The politics of Alberta resembles the parliamentary democracy. The capital is Edmonton which is the residence of governor, premier, the cabinet, and legislature. However, the second greatest city is Calgary is more economically developed. One of the identifying features of Albertan politics is a system of municipal government. Moreover, Alberta is the only Canadian province without provincial sales tax. Alberta is often referred to as Canadian Texas because of its right-wing politics. The politics is very stable and has led to the evolvement of political dynasties. However, such system has more drawbacks than benefits. In particular, even though the party might have a majority of seats, it does not mean that the government matches the needs of majority population. Recalling the elections in 2004, the majority was won by the Progressive Conservative Party; however, it obtained only 47% of popular vote (MacDonald, 2007). It has resulted in the opposition parties promoting electoral reform in policies. Notably, none of the parties had a chance to return to power after a defeat. The closer examination of unique tax system in Alberta and the resistance to change oil policies reveal that conservative rule is the most beneficial for the province.
Alberta is socially conservative and politically stable province. Very few changes in policies occur. Albertans oppose such social policies as gun control and same-sex marriages. The vast majority of Albertans support the death penalty according to the polls, even though it has been abolished in Canada since 1976 (Goldman, 2007). Albertans value their autonomy and even consider separation from Canada. Returning to the sales tax, Albertans are the lowest-taxed people in country. The sales tax is lowered due to sufficient oil and gas income. There is no provincial sales tax and Alberta, unlike other provinces, uses a flat rate income tax. Alberta does not receive equalization payments from government. The current tax system empowers Albertans to be active contributors to the program. Albertan officials make payments to poorer provinces to ensure that public services are provided equally in all provinces.
The tax system did not change for many years because of conservative nature of politics and society. Alberta is the only Canadian province whose people are not supporting any changes in political and social life. The conservatism of community is related to the wealth of province attributed to the availability of natural resources and friendly business climate. Nevertheless, the diversity of opinion in not well tolerated as McGuire has noted (2004). Albertans oppose any changes in government and politics. Opposition is very rare and is viewed as anti-Albertan. Historically, there has been rivalry between Edmonton (political center) and Alberta (economic capital). Edmonton, in particular, is more culturally diverse, while Calgary is characterized by unique entrepreneurial spirit.
Election in 2006 did not bring new changes as well and Conservative Party won all seats in Alberta, as usual. However, according to the recent poll, the support for Conservative Party is declining across the province and in Calgary, in particular (Harding, 2007). Community pays special attention to the political leaders and they want the elected politician to be the member of their community. They believe that candidates from other regions could not understand the needs of local population. Thus, a big fraction of population votes against newly emerged parties. As the political veteran Ken Chapman wrote, the Conservatives have learned a good lesson from elections in 2006 when some fraction of populated voted for another party (Harding, 2007). Nevertheless, Conservatives won again and no changes were brought.
In addition, some of the changes were initiated in oil policies. Oil is the most important sector of Calgary’s economy. According to the article titled “Politics of Oil”, Alberta oil is too costly and the high price undermines the effectiveness of economic system (2007). Unlike Saudi Arabia whose oil is much cheaper and is protected by the United States, Calgary oil reserves are abundant; however, the high standard of living requires high salaries. As the result, the oil prices increase. There is a need for change, while the community is not willing to change anything. Notably, the municipal elections in autumn 2007 were not focused on oil policies as well. The major emphasis was made on updating the infrastructure and rapid economic expansion (Goldman, 2007).
As Goldman outline, currently, the community of Alberta has the following needs: affordable housing options, recreational facilities for young population, and measures to cope with demographics (2007). Most of the people live in Calgary to work and politicians are trying to develop attractive policies with the hope to retain workers in rural areas. As Jim MacDonald wrote in November, the “Alberta politics is starting to sizzle” (2007, p. 1). The political landscape in the province is currently going through transition and there is a very high probability that the Progressive Conservatives will lose in the next election race. According to the polls, one third of all citizens are uncertain about who to support during coming election (MacDonald, 2007).
Nevertheless, the conservative nature of Alberta’s politics has proved to be beneficial for economic and social life of community. Today, Alberta is without debt, has extremely high gross provincial product, the highest per person spending the country, and attracts billions of dollars in investment. High economic indicators point out that conservative politics and stability are more effective in promoting economic growth than promotion of change. Community opposes changes and any policies which may result in significant changes. In particular, currently Stelmach is promoting his plan to increase energy royalties by 20% which can bring almost $1.5 billion annually to Alberta’s economy (MacDonald, 2007). Nevertheless, community opposes this plan! Moreover, some of the initiatives aimed at solving the transportation issue and introducing environmentally friendly vehicles fail to gain support among Albertans as well. Bill 46, on the contrary, is one of the laws which were passed despite of the uproar among population. Nevertheless, the bill is planned to be heavily amended in the nearest weeks to ensure public participation in utility hearings.
The uniqueness of Alberta’s politics is in its conservatism which has proved to be very effective historically. As the recent changes in policies suggest, the majority of population resists any kind of changes both within political field as well as economic. Alberta is the richest province in Canada with the wealth of natural resources and high economic indicators. The resistance to decrease oil price, lack of support for new energy royalty plan, and historical support for Conservative Party are three examples which justify the passiveness of Albertans. Currently, the community enjoys economic development, social and political stability and they do not see a need to change anything. The logic behind resistance to changes is clear because nobody can predict whether the changes will bring positive or negative results, while Albertans do not want to lose what they have now.
References
- Goldman, S. (2007). Rapid growth top issue in towns. Races heat up in outlying communities. Calgary Herald, p. 1.
- Harding, K. (2007). Election – Alberta politics Klein’s former seat falls to Liberals as Alberta Tories face by-election test. Alberta University Press.
- MacDonald, J. (2007). Alberta politics starting to sizzle. The Calgary Sun, p. 3.
- McGuire, R. (2004). Alberta Bound.
- Politics of Oil. (2007). Calgary Herald, p. 1.