do certain provincial policies matter when an American president can, with the swipe of his pen, veto a pipeline on his first day in office?

To be honest, I hate how democracies are designed on dividing up the population. It’s the best political system that we’ve made so far, but it’s still a crap system. Perhaps AI will fix that for us in a couple hundred years! Lol! I guess I’m just trying to pick the perceived lesser of two evils.

I'm curious if there was something stopping you and your family from enjoying the Castle area prior to the NDP?

[Fisherdan]

Originally Posted by no-regard

I'm curious if there was something stopping you and your family from enjoying the Castle area prior to the NDP?

Good question. I guess there are a couple of things.

1. Awareness. The castle area just wasn’t on my radar prior to that.

2. We have a young family and really love the provincial Park system. You generally know what you’re getting (no surprises). It’s safe and predictable.

That’s about it really. It’s a beautiful area and I’m glad it’s protected. On the other hand, I don’t think the NDP was fair or considerate to a lot of other people that used the area prior. ATVs in particular. I think they should have been welcomed to the table and included in the park planning.

[no-regard]

Originally Posted by Fisherdan

Good question. I guess there are a couple of things.

1. Awareness. The castle area just wasn’t on my radar prior to that.

2. We have a young family and really love the provincial Park system. You generally know what you’re getting (no surprises). It’s safe and predictable.

That’s about it really. It’s a beautiful area and I’m glad it’s protected. On the other hand, I don’t think the NDP was fair or considerate to a lot of other people that used the area prior. ATVs in particular. I think they should have been welcomed to the table and included in the park planning.

So I see that answer as a no, there was nothing stopping you from enjoying it. Now there is just less of it that is accessible and therefore less for you to enjoy....

[Fisherdan]

Originally Posted by no-regard

So I see that answer as a no, there was nothing stopping you from enjoying it. Now there is just less of it that is accessible and therefore less for you to enjoy....

I’m pretty sure I didn’t say no. The last time I crown land camped, some dude high on something stumbled through our campsite with his shotgun. Nothing happened. He just kept stumbling off into the darkness. But now that I have kids, I’m not interested in the possibility (even if it is remote) of having to deal with crap like that. That’s why I like the park.

[59whiskers]

Originally Posted by Fisherdan

Good question. I guess there are a couple of things.

1. Awareness. The castle area just wasn’t on my radar prior to that.

2. We have a young family and really love the provincial Park system. You generally know what you’re getting (no surprises). It’s safe and predictable.

That’s about it really. It’s a beautiful area and I’m glad it’s protected. On the other hand, I don’t think the NDP was fair or considerate to a lot of other people that used the area prior. ATVs in particular. I think they should have been welcomed to the table and included in the park planning.

. Used to hunt on foot there lots before the NDP shut down ATV access to retrieve game in a timely manner during warmer weather. Now the UPC charges fees for Designated Winter Camping and will not plow out main roads to these areas unless Shell is servicing well sites. Hunting is one activity in Castle that government will eliminate for licensed hunters in the near future, especially if NDP get elected. Your access to Castle will be the same as looking through a display window case, you will look at this area from a distance with out physically being there to enjoy it. Bitter sweet.

[Fisherdan]

Originally Posted by 59whiskers

. Used to hunt on foot there lots before the NDP shut down ATV access to retrieve game in a timely manner during warmer weather. Now the UPC charges fees for Designated Winter Camping and will not plow out main roads to these areas unless Shell is servicing well sites. Hunting is one activity in Castle that government will eliminate for licensed hunters in the near future, especially if NDP get elected. Your access to Castle will be the same as looking through a display window case, you will look at this area from a distance with out physically being there to enjoy it. Bitter sweet.

And that’s what really sucks. Neither party offers a solution that work.

Party 1: protect the area, but restrict the access and use to many groups that love the area. Label those people as wild rednecks.

Party 2: do the minimum upkeep (whatever industry requires) and don’t think twice about selling mineral rights at the drop of a hat. Label those who object as communists.

In my ideal world, the area would be protected while maintaining or enhancing the experience of all users. But that option is never presented to us.

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by Fisherdan

1. Better collaboration and dialogue with Ottawa and other provinces. I love Alberta, but I would say that I am Canadian first.

2. They attempt to balance resource development with environmental initiatives

3. Better protection of natural areas. I think this is important in what seems like an ever shrinking world. As an example, our family uses the new Castle provincial Park a lot.

4. I think that Rachel Notley is intelligent and competent. Several years ago I ran Melissa’s Road Race (Half marathon in Banff). At the start line, I there was a lady beside me and I thought, “Wow! She sure looks like Rachel Notley… Damn! It is Rachel Notley!” Anyway, she had hired a trainer and worked towards running a half marathon at almost 60 years old. She ran a great time too. I was impressed.

To be clear, there are lots of things that I don’t like as well. And a lot of things that I really just don’t know. Like, do certain provincial policies matter when an American president can, with the swipe of his pen, veto a pipeline on his first day in office?

To be honest, I hate how democracies are designed on dividing up the population. It’s the best political system that we’ve made so far, but it’s still a crap system. Perhaps AI will fix that for us in a couple hundred years! Lol! I guess I’m just trying to pick the perceived lesser of two evils.

Fair enough I can’t say I am really in agreement with your points but I didn’t start this thread for a debate. I only wanted to understand the reason people are choosing their stance

[Fisherdan]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

Fair enough I can’t say I am really in agreement with your points but I didn’t start this thread for a debate. I only wanted to understand the reason people are choosing their stance

Thanks. I appreciate that. It would probably be bad news if we all agreed on everything. (I hear that there are places that everyone agrees… N. Korea comes to mind)

I’ll elaborate on the Canadian first comment a bit more. The sovereignty-like rhetoric from Alberta conservatives today does concern me. The last two conservative premiers I voted for were Ed Stelmach and Allison Redford. The concept and language of autonomy/sovereignty was not part of the package back then. With DS, it absolutely is now. A vote for the UCP, as it is today, is not just a vote for conservatism, but a vote for conservatism wrapped in the language of sovereignty.

I was born in Quebec, but grew up out here. My parents were a bit too old to get wrapped up in the Renée Levesque sovereignty fever that engulfed Quebec back in the 1970s. My dad in particular, thought it was shortsighted and stupid.

Levesque was premier from 1976 to 1985. In 1977, The Bank of Montreal abandoned its native city and set up main office in Toronto. They weren’t the only. The city of Montreal remained Canada‘s largest city until 1980 or 81 when Toronto finally surpassed it, and never looked back. Perhaps a coincidence, but even their hockey teams suffered.

Although today Quebec does receive better political treatment than any other region in Canada, I don’t believe they are any richer for it. I believe they sabotaged themselves so much so that they will never fully recover. Canada, as a nation, is poorer for this misadventure too.

So the other day, when I could not access healthcare for my son, I was mad. Since then I’ve realized that healthcare is screwed up everywhere. So today I’m not mad. But when I look at what the UCP is offering, I can’t say it aligns much anymore. Neither does the NDP really. There are things they do better, and things they do worse. For what it’s worth, if Travis Toews (who is more middle of the road, and accomplished) had won, well that would be a different story.