Area residents looking for a political home might have one more option in the near future.
On Wednesday, October 18, Greg Clark of the Alberta Party will be in Drumheller. This is to launch a constituency association in the local riding.
A press release states, “The political climate in Alberta has never been more divided. With the recent merger of the PC and Wildrose parties into the United Conservative Party, supporters of a balanced approach to solving problems and moving the province forward are looking for a home.”
Mark Nikota says he is hearing interest in a centrist option.
“There is definitely a core group of people that want to see something happen along those lines,” said Nikota. “I personally think there is a need for another option out there. If we are not careful, we will end up like the Americans. We will have a very far left and a very far right that fight all the time and get nowhere. People that are moderate and in the middle will be homeless. I think there are enough people out there interested in a balanced approach.”
The political landscape in Alberta is in flux. Currently, a new United Conservative Party (UCP) is in the midst of a leadership campaign with Jason Kenney, Brian Jean and Doug Schweitzer in the mix. A poll in August showed 57 per cent of decided and leaning voters would support the UCP, while 29 per cent would support the NDP led by Rachel Notley. The Alberta Party was sitting at about 9 per cent.
Nikota says there is not much time to get organized
“Even if the election isn’t called until 2019, that is not a lot of time in the political world. It is going to be a crunch, but if there is enough of a groundswell, then anything can happen,” said Nikota. “Look what happened in the last election. Nobody thought the NDP would do what they did.”
“Am I under the delusion that the Alberta Party is going to get a majority in the next election? No. But we would like to make some waves and if we can get a few more MLAs in there and start to work on things, great.”
He says the Alberta Party stands for sound fiscal policies a well as a social responsibility.
He adds the interest appears to be province-wide.
“I have been talking to the organizers up at the Alberta Party and they are seeing memberships take off, and they are forming constituency associations throughout the province, their goal, which I don’t think is a big stretch, is to have 87 candidates in the next election.”
Nikota says he has met Clark on a couple occasions.
“He’s down to earth, a good guy to talk to and he’s willing to help, so I think he wants to get the word out,’ said Nikota
The meeting is on Wednesday, October 18 at 6 p.m. at the Canalta Jurassic Hotel. This will be the Association’s first AGM and social event.
