NDP wins majority in shocking Alberta election
Rachel Notley lead her party to victory for the first time in Alberta history on May 5, plans for investment in education could be positive changes for MRU
Kari Pedersen
Publishing Editor
After over four decades there is a change in Alberta politics. Rachel Notley, newly elected Alberta Premier hopes to impress her legion of orange followers
Photo courtesy: flickr / Paula Kirman
As the Calgary Flames took their first game against the Anaheim Ducks, another unlikely win was happening on Alberta television sets. For the first time in 44 years another political party took control in the province, with the NDP being elected as a majority government.
The change came as a shock to many residents who had grown accustomed to the Progressive Conservative politics that had governed Alberta for the longest amount of time in Canadian History.
What does this NDP win mean for Mount Royal University students? With a platform promising more invested in education and health care, the shift in power will hopefully bring an end to the budget cuts that are becoming the norm for MRU attendees. With Notley planning to increase the taxes for large corporations, the New Democrats hope to change the notion that large businesses are in charge of the Alberta Politics.
The election saw the highest voter turnout in over 20 years, with 57% of eligible voters making their ways to the polls to have their voices heard. On campus, SAMRU was speaking to classes throughout the weeks leading up to the election, trying to get excitement for the election high and get MRU students out to the polls.
Following the election results, former premier Jim Prentice resigned as leader of the PC’s and gave up his elected seat in the Calgary Foothills stating that his time serving the public had ended.
Many students attending spring courses are eager for the change. Nina Grossman, second year Journalism student says, “My support for the NDP does not mean I disagree with economic growth and increases in jobs, it means I agree with equality in opportunity, a fair and honest government and increased public spending to better the lives of Albertans. If rich people and corporations have to cut back on spending as a result, I’m not shedding any tears!”
Grossmans thoughts are echoed among students and young Albertans, with many seeing the change in government as an opportunity for change, rather than a recipe for disaster.
