Podcasts about wildrose party

On today's episode of the Candice Malcolm Show, Candice breaks down the latest news out of Alberta and covers Premier Danielle Smith's address to Albertans on Monday afternoon. Later in the show, Candice is joined by Cory Morgan – a senior columnist with the Western Standard, co-founder of the Alberta Independence Party in 2000 and a founding member of the Wildrose Party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cameron Davies is a former political operative in Alberta, Canada, known for his involvement with the United Conservative Party (UCP) and its predecessor, the Wildrose Party. He played a significant role in the Wildrose Party before its merger with the Progressive Conservative Party to form the UCP in 2017. He is now the leader of the Republican Party of Alberta.Cornerstone Forum ‘25https://www.showpass.com/cornerstone25/Get your voice heard: Text Shaun 587-217-8500Substack:https://open.substack.com/pub/shaunnewmanpodcastSilver Gold Bull Links:Website: https://silvergoldbull.ca/Email: SNP@silvergoldbull.comText Grahame: (587) 441-9100Bow Valley Credit UnionWebsite: www.BowValleycu.comEmail: welcome@BowValleycu.com Use the code “SNP” on all ordersProphet River Links:Website: store.prophetriver.com/Email: SNP@prophetriver.com

Despite Danielle Smith's involvement in numerous scandals, she won a majority in Alberta's election. Albertan Dani Paradis helps us understand why. And senior citizen sex shows, sex toy exhibits and art by Bryan Adams - you may not like it, but you've been paying for them, taxpayer! Well, no more. Host: Jesse BrownCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)Guest: Dani Paradis Further reading: Alberta's Vote Will Test American-Style Far-Right Politics - The New York TimesOpinion: With Danielle Smith's win, the Wildrose Party has firm control of Alberta - Globe and MailFIRST READING: Danielle Smith isn't an 'American-style' fringe conservative - National PostThe Mounties: 150 years of conflict with Indigenous Peoples - APTNTaxpayers group celebrates cancellation of wasteful Mission Cultural Fund - Western StandardFeds spent thousands funding on sex shows featuring seniors - Toronto Sun Sponsors: Ecojustice, Peloton, Better Help, Canadaland is turning 10! From May 24 - June 2, sign up for our highest level of ongoing support for only $10 a month. PLUS the first 100 signups will receive a FREE limited edition 10th Anniversary tote bag. Head to canadaland.com/join to become a supporter today. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alberta's making national news on two fronts this month. With more than a million hectares already burned before June (that's 2.5 million football fields!), the province is trending toward its worst wildfire season on record. Meantime, candidates in 87 ridings are campaigning for votes as the May 29 election looms.  2:40 | Why is this spring so bad for wildfires? What are the most significant contributing factors? How much of what we're seeing (and breathing) is the "new normal"? Weather expert and videojournalist Kyle Brittain shows us mind-blowing footage from the front lines, and explains what we can expect for the remainder of this summer and over the years to come.  FOLLOW KYLE ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/KyleBrittainWX 35:30 | Ian Donovan is best known in provincial political circles for crossing the floor from the Wildrose Party to the Progressive Conservatives in November of 2014. He compares the conservative movement from ten years ago to today, and explains how he's seen Danielle Smith and Rachel Notley evolve as leaders, too.  FOLLOW IAN ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/IanDono99330524 1:04:30 | Calling all cyclists and runners! The Jasper Gran Fondo and Banff Jasper Relay are just a couple weeks away. We feature these super cool ways to explore Jasper National Park in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.  PLAN YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/ WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

The merger of the Progressive Conservatives and the Wildrose Party was supposed to end the split of the right in Alberta's politics. But while the United Conservative Party has successfully prevented another right-of-centre party from rising to prominence in the province, it hasn't stopped divisions forming within its own organization.Joining me this week on the podcast is the CBC's Jason Markusoff, who has looked into the rise of the Take Back Alberta group that has tried to influence the direction of the UCP from the inside.What does this mean for the future of the United Conservatives — and for Danielle Smith, win or lose in Alberta's election on May 29?As always, in addition to listening to the episode in your inbox, at TheWrit.ca or on podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, you can also watch this episode on YouTube. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thewrit.ca/subscribe

On tonight's episode I am so extremely honoured to be joined by none other than 2022 UCP leadership candidate Danielle Smith. Danielle is the lead front runner in the leadership race putting Alberta and Albertan's first. Catch my interview with Danielle where we discuss how she got involved in politics, the Alberta Sovereignty Act, freedom for Albertan's, and some of her policies, all found here! We are so proud to endorse Danielle Smith for Premier of Alberta! Stay up to date with Danielle and her efforts here https://daniellesmith.ca/ Recorded on 09/04/2022 “I'm running because I love Alberta. This is my home and I feel passionately that the people of this province are not being treated fairly by Ottawa. We need to push back, regain our pride, and have autonomy over our decisions. Together, let's put Alberta First and as Premier, that is exactly what I will do.” Danielle is a proud Albertan. She is a University of Calgary graduate with degrees in Economics and English, Danielle has had a lifelong interest in Alberta public policy and finding the right balance between free enterprise and individual freedom, and the role of government. She was a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Highwood, leader of the Official Opposition, and leader of the Wildrose Party. Before re-entering politics, Danielle had extensive experience in the media and in business. Most recently she was President of the Alberta Enterprise Group. Before that she was a radio host with Corus Entertainment for six years. She married her husband, David in 2006 and together they own and operate The Dining Car, a fully renovated 1940s railcar dining car. She is the proud stepmother of David's son Jonathan. Danielle and David live in High River with their two dogs, Caine and Colt.

