On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Alberta Party, and all of the amazing Alberta Party candidates, I want to express our sincere gratitude to all of our volunteers and supporters across the province. Your dedication, perseverance, hard work and innovative thinking were second to none during the recent election.  We made significant strides forward on Monday and we are determined to continue moving forward to our ultimate goal of forming government in Alberta and working with all Albertans to make our province the best place to live.

Please watch for more details over the coming weeks as we continue our building process. We are already hard at work on planning an event in May to celebrate all of our candidates and volunteers. At this event, we hope to share campaign stories, lessons learned and some thoughts on initial next steps as we plan for 2016.  Please keep May 26th open as we have tentatively booked that date for the Alberta Party "Big Thank You" event.

In the meantime, please consider taking a moment to fill in our volunteer form and participate in the next phase of our party's growth in your area.

Finally, in case you missed it, please check out the message from our leader Glenn Taylor that was posted on our website yesterday. 

Kind regards,

Brian Thiessen
President, Alberta Party

Building a citizen’s movement into a successful political party is a long journey, and last night the Alberta Party brought a close to the first chapter of our story. Two years ago we didn’t exist as a provincial organization, and last night 38 Albertans completed their first campaigns as Alberta Party candidates.

In our first election we set out to do two things. First, we worked to introduce ourselves and our vision for a prosperous, sustainable, transparent and engaged government to as many Albertans as possible. Second, we wanted to run a positive, constructive and forward-looking campaign. We have accomplished both goals.

While not winning a seat is disappointing we are extremely proud that over 17,000 Albertans cast their ballots for our candidates.

Many thousands more were introduced to the Party, and we have a much higher profile than we did before the writ was dropped. We are building for the future, and the past month has seen us taking significant steps toward the general election in 2016. The challenge of building a successful grassroots organization into a provincial contender doesn’t get any smaller, but we have laid a solid foundation for the future. We will continue to work hard and model the change we wish to see in Alberta.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of our candidates and volunteers, and my appreciation to all the Albertans of every political stripe who worked and voted in this election. Our province is richer for your engagement.

Glenn Taylor 
Leader, Alberta Party 

Today is Election Day, the most important day in any democracy.  Last election, only 40% of Albertans made the effort to cast their ballot.  Today’s election is the most important in a generation and I ask every Albertan to get out and vote (learn more about who can vote, how to vote and where).

Vote for the candidate you think will best represent you in the Legislature. Vote for the candidate who best represents your values. Vote for the candidate you trust. Every vote counts and today, more than ever, we can shape tomorrow for the better.

I said at the beginning of this campaign that we needed to think about this election as a marathon and not as a sprint.  We knew from the outset that this election was the next step towards building a political party that could appeal to the vast majority of Albertans who’s political views are somewhere in the middle. 

We built constituency organizations and policy from the ground up. Thousands of people contributed to the work, and 38 exceptional Albertans stood up and stepped forward as candidates to do politics differently and represent our ideals. We have worked hard and I am very proud of what we have accomplished.

From the last 28 days, it’s obvious that Albertans are dissatisfied with the Progressive Conservative Government and are looking for an alternative.  It also clear that many Albertans are extremely uncomfortable with the policies and, perhaps more significantly, the perspective of some people behind the Wildrose Party. It appears that many Albertans are willing to hold their noses and vote for the Wildrose in order to send the PCs a message.  On the other hand, just as many Albertans appear willing to hold their noses and vote for the PCs to keep the Wildrose from forming government. 

Democracy should be about voting for something you believe in, not voting against something you don't.

We are building a party that people can be proud to vote for.  That’s why it is so important for our supporters to hold firm and cast their vote for their Alberta Party candidate.  Every vote increases our legitimacy in the eyes of the general public and the media.  Every vote helps us attract more supporters and donors in the future.  We also know that we can win six seats, if we hold our support.   That’s why your vote today is so important.

Building a political party from the ground up has been a daunting but incredibly gratifying task. Your support has made a profound difference. Thank you for dreaming bigger.

With hope, appreciation and gratitude,

Glenn Taylor

Leader, Alberta Party
Candidate, West Yellowhead
@GlennTaylr

Please help us get out the vote today.

