Editor:
Yes, this was the first election that I cast my ballot for a party ‘on-the-right’, but my decision wasn’t a last minute change of heart out of fear mongering, as the current discussion about strategic voting is describing.
I decided to support Alison Redford at the beginning of April, when my AISH cheque arrived with $400 added to the previous amount. This reflects a 33 per cent increase and although it falls short of the low income cutoff for anyone who doesn’t live in a rural area, or small town, it is a significant increase that will take many people out of a government-sanctioned, financial pressurecooker.
I voted Conservative for the first time in my life to say thank you to a leader who was able to convince her party that we are all valuable members of society and deserve to be treated with respect. From conversations I have had, I believe the disabled community across the province also wanted to show their appreciation and voted: thank you.
This response seems to have been totally overlooked in the on-going analysis of polling infallibility, but unfortunately, it is common that the disadvantaged are ignored and rendered invisible by the mainstream. Perhaps seniors and people with disabilities, the vulnerable in society, are finally reaching a critical mass and our vote can, and will, make a difference.
This election points to a fuller engagement across the spectrum of Albertans; not only the privileged and advantaged who, not surprisingly, are astounded by the ‘turnaround’ of the results, but those who believe that the status quo can, and should, be changed. There is still work to do; there are perceptions to challenge and attitudes to soften, but I think ‘progressive’ may become a new reality for Alberta under Premier Redford’s mandate.
Framing this win in terms of strategic voting further encourages a THEM-and-US mentality of winning or losing, pitting voters against each other. There are many factors influencing the discrepancy between rich and poor citizens of this province, but perhaps working together, a direction indicated by some of the new premier’s comments, we might be able to close the gap and alleviate some of the suffering caused by a previously unresponsive government. We will hold you to your promises, even while we are congratulating you, Premier Redford.
Although I was willing to support our local Conservative candidate, those who need assistance to enter the Canmore Civic Centre were almost denied the opportunity to vote. When the town offices are closed, the push to open button, necessary to gain access if you have restricted mobility, does not operate the outside door.
As mayor, Ron Casey supported initiatives to make Canmore inclusive and welcoming, he always participated in events during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and recognizes the negative impact that a restricted perception causes.
The problems with the push to open buttons on the Civic Centre have previously been pointed out to him and he has experienced the inconvenience, and danger, they cause firsthand. As our newly-elected MLA, I hope he takes the Conservative mandate of inclusion seriously and rectifies this oversight. It is also an indication of our disregard for people with disabilities to have full franchise in this province and so is a matter of concern for Elections Alberta, who will be notified.
Congratulations, Ron.
Robin Slater,
Canmore
