With less than a week to go before the Alberta provincial election, we checked in with our undecided voter panel to get their take on the campaign thus far.
Click here to read their initial thoughts.
Paul Strandlund – Web and Digital Leader
In your opinion, what was the biggest election story of the last week?
The UCP decision to remove protections for students joining GSAs at school. Not sure how one party can be so tone deaf on an item. It has also brought up the issue that individual members will not be allowed to vote against party lines and this is a problem for me. I get that a party has a direction to go, but that doesn't mean that you can't select multiple ways to get there.
What is your impression of the tone of the campaigns so far?
Very adversarial with very little actual substance. It seems more to be one party announces something they would do and the other parties attack that idea without actually saying anything about what they would do. Attacks without alternatives just sound petty and argumentative.
Which campaign style do you prefer: policy announcements or attacks on other parties?
I really dislike attack politics. Tell me what you will do and if you disagree with what another party wants to do, then tell me what you will do as an alternative. I would actually like to hear a comprehensive plan from a party. For example, if a party is saying they will increase spending then I'd like to know where the funding is coming from and if a party is saying they will cut taxes, then what are the cuts they will make to make up for the shortfall in revenue.
At this point in the campaign, are the issues that matter most to you being addressed properly?
Not even close. I have heard a couple of good things but nothing that really tackles the large issues that we are having today. Right now everything that is being announced seems to be items meant to buy the votes from specific groups. There has been no substantive announcements from any party about serious plans to help the province prosper.
Rian Vandepolder - Born and Raised Albertan
In your opinion, what was the biggest election story of the last week?
I guess overall it was the debate. Within the debate it was mostly about whose budget was best or who will have the largest deficit.
What is your impression of the tone of the campaigns so far?
The tone is a lot of back-and-forth personal mudslinging primarily between the NDP in the UCP. Not impressed.
Which campaign style do you prefer: policy announcements or attacks on other parties?
Policy announcements. While they may entertain and create headlines, personal attacks are an embarrassment. Attacks on the party are to be expected but please don’t talk about what the others are doing wrong, tell me what you are going to do right.
At this point in the campaign, are the issues that matter most to you being addressed properly?
I don’t think there was anything in the debate about seniors. The economy, education, healthcare, deficit, the environment, global warming, carbon and other taxes are all addressed, at least to the point of making one reflect on things.
On a side note:
I think some people tend to vote for the person/party that they think will win - just so they can be on the winning side. Not necessarily for the person/party they think should win.
Some may feel that this election is only about the premier and/or the party, but it is important to cast a vote for the person/party they believe in, in order to gain seats and have a stronger voice in the legislature. Even if their party is considered out of the running.
Seraphina Piper King
In your opinion, what was the biggest election story of the last week?
Biggest election story IMHO was the pipeline issue, education and Pro vs Anti LGBTQ. Both parties have become more fiercely negative against each other with too many attack ads. But both are also making a lot of valid points. We need to be focusing on Alberta's economy. Stopping Equalization payments as Alberta is no longer in that position to handle it, we need the highways out of Ft. Mac, children need protection for their own rights on GSA's in school but at the same time, if it is in the child’s best interest the parents need to know.
I've tried to initiate a conversation with the candidates in my riding only to be told they don't have time. I understand but I am still a voting constituent. I tried contacting Rachel's office and was told she's too busy to speak to her constituents at the present time. I tried speaking with Kulshan Gill and no one would talk to me either. No party did. Just goes to show unless you are important, they don't have the time. It's all about image, not people.
I am concerned by some of their stances in regards to healthcare, mental health, minimum wage and support for businesses. Both parties haven't addressed underlying issues in regards to these problems. They are all talking spending spending spending, not saving. UCP is adamant on cutting essential services while the NDP is flaunting more but at a cost. They haven't tackled the issues on how we can still have a green Alberta but while creating jobs. They haven't answered any of my questions.
Here is what I like vs what I don't like. I agree with David Khan. It's about time Alberta has a HST/PST. I agree with Rachel Notley that GSA's and the protection of student status is fundamental I agree with Jason Kenny that we need to stop Equalization payments to Quebec I agree with Stephen Mandel on Vaccinations and the Film in Alberta advantage. What I don't agree with are the following I disagree with David Khan on his stance for Healthcare and bring back premiums for the poor I disagree with Rachel Notley on the Carbon Tax it was too soon but now we need her's not Trudeau's as well as her $25 a day child care. It's great but where is she getting the money from - more taxes. I disagree with Jason Kenny on "outing" LGBTQ youth as it will lead to bullying, potential suicides and family issues. I disagree with Stephen Mandel "Job First" plan as it will still lead to discrimination those with disabilities.
I wish, just once, I can sit down with at least 1 bloody candidate and talk about my concerns and what they plan on doing about it. All the parties have valid points and initiative but they still don't speak about how they plan on going about it. What people don't understand is that YES taxes are both a gift and a curse. Taxes pay for services we need and to assist those who can't help themselves. But at what limit do we need to stop and say we are paying too much for taxes. The parties are all still focusing on "money money money" not. "We got a problem and here is what we plan on doing about it"
Natasha Larsen
In your opinion, what was the biggest election story of the last week?
I haven't seen too much other than leading up to the debate. What is your impression of the tone of the campaigns so far? I feel they are pretty typical, I'm getting more and more confused as time goes on.
Which campaign style do you prefer: policy announcements or attacks on other parties?
Policy Announcements
At this point in the campaign, are the issues that matter most to you being addressed properly?
Yes