0:57 | Starting October 1, travellers will no longer be required to wear masks, provide proof of vaccination, or use the ArriveCAN app to enter Canada. Ryan kicks off the show with an early look at his unofficial, unscientific Twitter poll on non-mandatory mask use "in transit". CHECK OUT THE POLL: https://twitter.com/ryanjespersen/status/1574401471801856006 14:13 | Emmy Award-winning talk radio legend Charles Adler tells us whether or not he'll continue to mask up on planes, and how he arrived at his decision. Chuck also chimes in on the stories making news over the weekend, including Pierre Poilievre clapping back at derogatory comments aimed at his family, W. Brett Wilson's bizarre obsession with the Prime Minister, and CBC anchor Ginella Massa's statement about women wearing (or not wearing) hijabs in Canada. 37:52 | Cancer patients in BC have the longest wait times for care in the country. Journalist Andrea Woo tells us why, expanding on her excellent reporting for The Globe and Mail. READ ANDREA'S RECENT WORK: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-british-columbia-cancer-care-staff-shortages/ 58:57 | Brian Jean wants to "axe taxes" as Alberta's next premier. But where's he been for the last month or so? We take a look at an...interesting video posted by the former Wildrose Party leader with about a week to go in the UCP leadership campaign. 1:05:05 | Not every Positive Reflection has a happy ending. Sometimes, we feature stories of people making the most of a tragic circumstance. That's the case in this week's edition, presented by Kuby Energy. GET YOUR FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kubyenergy.ca/ SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

When the Wildrose and Progressive Conservative parties merged to form the United Conservative Party of Alberta, it was always going to be an open question whether the new entity could remain as united as its name suggested. The rise of the right-wing, populist Wildrose Party was a reaction to the growing anger and fatigue with the PCs, who governed Alberta for an uninterrupted period stretching from 1971 to 2015. But after the PCs were booted from office, the two rival parties became aligned in their opposition to Rachel Notley's NDP government.Merged and under the leadership of Jason Kenney, the UCP defeated the NDP in 2019. Mission accomplished. But little more than three years later, Kenney is on his way out as leader and the party is already at a crossroads as it tries to find his replacement and avoid defeat in next spring's election.The Writ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.On this week's episode of The Writ Podcast, I'm joined by Elise von Scheel, CBC politics reporter in Alberta, to break down who is in the running to lead the United Conservative Party and what happened in Wednesday's leadership debate in Medicine Hat.As always, in addition to listening to the episode in your inbox, at TheWrit.ca or on podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, you can also watch this discussion on YouTube.To watch past discussions and to be notified of new videos being posted, please subscribe to my YouTube Channel here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thewrit.ca/subscribe

There was a time when former Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith was in the political wilderness, cast out by a stunning floor-crossing that alienated and angered many Alberta conservatives. Now, it seems the former political pariah is back in the fold, as she makes her play to replace Jason Kenney as leader of the United Conservative Party and become Alberta's next premier. She's drawn big cheers at the Calgary Stampede and brought in big dollars to her campaign with her anti-mandate and anti-Ottawa message. Today on Front Burner, CBC's Jason Markusoff is here to discuss Smith's past political downfall and her current political resurrection.

Former leader of the Wildrose Party & radio host, Danielle has put her name in for the UCP leadership race in Alberta. Mandates, QR codes, Net-Zero, how to strengthen Alberta & her proposed Alberta Sovereignty Act. Let me know what you think Text me 587-217-8500 Support here:⁠ https://www.patreon.com/ShaunNewmanPodcast⁠

This week on ‘The West Block,' host Mercedes Stephenson speaks with Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, who says Canada plans to ban ‘high-risk vendors' in other sensitive industries in the wake of barring Huawei from the nation's 5G infrastructure. Then, Stephenson speaks with former Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith about her goal to lead Alberta's United Conservative Party following Premier Jason Kenney's shocking resignation. Plus, the racially motivated mass shooting at a Buffalo, N.Y., supermarket thrust a white supremacist conspiracy theory into the spotlight. Stephenson is joined by extremism research Amarnath Amarasingam on what needs to be done to address white supremacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ward Elcock, Former CSIS director; Danielle Smith, former Wildrose Party leader; François-Philippe Champagne, Industry Minister; Ed Fast, Conservative MP; Siobhan Morris, CTV News; Joyce Napier, CTV News; Robert Benzie, the Toronto Star; Stephen Carter, Decide Campaigns; and Alykhan Velshi, Huawei.

In case you missed it: this episode with Troy Wason, former president of the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta, and Vitor Marciano, former Executive Director of the Wildrose Alliance Party and inner political advisor within the Wildrose Party, was recorded in March of 2019. I asked them to tell me what was going on within the respective parties from May 5, 2015 until the merger in 2017. Hosted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean

Welcome  back to the rose bros podcast!This episode we are joined by Danielle Smith.Danielle Smith is a politician, journalist, business owner, podcast host & former leader of the Wild Rose Party from October 2009 to December 17, 2014.As leader of the Wild Rose Party, Danielle was instrumental in the parties growth as one that lacked official party status, to one that formed the official opposition within three years.Prior to being elected leader of the Wildrose Party, Danielle was the director of provincial affairs for Alberta with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.Danielle attended the University of Calgary and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English & Economics. She married her husband, David Moretta in 2006 and together they own and operate The Whistle Stop Diner, a fully renovated 1940s rail dining car.Danielle has also re-launched the The Danielle Smith Show on Western Standard Online, as she seeks the United Conservative Party (UCP) nomination in Livingstone-Macleod against incumbent MLA Roger Reid.We sat down for a smooth cup of rose bros coffee and among many things, discussed making a comeback in politics, the future of Alberta's economy including crypto & carbon capture, saying yes to business and attracting new investment, saving for a rainy day and a lot more.Also, this episode is also available on YouTube, so if you enjoyed the conversation, subscribe to the rose bros channel – it will go a long way to helping the show.Also, this week's podcast was brought to you by Rundle Eco ServicesLooking for a way to recycle your frac pond and pit liners used in the oil and gas industry?Rundle collects and processes liners using an environmentally friendly system, leaving a clean environmental footprint. The end use of these liners are shredded and processed into pellets that then can be extruded into various forms of usable plastic products including furniture, various building materials, industrial packaging etc.Checkout rundleco.com for more details on how you can recycle your industrial pond and pit liners today.Enjoy!Support the show (https://rosebros.ca/)

Last week on the Candice Malcolm Show, the former Executive Director of the United Conservative Party (UCP) Brad Tennant joined Candice to give viewers an understanding of what was happening in Alberta and the UCP leadership review from a pro-Kenney point of view. Today, we hear the other side of the story in Alberta. On this episode of the Candice Malcolm Show, Candice is joined by the former leader of the Wildrose Party and the former Leader of the Opposition in the Alberta Legislature Danielle Smith. Smith announced her return to politics last week and will be seeking the UCP nomination for the riding of Livingstone-Macleod, and to seek the leadership of the UCP if Kenney loses his review.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My vision is for Alberta to become a Sovereign Constitutional Democracy that recognizes the Supremacy of God and the rule of law with individual freedoms and rights protected. A shining beacon to the world as the safest, healthiest and most prosperous country in which to live, work and to raise a family. Early Years Paul was born in Edmonton, AB in June of 1959 and soon moved to Calgary where he grew up in the neighbourhood of Haysboro. From a young age gymnastics, scouting and farming played a major role in shaping his life. Paul's Haddon Road Elementary principle, Mr.... View Article

Guest: Dr. Duane Bratt, Professor - Political Science at Mount Royal University. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reaction to a suspected hate crime in London, Ontario; Jason Kenney apologizes as the former leader of the Wildrose Party calls on him to resign; And the government considers plans for the return of international tourists.