To capitalize on all of our amazing hard work over the past four weeks, here are some important things we need your help with today:

1. Run your own mini “get out the vote” campaign today.  Put together a list of all of the people that you know who have indicated that they will be voting for the Alberta Party and send them a reminder today (text, call, email, etc.). Perhaps even offer to accompany them to the polling station, it could be a great chance to catch up with a friend.
2. Help your neighbors get to the polls. If you know anyone who needs assistance making it out to vote, please consider offering to help (providing a ride, babysitting, walking their dog, etc.).
3. Post on Facebook and Twitter soon after you vote. Consider letting your friends know that you just proudly voted for the Alberta Party! Perhaps include a picture of your polling station or your voter info card.
4. Change your Facebook and Twitter profile image to show your friends and followers that "I voted Alberta Party".  Please feel free to use the image below, or create your own!

Thank you for your support and hard work!

"I voted Alberta Party" profile image

Right-click on the image below, save a copy on your computer and upload to your Facebook and Twitter accounts.

It's Election Day and every vote will count in all 38 constituencies with an Alberta Party candidate!

To capitalize on all of our amazing hard work over the past four weeks, here are some important things we need your help with today:

1. Run your own mini “get out the vote” campaign today.  Put together a list of all of the people that you know who have indicated that they will be voting for the Alberta Party and send them a reminder today (text, call, email, etc.). Perhaps even offer to accompany them to the polling station, it could be a great chance to catch up with a friend.
2. Help your neighbors get to the polls. If you know anyone who needs assistance making it out to vote, please consider offering to help (providing a ride, babysitting, walking their dog, etc.).
3. Post on Facebook and Twitter soon after you vote. Consider letting your friends know that you just proudly voted for the Alberta Party! Perhaps include a picture of your polling station or your voter info card.
4. Change your Facebook and Twitter profile image to show your friends and followers that "I voted Alberta Party".  Please feel free to use the image below, or create your own!

Learn who is eligible to vote, how to vote and where.

Thanks for your help and support Alberta!

PS - When it's all over, please join us tonight at our Election Night celebrations in Edmonton and Calgary (contact your nearest candidate for information about celebrations in other regions).
   

"I voted Alberta Party" Profile Image

Right-click on the image below, save a copy on your computer and upload to your Facebook and Twitter accounts.

We’re in the homestretch now folks – in less than 24 hours Albertans will be casting their ballots!  This election is like no other for a generation, Albertans have more choices than ever.  Many thousands of Albertans have yet to make up their mind and will spend the rest of the weekend considering their options. 

The Alberta Party needs a little more help from you to ensure that these undecided voters hear our message today.  Local polling results also show that we’re super-close to winning seats in several areas, and your help today will get us even closer!
  

Every vote will count – in all 38 constituencies with an Alberta Party candidate.

To capitalize on all of our hard work over the past four weeks, here are some important things we need your help with today:

1. Run your own mini “get out the vote” campaign.  Put together of list of all of the people who you know that have indicated that they will be voting for the Alberta Party and send them a reminder on Monday (text, call, email, etc.). 
2. Help your neighbors get to the polls. If you know anyone who needs assistance making it out to vote, please consider offering to assist them on Monday (providing a ride, babysitting, etc.).
3. Put up your virtual lawn sign.  Right now, it is more important than ever to show your support for the Alberta Party in every way possible.  Please consider changing your profile image to one of our specially designed Alberta Party images and please share this Facebook post with your friends tonight.
4. Send an email to your contact list.  A large number of Albertans are not regular users of Facebook and Twitter.  Please take a moment to write an email that summarizes why the Alberta Party is your choice in this election and send it to your friends, family, colleagues and other contacts today. This message from Glenn is designed to be shared.
      

Join us on Election Night in Calgary and Edmonton.

The Alberta Party is holding election night gatherings in both Edmonton and Calgary.  The Election results will be showing on screens at both events and we’ll have Alberta Party representatives providing updates throughout the night.  The events are open to everyone – so please bring your family and friends!

• Calgary – The Rhino - 607 11 Avenue S.W. (map) – Starting at 8:00pm – Invite your friends on Facebook
• Edmonton - The Billiard Club - #200, 10505 Whyte Ave. (map) – Starting at 5:00pm – Invite your friends on Facebook
• Outside Edmonton & Calgary regions – Contact your nearest candidate to find out where local supporters will be gathering in your area.
     

