Awakening To Alberta’s Lost Advantage
March 3rd, 2009
One year ago, we Albertans set a new record. Ominously, it had nothing to do with our province’s economic growth, which we had come to take for granted. This benchmark was about who we are as citizens, and how we see ourselves within our communities, our culture and our economy.
Last March 3rd, only 40.6% of eligible voters cast ballots in the Alberta general election, Canada’s lowest-ever turnout for a provincial vote. Ed Stelmach’s Progressive Conservatives won an increased majority, but the victory was warped by indifference: only 23% of the electorate had voted PC.
This was embarrassing, to be sure, but few Albertans expected grave economic consequences. Many followed the lead of Premier Stelmach and his cabinet, shrugging off the gloomy statistics as evidence that Albertans are resigned to one-party dominance.
But this year, the headlines aren’t as easy to shrug off. It turns out more than just some vague notion of civic duty was on the line last year. Our families’ jobs, our solvency - our entire economy was at stake.
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