Danielle Smith is a Canadian Journalist and former Politician. She was the leader of the Wildrose Party from October 2009 to December 17, 2014 when she resigned to cross the floor and join the governing Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta caucus. She was also a radio host for Global News but recently decided to exit her role due to cancel culture.

With Alberta running an $18 billion deficit in its 2021-22 budget and more than $100 billion in accumulated debt, it appears obvious that fiscal changes are needed – spending cuts or revenue increases or both? The speaker will argue fundamental changes are needed and that his Wildrose Independence Party (WIP) plan to be a strong contender in Alberta's next provincial election. Should they gain power, WIP would assert Alberta's independence and redefine its relationship with Canada, create a “Constitution of Alberta” and affirm all individual freedoms and rights. An Alberta Police Force, an Alberta Revenue Agency, an Alberta Pension/Employment Insurance Plan, and an Alberta Immigration policy would be established. Under the guidance of WIP, Alberta would refine its own Environmental policies while continuing to develop and transport our natural resources responsibly. New trade agreements with other provinces and nations would be prioritized, as would improved access to immediate and high quality health care, hospitals and staff. World class educational facilities and staff would also be emphasized and WIP commits to hold a referendum on independence from Canada at an appropriate time – the speaker will elaborate. Speaker: Paul Hinman – Interim leader of the Wildrose Independence Party Serving the people of Alberta for over 17 years as an MLA or political advisor, Paul Hinman's mission has always been to get Alberta's house in order by advancing good governance through principled policies. Hinman was elected to his first term as the Member of Alberta's Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing the Alberta Alliance Party in the constituency of Cardston-Taber-Warner serving from 2004-08. He later served as MLA for Calgary-Glenmore from 2009-12, representing the Wildrose Party. Date and time: Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 10 am MST YouTube Live link: https://youtu.be/-P9TmSL6tuY In order to ask questions of our speaker in the chat feature of YouTube, you must have a YouTube account and be signed in. Please do so well ahead of the scheduled start time, so you'll be ready. Go the YouTube Live link provided in this session flyer and on the top right of your browser click the “sign in” button. If you have Google or Gmail accounts, they can be used to sign in. If you don't, click “Create Account” and follow along. Once you are signed in, you can return to the live stream and use the chat feature to ask your questions of the speaker. Remember you can only participate in the chat feature while we are livestreaming. Link to SACPA's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFUQ5mUHv1gfmMFVr8d9dNA

On this weeks episode, the guys sit down with Danielle Smith! Ms. Smith is a proud Albertan, a former member of the Wildrose Party, a TV and radio personality, and a business owner. They discuss the confusion with a similarly named business she owns, knowing your rights with COVID-19 lockdowns, the Chris Sky story, no-fly lists, how the US is doing in certain US states, and learning lessons from politics. All of this plus much more!  Follow the show on Twitter: @AAThingPodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @andanotherthingpodcast Follow Jodie Jenkins on Twitter: @jodie_a_jenkins Follow Tony Clement on Twitter: @TonyclementCPC Find the show on the web: www.andanotherthingpodcast.ca Check out some of our sponsors!  Think Data Municipal Solutions PoliTraQ Lord & Lady Coffee

On this weeks episode, the guys sit down with Danielle Smith! Ms. Smith is a proud Albertan, a former member of the Wildrose Party, a TV and radio personality, and a business owner. They discuss the confusion with a similarly named business she owns, knowing your rights with COVID-19 lockdowns, the Chris Sky story, no-fly lists, how the US is doing in certain US states, and learning lessons from politics. All of this plus much more! Follow the show on Twitter: @AAThingPodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @andanotherthingpodcast Follow Jodie Jenkins on Twitter: @jodie_a_jenkins Follow Tony Clement on Twitter: @TonyclementCPC Find the show on the web: www.andanotherthingpodcast.ca Check out some of our sponsors! Think Data Municipal Solutions PoliTraQ Lord & Lady Coffee

We've got a new interview for you. Danielle Smith is a former Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, and served as leader of the Wildrose Party from 2009 to 2014, and the host of an Alberta-wide talk radio show on 770 CHQR Calgary. In January, she walked away from that radio show, and she has a message for the media about accountability. Since accountability is a huge part of what we do at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, our Prairie Director Todd MacKay called Smith for an interview. Like this show? Subscribe and give us 5-stars! This podcast is brought to you by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Canada’s premier grassroots advocacy group pushing for lower taxes, less waste and accountable governments. Sign-up as a Canadian Taxpayers Federation supporter at no-charge TODAY: https://www.taxpayer.com/join.

Is there actually a foreign-funded conspiracy against Alberta oil? Journalist, lawyer, and former Crown prosecutor Sandy Garossino takes us through her ongoing coverage for the National Observer. It's the first-ever "Meet in the Middle Monday" with NDP MLA Janis Irwin and former Wildrose Party strategist Vitor Marciano. From very different political perspectives, Janis and Vitor explain why they agree on something as controversial as health care funding, and explore how we should pay for our biggest budget expenditure. Maclean's contributing editor Andray Domise tells us why he took to TikTok to comment on the GameStop/Wall Street story, and speculates where it will go in the days and weeks to come. Plus, it's the start of another week, and that means another edition of Positive Reflections, presented by Kuby Energy!

