This morning, NDP Leader Rachel Notley announced Albertans are heading to the polls in 28 days on April 16.
It’s hard to know where people stand but if Twitter is any indication, public discourse will be sharp and divided along partisan lines.
Alberta’s NDP currently holds 52 of 87 seats in the Legislative Assembly.
Four years after the party’s landmark win, Albertans will decide whether to return the province to its long-time conservative roots.
What are the parties saying?
Speaking from the National Music Centre in Calgary, Notley focused her messaging around building “one Alberta,” that is not divided by racism.
She also used the opportunity to highlight the recent controversy involving the United Conservative Party leadership race, urging Kenney to tell Albertans what he knows.
In response, Kenney avoided mentioning the scandal and took the opportunity to emphasize the economic hardships Albertans have faced in recent years.
This election is a choice between the NDP’s failed record of huge jobs losses, higher taxes & a $100 billion debt that risks our future.
Or positive change that will create jobs, scrap the carbon tax & stand up to Justin Trudeau.
It’s time for change that gets Alberta working. pic.twitter.com/MZhJgEh3gg
— Jason Kenney (@jkenney) March 19, 2019
This tweet was followed by another, in which Kenney again mentions Alberta jobs.
It is time for change. Positive change that creates good jobs, brings common sense to government, and builds an Alberta that’s strong and free. #ableg #abstrongandfree pic.twitter.com/AK09sL7Tci
— Jason Kenney (@jkenney) March 19, 2019
At the time of publication, Alberta Liberal Party Leader, David Khan, has yet to say anything publicly regarding the election.
What does the public have to say?
A clear rivalry remains among citizens who are quick to voice their thoughts on Twitter.
No, U have made it a choice between: @RachelNotley, a decent hard working person who cares about AB looking out for everyone, or, you, a parachuting, white supremacist backing, mysogynistic, LGTBQ+ hating, climate denying narcissist and liar. #BetterOffWithRachel #ableg
— ☘️ ?“it’s so deep it’s meaningless” (G.D.) (@GRIP_10_17_17) March 19, 2019
Another Twitter user took sides with the UCP.
The only way to support a strong public system is to have a stronger private system that creates a strong taxable workforce.The NDP have lost how many privite jobs & created a Ponzi scheme of an economy by creating tax funded jobs and projects that has created debt for the unborn
— ?? Frank Bullitt ?? (@dmbvideo) March 19, 2019
Others, while taking a stance, are less direct about their opinions and instead emphasize the importance of getting to “know your candidates.”
Others, while taking a stance, are less direct about their opinions and instead emphasize the importance of getting to “know your candidates.”
You want to be an ally to me and my community? Get to know your candidates. Have they stood for marginalized people? Do they support a safe and inclusive community where we can ALL thrive? Do they take a stand against hate and intolerance? Be an ally: #abvote accordingly.
— Marni Panas, CCIP™ (@marnipanas) March 19, 2019
#nonprofitsvote
Join the movement! CCVO has launched #nonprofitsvote, a campaign to encourage nonprofits to engage in the provincial election. Join by pledging to vote & talking to others about the importance of voting – with helpful resources from the Nonprofit Vote Kit: https://t.co/n9U9oiT1F0 pic.twitter.com/7zmKTDIE8Q
— CCVO (@calgarycvo) March 18, 2019
Alberta has more than 26,000 nonprofits! Let’s use our collective influence & reach to inform & educate on why it’s critical to vote this election!
.@calgarycvo‘s Election Toolkit offers guidance & advice to get started: https://t.co/esapLnemxA#nonprofitsvote # pic.twitter.com/wMyfoW1bAi
— YWCA Calgary (@YWcalgary) March 17, 2019