Day 19
Election Day: May 29, 2023
Latest Polls
- Mainstreet Research: UCP 46, NDP 45
- Research Co: UCP 47, NDP 49
- Abacus Data: UCP 46, NDP 49
- Ipsos: UCP 48, NDP 45
Overview
Week 3 of the election was arguably the most critical week as it held the only leader’s debate. The consensus from political analysts suggests both party leaders performed well, and most importantly, neither leader created upsets that could have dramatically changed the landscape in the final days of the campaign. With 10 days to go, and advance polls opening after the long weekend, all eyes remain on the Calgary battleground. Polls continue to indicate a close race as little has shifted despite attempts from each party to shore up support with various policy announcements.
Today
- NDP leader Rachel Notley held an appearance with supporters in downtown Edmonton at the Citadel Theatre, where she announced the NDP’s plan to fund downtown Edmonton’s revitalization. Their plan would invest $1.87 billion for projects like rebuilding the South Edmonton Hospital, planning and designing a standalone Stollery Children’s Hospital, an Advanced Skills Centre for NAIT, more affordable housing, and building and modernizing 40 schools.
- In Edmonton, UCP leader Danielle Smith held an event with supporters at a campaign event with local UCP candidate Dr. Raj Sherman (Edmonton-Whitemud).
- UCP candidate Jason Nixon (Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre) made an announcement today on behalf of the party, highlighting the UCP’s concerns about the NDP’s economic plan. Nixon, a former Environment and Finance Minister, said the NDP economic plan would double down on the work the NDP government did in 2015-19 to chase away investment and kill jobs.
- Both parties released new ads today. The UCPs’ ad highlights their plan to cut taxes, crack down on crime, deliver treatment for drug addicts, and improve healthcare. The NDP released a new attack ad on the UCP leader pushing the same “trust” question that NDP leader Rachel Notley attempted to raise in last night’s leaders debate.
- UCP leader Danielle Smith appeared on CTV Morning Live Calgary. In response to a question regarding disavowed UCP Candidate Jennifer Johnson (Lacombe-Ponoka), the UCP leader stated Johnson could have a path for redemption, but “she has a lot of work to do“. Yesterday, Johnson was told she would not be welcome in the UCP caucus if elected due to recently resurfaced comments.
- Two NDP candidates near Edmonton, Bill Tonita (Strathcona-Sherwood Park) and Taneen Rudyk (Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville) released endorsement videos from Doug Griffiths, a former Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister of Service Alberta in the Redford PC government.
- The emergency wildfire situation continues. As of this afternoon, 94 wildfires remain active, with 25 burning out of control.
In the News
- CBC News – “Danielle Smith, Rachel Notley and everything they wish Alberta voters wouldn’t look at”
- Calgary Herald – “David Staples: Notley attacks hard, but Smith coolly rallies her troops”
- Toronto Star – “Alberta election: Here’s what happened at last night’s Danielle Smith vs. Rachel Notley debate”
- Edmonton Journal – “Alberta Election 2023: Smith focuses on public safety, Notley targets trust in leaders debate”
- Calgary Herald – “Brookman: A better way in the Alberta election — focus on policy not personality”
- Calgary Sun – “Bell: After the debate, Danielle Smith is still standing and winning”
- CTV News – “No clear winner in Alberta leaders debate but Smith, Notley got messages across”
- Calgary Herald – “Opinion: Agriculture an important sector that needs strong policies”
- The Canadian Press – “NDP Leader Rachel Notley promises $1.87 billion for Edmonton infrastructure projects”
- Toronto Star – “Smith: ‘Redemption’ possible for UCP candidate who made feces comment”
- CTV News – “’It was a mistake’: UCP Leader Smith acknowledges ethics violation but doesn’t apologize”
- Calgary Herald – “Opinion: NDP corporate tax hike backed by decades of economic research: tax cuts don’t help the economy”
Campaign Announcements
UCP
NDP