Canada is a deeply divided country. Western alienation is at its worst point in our history and for a the first time, separation has become a digestible idea to many Canadians. Alberta is particularly alienated as it a province that contributes a great deal to our country, but is often not treated with respect. The energy sector is seemingly a major component of the alienation. Albertans are losing their jobs in oil and gas, due to Justin Trudeau's environmental goals. Nonetheless, while Albertans are seemingly stifled due to their "draconian" sources of energy, Canada continues to import Saudi oil and urban Liberal Torontonians can't tell the difference. Cory Morgan is the Host of The Western Voice, a new show brought to you by The Post Millennial! Cory is also a Columnist with the Western Standard, an Alberta based outlet. Born and raised in Alberta, Cory is a prominent voice among provincial politics. He was one of the founding members of the Wildrose Party in Alberta, as well as someone who spent two decades in the energy sector, working as a petrochemical surveyor.

In the 2015 provincial election, the New Democratic Party, led by Rachel Notley, won an unprecedented victory in Alberta. Unseating the Progressive Conservatives -- who had won every provincial election since 1971 -- they formed an NDP government for the first time in the history of the province. Unfortunately for Premier Rachel Notley and her NDP government, revenues from Alberta's energy sector tanked in 2015 and still hasn't fully recovered. Nevertheless, the NDP government pressed on with their plans to rectify Alberta's massive infrastructure deficit in support of public institutions, but in the process, they've amassed hefty budgetary deficits, despite implementing progressive tax changes and a carbon levy In July 2017 the Progressive Conservative and Wildrose Party merged to become the United Conservative Party (UCP) and the official opposition party in Alberta. Later that year, Jason Kenney became the leader of UCP and since then, has laid out a very different way forward for Alberta with more emphasis on a balanced budget by cuts to spending, scrapping the carbon levy and giving business incentives through taxation relief. The speaker will analyse the April 16 Alberta election results and speculate on the consequences of such. Speaker: Dr. Duane Bratt Duane Bratt is a political science Professor and Chair in the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University (Calgary, Alberta). He was educated at the Universities of Windsor (BA 1991, MA 1992) and Alberta (Ph.D. 1996). He teaches in the area of international relations and Canadian public policy. Duane's primary research interest is in the area of Canadian nuclear policy. Recent publications include: co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy: Classic Debates and New Ideas 3rd edition (Oxford University Press: Toronto, 2015) and author of Canada, the Provinces, and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen's University Press: Montreal and Kingston, 2012) Duane is also a regular commentator on political events. Copies of Duane's most recent book Orange Chinook: Politics in the New Alberta will be available for sale Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date: Thursday, April 18, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

In the 2015 provincial election, the New Democratic Party, led by Rachel Notley, won an unprecedented victory in Alberta. Unseating the Progressive Conservatives -- who had won every provincial election since 1971 -- they formed an NDP government for the first time in the history of the province. Unfortunately for Premier Rachel Notley and her NDP government, revenues from Alberta's energy sector tanked in 2015 and still hasn't fully recovered. Nevertheless, the NDP government pressed on with their plans to rectify Alberta's massive infrastructure deficit in support of public institutions, but in the process, they've amassed hefty budgetary deficits, despite implementing progressive tax changes and a carbon levy In July 2017 the Progressive Conservative and Wildrose Party merged to become the United Conservative Party (UCP) and the official opposition party in Alberta. Later that year, Jason Kenney became the leader of UCP and since then, has laid out a very different way forward for Alberta with more emphasis on a balanced budget by cuts to spending, scrapping the carbon levy and giving business incentives through taxation relief. The speaker will analyse the April 16 Alberta election results and speculate on the consequences of such. Speaker: Dr. Duane Bratt Duane Bratt is a political science Professor and Chair in the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University (Calgary, Alberta). He was educated at the Universities of Windsor (BA 1991, MA 1992) and Alberta (Ph.D. 1996). He teaches in the area of international relations and Canadian public policy. Duane's primary research interest is in the area of Canadian nuclear policy. Recent publications include: co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy: Classic Debates and New Ideas 3rd edition (Oxford University Press: Toronto, 2015) and author of Canada, the Provinces, and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen's University Press: Montreal and Kingston, 2012) Duane is also a regular commentator on political events. Copies of Duane's most recent book Orange Chinook: Politics in the New Alberta will be available for sale Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date: Thursday, April 18, 2019 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with dessert/coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required

Through a FOIP the Wildrose Party has discovered which parts of AB highways are the most deadly. Grant Hunter, Wilrose MLA and Shadow Cabinet Minister for Transportation and Technology.  The map is here. Rob takes a few calls as well about where the roads get ugly in our province. 

Rob is joined by Postmedia/ Edmonton Journal columnist Graham Thomson to chat about the potential for WRP memberships being bought up by those who oppose the merger and WRP's representation at Pride parades.  Read his piece here: http://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/graham-thomson-intolerant-wildrose-members-act-as-political-arsonists-in-homophobic-lake-of-fire

Former MP and federal Conservative cabinet minister Jason Kenney became the new leader of Alberta's Progressive Conservative (PC) Party on March 18, 2017. Kenney ran on a platform to unite Alberta conservatives by dissolving the PC Party and creating a single right-wing party under a new constitution combining with the Wildrose Party of Alberta. Wildrose Leader Brian Jean has roughly the same goal as Kenney but may differ on how to get there. Jean envisions his party being the foundation of a united conservative movement. The Wildrose Party has even registered the name it alone can use to rebrand itself. The Conservative Party of Alberta. Several of the PC Party leadership candidates running against Kenney became disenchanted with the process during the race and withdrew. Recently, Alberta's PC party president Katherine O'Neill resigned her post, further fueling apparent discontent within that party. The speaker will untangle the intricate web of the politics surrounding this possible right-wing merger in Alberta and speculate on the possibility of such party having their ducks in a row by the next provincial election in 2019. Speaker: Dr. Duane Bratt Duane Bratt is a political science Professor and Chair in the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University (Calgary, Alberta). He was educated at the Universities of Windsor (BA 1991, MA 1992) and Alberta (Ph.D 1996). He teaches in the area of international relations and Canadian public policy. Duane's primary research interest is in the area of Canadian nuclear policy. Recent publications include: co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy: Classic Debates and New Ideas 3rd edition (Oxford University Press: Toronto, 2015) and author of Canada, the Provinces, and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen's University Press: Montreal and Kingston, 2012) Duane is also a regular commentator on political events. Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date: Thursday, May 4, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $12.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea) Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

