From feuds to misinformation, Albertans will have to work to find party platforms ahead of election

While the official election campaign began on May 1 in Alberta, parties have been ramping up for months in preparation for Danielle Smith’s UCP and Rachel Notley’s NDP slinging arrows every chance they got. Supporters of both parties sparked social media memes, feuds, and even perpetuating misinformation online.

“For example with Twitter, a very small percentage of the population is on Twitter, they don’t spend a lot of time there at all, if at all. So while an issue may seem very heated online, it’s highly unlikely that it’s penetrating to the general public,” said Christine Myatt, former UCP staff member.

Recent polls suggest that the two major parties are currently neck-and-neck, with the UCP holding an early and slight four-point lead over the NDP.

While many Albertans have their minds made up, Myatt suggests those still deciding who to vote for should look to the party’s platforms, instead of social media platforms.

“Take a look at those party’s policies and positions on various issues, and decide for themselves where they fall on the spectrum.”

Monday, Smith promised a sweeping tax cut that would apply to all Albertans, seeing families save upwards of $1,500 per year.

Tuesday, Notley announced a healthcare recruitment plan and promised a family doctor to every Albertan who needs one.

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Both announcements will be major campaigning points for the parties.

“A lot of people are going to see their tax bill reduced as a result of this policy should the UCP form government, and I think it was a really smart move to roll this out on day one,” said Myatt.

Thomas Lukaszuk adding, “Healthcare and education, those are two things that we as Albertans and as Canadians hold very dear. We want top-quality care. We want publicly funded care. The same goes for education. So I think the NDP will be hammering those messages.”

Last week, the UCP pledged $330 million to help fund a new arena for the city of Calgary.

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While the announcement came prior to the start of the election campaign, the UCP ensured that it will be a hot-button issue as the funding for the project would need the support of the winning party to be approved by the provincial cabinet after the election.

“There’s going to be a lot of policy rolled out over the next four weeks, there’s going to be a lot of barbs traded back and forth, so I think that Albertans should sit back and watch how this unfolds, and make their decision a little bit closer to election day,” said Myatt.