Mandel seeks Alberta Party crown
Former mayor sees opportunity for centrist thrust in province
Former Edmonton mayor Stephen Mandel says Alberta is upsidedown and divided — and he wants that to change.
Mandel announced his candidacy to become leader of the Alberta Party on Wednesday in Edmonton.
He said he picked that party because he sees it as a viable centrist option, he doesn’t think the NDP has done a good job of governing since 2015, and he believes the United Conservative Party movement has drowned out small-c conservative voices in provincial politics.
He doesn’t like the UCP’s rightwing lean, he told reporters, and thinks there is a real opportunity for the Alberta Party to take hold.
The big challenge for Mandel — mayor from 2004 to 2013 — will be in Calgary, where he lacks name recognition.
Far from being a UCP stronghold, Mandel believes voting habits in that city point to an opportunity for the Alberta Party.
“They’re a very middle-of-theroad people, a younger, dynamic community, and I believe ... we’ll be able to make inroads and Calgarians will listen to us,” he said.
For him, the secret is hard work, reaching out and meeting people. As if to prove his point, he will head to Calgary on Thursday for his second day on the campaign trail.
Mandel is the second former Tory to join the leadership race, following Calgary-South East Independent MLA Rick Fraser, who announced his intentions Tuesday.
Mandel jumped into provincial politics in 2014. He was appointed health minister by then-premier Jim Prentice, despite not holding a seat at the time.
He won an October 2014 byelection under the PC banner, but lost his seat less than six months later when the NDP decimated the Tories, sweeping the party from 44 years of provincial rule.
Mandel doesn’t consider himself part of the old guard, having only been part of that government for a few months.
Either way, he said, “the progressive part of the Progressive Conservative party is gone.”
“I found a home in the Alberta Party, which I believe is a much greater balance in fiscal conservatism, in social programs. I think I have every right to become part of a new movement, and help lead that movement,” he said.
Mandel had bandied about the idea of running for leadership for some time, but it wasn’t in the cards until now.
The past year has been a challenge. He and his wife, Lynn, lost their daughter, Rachel, to lymphoma in November.
That loss has been “incredibly difficult to deal with,” he said Wednesday, “but we have to move forward.”
His wife supports his bid for party leader, but he said it doesn’t change the fact they’re still dealing with their loss.
At 72, Mandel is the oldest candidate in the race. With a deadline Monday and no other names being floated in political circles, it’s likely to stay that way.
But he’s not concerned. Many companies and organizations are run by the older set, he said.
“I think to send us out to pasture is a bit premature, a bit unfair,” he said.
“I have lots of energy, I have the ability, the passion.”
I found a home in the Alberta Party, which I believe is a much greater balance.