Former MP and federal Conservative cabinet minister Jason Kenney became the new leader of Alberta's Progressive Conservative (PC) Party on March 18, 2017. Kenney ran on a platform to unite Alberta conservatives by dissolving the PC Party and creating a single right-wing party under a new constitution combining with the Wildrose Party of Alberta. Wildrose Leader Brian Jean has roughly the same goal as Kenney but may differ on how to get there. Jean envisions his party being the foundation of a united conservative movement. The Wildrose Party has even registered the name it alone can use to rebrand itself. The Conservative Party of Alberta. Several of the PC Party leadership candidates running against Kenney became disenchanted with the process during the race and withdrew. Recently, Alberta's PC party president Katherine O'Neill resigned her post, further fueling apparent discontent within that party. The speaker will untangle the intricate web of the politics surrounding this possible right-wing merger in Alberta and speculate on the possibility of such party having their ducks in a row by the next provincial election in 2019. Speaker: Dr. Duane Bratt Duane Bratt is a political science Professor and Chair in the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University (Calgary, Alberta). He was educated at the Universities of Windsor (BA 1991, MA 1992) and Alberta (Ph.D 1996). He teaches in the area of international relations and Canadian public policy. Duane's primary research interest is in the area of Canadian nuclear policy. Recent publications include: co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy: Classic Debates and New Ideas 3rd edition (Oxford University Press: Toronto, 2015) and author of Canada, the Provinces, and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen's University Press: Montreal and Kingston, 2012) Duane is also a regular commentator on political events. Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date: Thursday, May 4, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $12.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea) Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

Former MP and federal Conservative cabinet minister Jason Kenney became the new leader of Alberta's Progressive Conservative (PC) Party on March 18, 2017. Kenney ran on a platform to unite Alberta conservatives by dissolving the PC Party and creating a single right-wing party under a new constitution combining with the Wildrose Party of Alberta. Wildrose Leader Brian Jean has roughly the same goal as Kenney but may differ on how to get there. Jean envisions his party being the foundation of a united conservative movement. The Wildrose Party has even registered the name it alone can use to rebrand itself. The Conservative Party of Alberta. Several of the PC Party leadership candidates running against Kenney became disenchanted with the process during the race and withdrew. Recently, Alberta's PC party president Katherine O'Neill resigned her post, further fueling apparent discontent within that party. The speaker will untangle the intricate web of the politics surrounding this possible right-wing merger in Alberta and speculate on the possibility of such party having their ducks in a row by the next provincial election in 2019. Speaker: Dr. Duane Bratt Duane Bratt is a political science Professor and Chair in the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University (Calgary, Alberta). He was educated at the Universities of Windsor (BA 1991, MA 1992) and Alberta (Ph.D 1996). He teaches in the area of international relations and Canadian public policy. Duane's primary research interest is in the area of Canadian nuclear policy. Recent publications include: co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy: Classic Debates and New Ideas 3rd edition (Oxford University Press: Toronto, 2015) and author of Canada, the Provinces, and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen's University Press: Montreal and Kingston, 2012) Duane is also a regular commentator on political events. Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date: Thursday, May 4, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $12.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea) Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca

Rob chats about how Maxime Bernier seemingly unwittingly wandered into the "Red Pill" controversy with a meme this week as well as the connection of the Wildrose Party to the University Wildrose Association. 

Alberta's official opposition has criticized the recent provincial NDP budget, expressing concern about the huge anticipated provincial deficit. They have called for cuts to provincial staff levels and some programs.   Official opposition leader, Brian Jean will speak to this. He will outline the Wildrose Party vision for Alberta and his party's view on a better fiscal management plan of Alberta's finances. We will hear where a Wildose government would take Alberta.   Speaker:     Brian Jean, Alberta's Official Opposition leader Brian Jean was elected as Wildrose Leader on March 28, 2015 and has served as leader of the Official Opposition and MLA for Fort McMurray-Conklin since May 5, 2015. Raised in his home riding of Fort McMurray, Brian understands what makes Alberta the best place to live in the world. With extensive experience in construction, communications, farming, business and as a lawyer, Brian knows what it takes to get Alberta working again.   Brian holds a Bachelor of Science, an MBA and an LLB. But Brian isn't just book smart – he's people smart. He knows that the backbone of Alberta is the hardworking and entrepreneurial spirit of its people. To this end, Brian has worked in numerous trades including logging and being a registered trapper. As a committed fiscal manager, Brian knows that low taxes and smaller government spur economic prosperity and unleash the Alberta Advantage. His goal is to build an Alberta that we can be proud of – one where all Albertans can enjoy a high quality of life. Moderator: Ed Bardock Date: Thursday, June 9, 2016 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

Alberta's official opposition has criticized the recent provincial NDP budget, expressing concern about the huge anticipated provincial deficit. They have called for cuts to provincial staff levels and some programs.   Official opposition leader, Brian Jean will speak to this. He will outline the Wildrose Party vision for Alberta and his party's view on a better fiscal management plan of Alberta's finances. We will hear where a Wildose government would take Alberta.   Speaker:     Brian Jean, Alberta's Official Opposition leader Brian Jean was elected as Wildrose Leader on March 28, 2015 and has served as leader of the Official Opposition and MLA for Fort McMurray-Conklin since May 5, 2015. Raised in his home riding of Fort McMurray, Brian understands what makes Alberta the best place to live in the world. With extensive experience in construction, communications, farming, business and as a lawyer, Brian knows what it takes to get Alberta working again.   Brian holds a Bachelor of Science, an MBA and an LLB. But Brian isn't just book smart – he's people smart. He knows that the backbone of Alberta is the hardworking and entrepreneurial spirit of its people. To this end, Brian has worked in numerous trades including logging and being a registered trapper. As a committed fiscal manager, Brian knows that low taxes and smaller government spur economic prosperity and unleash the Alberta Advantage. His goal is to build an Alberta that we can be proud of – one where all Albertans can enjoy a high quality of life. Moderator: Ed Bardock Date: Thursday, June 9, 2016 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

