Day 26
Election Day: May 29, 2023
Alberta’s election outcome will have implications for businesses across Canada. Wellington Advocacy is offering a detailed analysis of the election results. You’re invited to join us at two upcoming events: May 30 in Calgary and June 2 in Toronto. We hope to see you there.
Latest Polls
Janet Brown Opinion Research: UCP 52, NDP 44
Mainstreet Research: UCP 48, NDP 46
Leger: UCP 49, NDP 46
ThinkHQ: UCP 43, NDP 49 (Calgary numbers only)
Overview
We hope you’ve found these updates helpful throughout the campaign and welcome your thoughts and feedback. Let us know at contact@wellingtonadvocacy.com
Party leaders released final arguments to voters in the form of opinion editorials in the Calgary Herald this afternoon. UCP leader Danielle Smith opened her piece stating the UCP are proud of their record and the platform they are offering for stability, growth and job creation. She contrasted this with the NDP’s record in government from 2015 to 2019. Premier Smith argued that the best way forward is through lowering taxes, reducing red tape and focusing on spending priorities so that Albertans can sustainably enjoy quality healthcare and education. NDP leader Rachel Notley opened by making a pitch to long-time conservative voters. She argued that to successfully deliver the healthcare and education we expect, we need to build a more resilient, diversified economy. The NDP leader and former Premier closed her argument by contrasting the two leaders Albertans can choose, arguing that she offers stable, predictable and trusted leadership.
Today
The UCP released a new endorsement video from former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Harper encouraged Albertans to vote for Danielle Smith and the United Conservative Party “to protect the economic livelihoods of you and your family.”
NDP leader Rachel Notley is doing several events in Calgary alongside former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi, and eight Calgary-area NDP candidates today. In an opinion piece published online by CTV News, former Calgary mayor Nenshi criticized Premier Danielle Smith, and offered his endorsement of the NDP saying the “NDP is less risky than the UCP for the next four years.”
UCP leader Danielle Smith held a press conference highlighting party platform promises and offering a final contrast with the NDP’s platform. She also gave a commencement address at Sundance College in Calgary using the opportunity to highlight her promise of an optimistic future for students in Alberta.
NDP candidates Taneen Rudyk (Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville) and Bill Tonita (Strathcona-Sherwood Park) held a press conference outlining their plan to support the Industrial Heartland.
The NDP candidates Nathan Ip (Edmonton-South West) and David Shepherd (Edmonton-City Centre) promised that an NDP government would bring back a digital media sector tax credit. The NDP brought in the program during their time in government, while the UCP removed it. The tax credit offers a 25% credit on wages, salaries and bonuses paid to employees in the video game, simulation and special effects industries.
NDP Leader Rachel Notley is holding a rally in Calgary tomorrow at 10:00 am.
Today is the fourth day of advanced voting. So far, as of early this afternoon, over 567,000 Albertans in total have cast their ballots.
In the News
Calgary Herald – “Danielle Smith: Vote UCP to move the province forward”
Calgary Herald – “Rachel Notley: Offering a better, ethical choice for all Albertans”
CityNews – “Danielle Smith warns voters against re-electing Rachel Notley at Calgary rally”
Edmonton Sun – “INTERVIEW: Danielle Smith insists she’s a caring conservative”
CTV News – “Naheed Nenshi: If you’re hyper-partisan, you may not want to read this column”
Edmonton Sun – “GUNTER: Alberta UCP hold policy advantage going into election”
Edmonton Journal – “David Staples: The viral day that shook Alberta’s election. But did it change your vote?”
Calgary Herald – “Varcoe: Rachel Notley lays out plans for Alberta energy industry in transition”
National Post – “Rahim Mohamed: Albertans to choose between NDP’s free opioids, UCP’s forced treatment”
CityNews – “Next generation of Alberta voters weigh in on election campaign”
The Star – “Political divisiveness a threat to Alberta economy, business groups say”
Lethbridge News Now – “Smith, Notley hope to sway a few more voters with Alberta election days away”
Edmonton Journal – “Opinion: What to ask your candidates about education in Alberta”
Globe and Mail – “Danielle Smith is indifferent to the climate crisis. She’s selling an alternate reality to Albertans”
Calgary Herald – “Alberta Election 2023: Poll shows UCP with slight lead in campaign homestretch”
Toronto Star – “Alberta NDP promises to bring back digital tax credit; wins endorsement from Nenshi”
Campaign Announcements
UCP
Danielle Smith Holds a Press Conference
NDP
NDP’s plan to support the Industrial Heartland
Attracting investment in downtown Edmonton