Parties have conflicting values
The Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta (PC) and the Wildrose Party (WRP) are engaged in talks to unite conservatives into one political entity. Presumably the proposed talks are based upon the commonly held belief that all conservatives conform to the same universal principles and values. In reality, the contrast of integrity, values and behaviour between the two political parties is starkly dissimilar.
Jason Kenney announced his intention to run for the leadership of the PC Party on an agenda to pursue unity. Agree with him or disagree with him, Kenney debated this agenda during the PC leadership campaign and when the votes were tallied, the PC membership spoke. They gave Kenney a democratic mandate to pursue an agenda of unification.
In contrast, Brian Jean campaigned for the Wildrose leadership and not once did he inform the membership that if he were elected, he would seek to change the party name, or possibly disband the party by entering into an agreement with the PC Party to unify. However, eight months after he was elected, Jean registered a non-profit society called the “Conservative Party of Alberta Association” to pursue his agenda. He did this in secret!
Currently the WRP executive is rapidly holding nomination races for existing MLAs on the premise that they will not have to participate in a democratic nomination process if and when a new unity party is formed. Apparently, the membership of the new party will have no say in this matter.
Tickled Pink
I’m getting a big fat tax refund and it will be deposited to my bank account! Yay! It’s going right into my tax free savings account for a winter vacation!
Ticked Off
Nice job with the blood collection clinic Alberta Health Services. So popular! Currently enjoying waiting in line with a dozen others 6:45 a.m. because otherwise it takes hours to give a sample.
Tickled Pink
I doubt the Calgary Flames have to threaten to leave Calgary anymore just to get a new rink. No other city in the world would want those losers!
Tickled Pink
To see the county has said no to Medicine Hat fire help. I guess that’s what happens when you want cheaper taxes in your area. You get what you pay for.
Tickled Pink Tickled Pink Tickled Pink Ticked Off Ticked Off
In a couple of recent bizarre decisions the WRP executive council has revoked an individual’s WRP membership for “intending to attempt” to seek a PC party nomination, while actively engaged in unity talks to merge with the PCs. They have also approved Jean’s appointment of Ontario resident Arthur Hamilton to represent the WRP members in unity talks. “Intending to attempt” is an odd, if not incoherent, allegation to deny membership to anyone. However, the appointment of Hamilton to represent the membership is an unconscionable violation of the WRP constitution. Only the WRP membership can authorize or appoint its representative.
Jean and the WRP executive have the authority to conduct normal day-to-day business between AGMs. They cannot engage in, or appoint anyone to represent the membership in unity or merger talks before first obtaining the consent of the WRP membership. What Jean and the WRP executive are doing is usurping authority that was never granted.
The proposition to unite conservatives is honourable and possibly a worthwhile venture. To claim that both parties in these negotiations share the same core values is inaccurate if one considers the actions of both entities. One participant and entity has shown respect for the democratic process and has conducted its actions accordingly. The other is Brian Jean and the Wildrose executive.
Joe Anglin Rimbey, Alta.
To the Medicine Hat Tigers — thanks for a great season. Heartbreaking ending but wow, what a ride.
I love that we live in a society where we can share our opinions. I love our editorial submissions and no, I do not agree with all of them, but thankfully they share their opinions in the spirit of free speech.
I recently moved to Medicine Hat and I love it here. So do my dogs. They love running free in all the coulees! Much better than the city we used to live.
That Redcliff town council prioritizes dogs over people when it comes to trail usage. Please boot them all out come next election. That people who text and