Alberta's official opposition has criticized the recent provincial NDP budget, expressing concern about the huge anticipated provincial deficit. They have called for cuts to provincial staff levels and some programs.   Official opposition leader, Brian Jean will speak to this. He will outline the Wildrose Party vision for Alberta and his party's view on a better fiscal management plan of Alberta's finances. We will hear where a Wildose government would take Alberta.   Speaker:     Brian Jean, Alberta's Official Opposition leader Brian Jean was elected as Wildrose Leader on March 28, 2015 and has served as leader of the Official Opposition and MLA for Fort McMurray-Conklin since May 5, 2015. Raised in his home riding of Fort McMurray, Brian understands what makes Alberta the best place to live in the world. With extensive experience in construction, communications, farming, business and as a lawyer, Brian knows what it takes to get Alberta working again.   Brian holds a Bachelor of Science, an MBA and an LLB. But Brian isn't just book smart – he's people smart. He knows that the backbone of Alberta is the hardworking and entrepreneurial spirit of its people. To this end, Brian has worked in numerous trades including logging and being a registered trapper. As a committed fiscal manager, Brian knows that low taxes and smaller government spur economic prosperity and unleash the Alberta Advantage. His goal is to build an Alberta that we can be proud of – one where all Albertans can enjoy a high quality of life. Moderator: Ed Bardock Date: Thursday, June 9, 2016 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

Alberta's official opposition has criticized the recent provincial NDP budget, expressing concern about the huge anticipated provincial deficit. They have called for cuts to provincial staff levels and some programs.   Official opposition leader, Brian Jean will speak to this. He will outline the Wildrose Party vision for Alberta and his party's view on a better fiscal management plan of Alberta's finances. We will hear where a Wildose government would take Alberta.   Speaker:     Brian Jean, Alberta's Official Opposition leader Brian Jean was elected as Wildrose Leader on March 28, 2015 and has served as leader of the Official Opposition and MLA for Fort McMurray-Conklin since May 5, 2015. Raised in his home riding of Fort McMurray, Brian understands what makes Alberta the best place to live in the world. With extensive experience in construction, communications, farming, business and as a lawyer, Brian knows what it takes to get Alberta working again.   Brian holds a Bachelor of Science, an MBA and an LLB. But Brian isn't just book smart – he's people smart. He knows that the backbone of Alberta is the hardworking and entrepreneurial spirit of its people. To this end, Brian has worked in numerous trades including logging and being a registered trapper. As a committed fiscal manager, Brian knows that low taxes and smaller government spur economic prosperity and unleash the Alberta Advantage. His goal is to build an Alberta that we can be proud of – one where all Albertans can enjoy a high quality of life. Moderator: Ed Bardock Date: Thursday, June 9, 2016 Time: Noon - 1:30 pm Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)

In December 2014 Danielle Smith and eight members of her caucus announced that they were crossing the floor to join the Progressive Conservatives and Premier Jim Prentice. The announcement elicited a great deal of vitriolic responses from the public and reignited calls for floor crossing to be banned or at least for floor crossers to require a by-election to sit as a member of another party. The speaker will argue that floor crossing is a necessary part of the parliamentary process and must not be limited but that the floor crossers from the Wildrose Party, especially leader Danielle Smith, need a strong lesson in another piece of parliamentary democracy: a loyal opposition. The history, and value, of opposition will be reviewed and the speaker will argue that Smith's democratic breech was in dismissing the value of opposition in a parliamentary democracy, not in crossing the floor. Speaker: Lisa Lambert Lisa Lambert served as SACPA's Administrative Manager from 2009-2014 while she conducted her doctoral research on political parties in Canada. She is now in the last months of writing her dissertation on the Green Party of Canada and environmentalists and will manage to graduate before her sons enter University. Lisa, a student of parliaments, loves to regale her family with tales of politics, procedures, and party structure. Mercifully for them, she has been able to channel her passion for politics into sessional work at the University of Lethbridge in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies since 2009. Moderator: Emma Ladouceur Date: Thursday, January 15, 2015 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea at the presentation only)

In December 2014 Danielle Smith and eight members of her caucus announced that they were crossing the floor to join the Progressive Conservatives and Premier Jim Prentice. The announcement elicited a great deal of vitriolic responses from the public and reignited calls for floor crossing to be banned or at least for floor crossers to require a by-election to sit as a member of another party. The speaker will argue that floor crossing is a necessary part of the parliamentary process and must not be limited but that the floor crossers from the Wildrose Party, especially leader Danielle Smith, need a strong lesson in another piece of parliamentary democracy: a loyal opposition. The history, and value, of opposition will be reviewed and the speaker will argue that Smith's democratic breech was in dismissing the value of opposition in a parliamentary democracy, not in crossing the floor. Speaker: Lisa Lambert Lisa Lambert served as SACPA's Administrative Manager from 2009-2014 while she conducted her doctoral research on political parties in Canada. She is now in the last months of writing her dissertation on the Green Party of Canada and environmentalists and will manage to graduate before her sons enter University. Lisa, a student of parliaments, loves to regale her family with tales of politics, procedures, and party structure. Mercifully for them, she has been able to channel her passion for politics into sessional work at the University of Lethbridge in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies since 2009. Moderator: Emma Ladouceur Date: Thursday, January 15, 2015 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea at the presentation only)

In December 2014 Danielle Smith and eight members of her caucus announced that they were crossing the floor to join the Progressive Conservatives and Premier Jim Prentice. The announcement elicited a great deal of vitriolic responses from the public and reignited calls for floor crossing to be banned or at least for floor crossers to require a by-election to sit as a member of another party. The speaker will argue that floor crossing is a necessary part of the parliamentary process and must not be limited but that the floor crossers from the Wildrose Party, especially leader Danielle Smith, need a strong lesson in another piece of parliamentary democracy: a loyal opposition. The history, and value, of opposition will be reviewed and the speaker will argue that Smith's democratic breech was in dismissing the value of opposition in a parliamentary democracy, not in crossing the floor. Speaker: Lisa Lambert Lisa Lambert served as SACPA's Administrative Manager from 2009-2014 while she conducted her doctoral research on political parties in Canada. She is now in the last months of writing her dissertation on the Green Party of Canada and environmentalists and will manage to graduate before her sons enter University. Lisa, a student of parliaments, loves to regale her family with tales of politics, procedures, and party structure. Mercifully for them, she has been able to channel her passion for politics into sessional work at the University of Lethbridge in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies since 2009. Moderator: Emma Ladouceur Date: Thursday, January 15, 2015 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea at the presentation only)

In December 2014 Danielle Smith and eight members of her caucus announced that they were crossing the floor to join the Progressive Conservatives and Premier Jim Prentice. The announcement elicited a great deal of vitriolic responses from the public and reignited calls for floor crossing to be banned or at least for floor crossers to require a by-election to sit as a member of another party. The speaker will argue that floor crossing is a necessary part of the parliamentary process and must not be limited but that the floor crossers from the Wildrose Party, especially leader Danielle Smith, need a strong lesson in another piece of parliamentary democracy: a loyal opposition. The history, and value, of opposition will be reviewed and the speaker will argue that Smith's democratic breech was in dismissing the value of opposition in a parliamentary democracy, not in crossing the floor. Speaker: Lisa Lambert Lisa Lambert served as SACPA's Administrative Manager from 2009-2014 while she conducted her doctoral research on political parties in Canada. She is now in the last months of writing her dissertation on the Green Party of Canada and environmentalists and will manage to graduate before her sons enter University. Lisa, a student of parliaments, loves to regale her family with tales of politics, procedures, and party structure. Mercifully for them, she has been able to channel her passion for politics into sessional work at the University of Lethbridge in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies since 2009. Moderator: Emma Ladouceur Date: Thursday, January 15, 2015 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea at the presentation only)

The official opposition Wildrose Party has, since April 2012, observed Alberta's provincial government experience many controversies, including oil sands management, resource development, the delivery of health care and Premier Allison Redford's style of governing. The speaker will discuss some of the urgent issues facing the province of Alberta in 2014 and sketch some alternatives to the direction in which the Progressive Conservative party has chosen to govern. In particular he will speak to examples of red tape and bureaucracy that is presently apparent, while explaining how MLA's will be better able to serve the interests of their constituents under a Wildrose Government. Speaker: Gary Bikman, MLA for Cardston Taber Warner Gary Bikman was elected April 23, 2012 and is presently the Official Opposition critic for Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour. He serves on the standing committees on “Resource Stewardship” and also on “Legislative Offices”. Gary was born and raised in Lethbridge and as a young man he lived in Sweden for two and a half years. He earned his B.Sc. Degree and an MBA at Brigham Young University. Gary has had extensive business experience, having owned and managed an oilfield service company for 25 years. He is also an educator. For many years he taught high school students a class on ethics and morality each weekday morning before school started. Gary taught Management Skills Development at the University of Lethbridge and Life Skills and Employability to trades students at Lethbridge College. Over the years, Gary was elected to several terms in municipal government and has served as Stirling's mayor, deputy mayor and as a councillor.

The official opposition Wildrose Party has, since April 2012, observed Alberta's provincial government experience many controversies, including oil sands management, resource development, the delivery of health care and Premier Allison Redford's style of governing. The speaker will discuss some of the urgent issues facing the province of Alberta in 2014 and sketch some alternatives to the direction in which the Progressive Conservative party has chosen to govern. In particular he will speak to examples of red tape and bureaucracy that is presently apparent, while explaining how MLA's will be better able to serve the interests of their constituents under a Wildrose Government. Speaker: Gary Bikman, MLA for Cardston Taber Warner Gary Bikman was elected April 23, 2012 and is presently the Official Opposition critic for Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour. He serves on the standing committees on “Resource Stewardship” and also on “Legislative Offices”. Gary was born and raised in Lethbridge and as a young man he lived in Sweden for two and a half years. He earned his B.Sc. Degree and an MBA at Brigham Young University. Gary has had extensive business experience, having owned and managed an oilfield service company for 25 years. He is also an educator. For many years he taught high school students a class on ethics and morality each weekday morning before school started. Gary taught Management Skills Development at the University of Lethbridge and Life Skills and Employability to trades students at Lethbridge College. Over the years, Gary was elected to several terms in municipal government and has served as Stirling's mayor, deputy mayor and as a councillor.

The Wildrose Party became the official opposition in the 87 seat Alberta Legislature on April 23, 2012. Despite capturing 34 % of the vote, only 17 Wildrose MLA's managed to get elected including party leader Danielle Smith. During the 2012 fall session of the Legislature, the Wildrose Party was very active introducing numerous amendments to proposed legislation, but usually to no avail. The Wildrose believe they heard loud and clear from Albertans that they want solutions to balance the budget, improve health care and education and to put an end to what appears to be a PC Government culture of corruption, conflict of interest and entitlement. Following through on an election promise, Wildrose MLAs exercised their free-vote policy throughout the recent session in the Legislature, while the PCs continued to toe the party line on every vote. “We know the role of MLAs is to listen to their constituents and thoughtfully consider every piece of legislation that comes through the house,” Smith says. “Our Wildrose team is committed to listening to Albertans and implementing true and meaningful democratic reform.” Speaker: Danielle Smith, leader of Alberta's official opposition Danielle Smith was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Highwood on April 23, 2012. She was elected as leader of the Wildrose Party of Alberta on October 17, 2009. She sits on the Special Standing Committee on Members' Services and the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future. Prior to entering politics, Danielle was the director of provincial affairs for Alberta with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, CFIB. She worked with all levels of government to represent the interests of CFIB's 10,000 small-business members in Alberta. Before joining CFIB, Danielle had extensive experience in the media. She was an editorial writer and columnist at the Calgary Herald for six years. She has served as host of the TV program Global Sunday and also hosted radio programs in Calgary. Her public policy experience began with an internship at the Fraser Institute. She was also elected as a trustee for the Calgary board of education and served as the director of the Alberta Property Rights Initiative and the Canadian Property Rights Research Institute. Danielle received her B.A.in both English and Economics from the University of Calgary

The Wildrose Party became the official opposition in the 87 seat Alberta Legislature on April 23, 2012. Despite capturing 34 % of the vote, only 17 Wildrose MLA's managed to get elected including party leader Danielle Smith. During the 2012 fall session of the Legislature, the Wildrose Party was very active introducing numerous amendments to proposed legislation, but usually to no avail. The Wildrose believe they heard loud and clear from Albertans that they want solutions to balance the budget, improve health care and education and to put an end to what appears to be a PC Government culture of corruption, conflict of interest and entitlement. Following through on an election promise, Wildrose MLAs exercised their free-vote policy throughout the recent session in the Legislature, while the PCs continued to toe the party line on every vote. “We know the role of MLAs is to listen to their constituents and thoughtfully consider every piece of legislation that comes through the house,” Smith says. “Our Wildrose team is committed to listening to Albertans and implementing true and meaningful democratic reform.” Speaker: Danielle Smith, leader of Alberta's official opposition Danielle Smith was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Highwood on April 23, 2012. She was elected as leader of the Wildrose Party of Alberta on October 17, 2009. She sits on the Special Standing Committee on Members' Services and the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future. Prior to entering politics, Danielle was the director of provincial affairs for Alberta with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, CFIB. She worked with all levels of government to represent the interests of CFIB's 10,000 small-business members in Alberta. Before joining CFIB, Danielle had extensive experience in the media. She was an editorial writer and columnist at the Calgary Herald for six years. She has served as host of the TV program Global Sunday and also hosted radio programs in Calgary. Her public policy experience began with an internship at the Fraser Institute. She was also elected as a trustee for the Calgary board of education and served as the director of the Alberta Property Rights Initiative and the Canadian Property Rights Research Institute. Danielle received her B.A.in both English and Economics from the University of Calgary

The Wildrose Party became the official opposition in the 87 seat Alberta Legislature on April 23, 2012. Despite capturing 34 % of the vote, only 17 Wildrose MLA's managed to get elected including party leader Danielle Smith. During the 2012 fall session of the Legislature, the Wildrose Party was very active introducing numerous amendments to proposed legislation, but usually to no avail. The Wildrose believe they heard loud and clear from Albertans that they want solutions to balance the budget, improve health care and education and to put an end to what appears to be a PC Government culture of corruption, conflict of interest and entitlement. Following through on an election promise, Wildrose MLAs exercised their free-vote policy throughout the recent session in the Legislature, while the PCs continued to toe the party line on every vote. “We know the role of MLAs is to listen to their constituents and thoughtfully consider every piece of legislation that comes through the house,” Smith says. “Our Wildrose team is committed to listening to Albertans and implementing true and meaningful democratic reform.” Speaker: Danielle Smith, leader of Alberta's official opposition Danielle Smith was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Highwood on April 23, 2012. She was elected as leader of the Wildrose Party of Alberta on October 17, 2009. She sits on the Special Standing Committee on Members' Services and the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future. Prior to entering politics, Danielle was the director of provincial affairs for Alberta with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, CFIB. She worked with all levels of government to represent the interests of CFIB's 10,000 small-business members in Alberta. Before joining CFIB, Danielle had extensive experience in the media. She was an editorial writer and columnist at the Calgary Herald for six years. She has served as host of the TV program Global Sunday and also hosted radio programs in Calgary. Her public policy experience began with an internship at the Fraser Institute. She was also elected as a trustee for the Calgary board of education and served as the director of the Alberta Property Rights Initiative and the Canadian Property Rights Research Institute. Danielle received her B.A.in both English and Economics from the University of Calgary

At the recent Alberta general election, a historically low 41% of registered voters exercised their right to vote. Although those that did gave the Stelmach government a massive majority of 86 percent of the seats at the Legislature, the mandate, in fact, came from less than one-quarter of the electorate. This questions the health of democracy in Alberta. Low turnout at the polls is symptomatic of a serious lack of commitment by the electorate. Voter apathy may have been helped by years of domination of Conservative governments and a perceived lack of viable alternatives. If informed public debate is the lifeblood of democracy, the time may have come to consider reforming our political process. How can we ensure that issues of concern to Albertans are subjected to rigorous debate at the Legislature before they become the law of the land? Now on the outside, Paul Hinman will provide an insider's view of the options. Speaker: Paul Hinman Paul Hinman was born in Edmonton and is currently the leader of the Wildrose Alliance. He first became interested in politics through his mentor and grandfather, Edgar Hinman, who served as Provincial Treasurer in the Manning government of Alberta from 1955-64. Paul has worked in the agricultural sector as a farmer, cattle breeder and feedlot operator. He was elected to the Alberta legislature in 2004 for the riding of Cardston-Taber-Warner. He was the first and only member of the Alberta Alliance Party elected to the Legislature and became the party leader in 2005. In early 2008, the Alberta Alliance merged with the Wildrose Party to form the Wildrose Alliance. Mr. Hinman became its first leader. Shortly thereafter, Paul narrowly lost his seat at the Legislature in the provincial election. He and his family live on a farm near Welling. Moderator: Ian McKenna Date: Thursday, May 15, 2008 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)

At the recent Alberta general election, a historically low 41% of registered voters exercised their right to vote. Although those that did gave the Stelmach government a massive majority of 86 percent of the seats at the Legislature, the mandate, in fact, came from less than one-quarter of the electorate. This questions the health of democracy in Alberta. Low turnout at the polls is symptomatic of a serious lack of commitment by the electorate. Voter apathy may have been helped by years of domination of Conservative governments and a perceived lack of viable alternatives. If informed public debate is the lifeblood of democracy, the time may have come to consider reforming our political process. How can we ensure that issues of concern to Albertans are subjected to rigorous debate at the Legislature before they become the law of the land? Now on the outside, Paul Hinman will provide an insider's view of the options. Speaker: Paul Hinman Paul Hinman was born in Edmonton and is currently the leader of the Wildrose Alliance. He first became interested in politics through his mentor and grandfather, Edgar Hinman, who served as Provincial Treasurer in the Manning government of Alberta from 1955-64. Paul has worked in the agricultural sector as a farmer, cattle breeder and feedlot operator. He was elected to the Alberta legislature in 2004 for the riding of Cardston-Taber-Warner. He was the first and only member of the Alberta Alliance Party elected to the Legislature and became the party leader in 2005. In early 2008, the Alberta Alliance merged with the Wildrose Party to form the Wildrose Alliance. Mr. Hinman became its first leader. Shortly thereafter, Paul narrowly lost his seat at the Legislature in the provincial election. He and his family live on a farm near Welling. Moderator: Ian McKenna Date: Thursday, May 15, 2008 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)