No Alberta Party candidate in your constituency?

This Election Day is just the beginning of our movement to form government within 4 years.  Please take a moment to volunteer today to help build your local constituency association. We will be running a full slate in the next election and we need to start working now to build our presence in your community.
  

Thank you Alberta!

We’ve come a long way in two short years folks!  We appreciate all of the support that you have shown during our first election campaign. Thank you!

Have a great afternoon,

Brian Thiessen
President, Alberta Party

Vote Alberta Party on Monday.

Two years ago, a group of citizens set out to build a different kind of political party. Built from a massive citizen engagement process called The Big Listen, we engaged Albertans about their hopes, challenges and dreams. We set out to build a party that was more open and transparent.

Alberta has tremendous potential and we believe that this can be the best place to live. Our platform, which is designed to unlock Alberta’s potential, is built around 5 core ideas:

• First, we believe its time to reimagine our democracy.  We believe that policy should be developed through meaningful citizen engagement. 
• Second, we must respect our students.   This requires stable, predictable, long term funding for our education system.
• Third, we must rethink healthcare. We must shift the system from treatment to prevention.  We must appoint an independent health auditor to make the system more transparent.
• Fourth, we must reinvigorate our economy. We will make it easier to start and grow a business.  We will ensure that smart regulation fosters growth and protects our environment. 
• Finally, we will reinvest in our communities. Our municipalities need stable and predictable funding to deliver the services that your family needs.

We also promised to campaign differently - and we have delivered.

• We have been constructive. We offered solutions rather than complain. Although we were excluded from the televised debate we found alternative ways to make our voices heard.
• We have been respectful. We made no personal attacks.
• We have been positive. We have offered practical solutions to Alberta’s challenges; and
• We have listened. We don’t have all the answers, and we welcomed your comments and suggestions on our policies.  We will always strive to make them better.

Change is coming to the legislature. With the strong possibility of a minority government, who you select as your individual MLA is more important than ever.

We need your help to make Alberta the best place to live.  We ask you to dream bigger for a better Alberta.  On Monday, please vote for the Alberta Party.

Glenn Taylor
Leader, Alberta Party
Candidate, West Yellowhead
@GlennTaylr

Learn more about the Alberta Party:

• Read We can dream bigger - the Alberta Party's 2012 Election Platform.
• Learn about our candidates - 38 amazing, community-minded Albertans ready to serve you in the legislature.
• Learn about our history and our founding principles.
• Watch our policy overview videos.
• Read our detailed policy documents - covering 14 major areas - and our ground-breaking Guidelines for Alberta Party MLAs.

Please share this important message.

We've designed this message to be shared.  Please share this message on Facebook, Twitter and Google + using the buttons below.  Thank you for your support and hard work!

As we enter into the final few days of the campaign, it has been disappointing that the environment has not emerged as a major issue. In order to make Alberta the best place to live, our citizens need a government that understands that strong environmental stewardship and a strong economy are complementary - rather than competing - objectives. We believe that protecting and enhancing our environment is critical in our quest to make Alberta the best place to live.   

Climate change is real. Ignoring it won’t make it go away.

The Alberta Party acknowledges that climate change is a real issue, and that Alberta has an obligation to act responsibly. While some environmentalists target the oilsands, virtually everyone ignores the fact that the vast majority of Alberta’s greenhouse gas emissions arise from coal-powered generation plants. We will:

• Gradually shift electrical generation away from coal powered generation to distributed generation systems powered by natural gas, wind, solar and co-generation systems.
• Require that emission standards for coal-fired plants match those of natural gas plants after a reasonable phase in period.
• Encourage and implement policies that facilitate the commercial viability of natural gas vehicles.
• Implement a regulatory framework and incentives that reduce per capita electrical consumption.
• Work with stakeholders to implement a strategy that requires electrical generation to meet international greenhouse gas emission targets by 2024.
• Work with stakeholders to incorporate a gradually increasing price on carbon.
• Identify and protect green spaces, which are Alberta’s natural carbon sinks.

We need to treat water like a precious resource.

Water is a finite resource that requires prudent management. With a growing population, increasing industrial demands and climate change, there will be tremendous pressure placed on our limited water resources. We will:

• Identify, establish and increase the inventory of protected wetlands.
• Establish a “no net loss” policy with respect to the protection of wetlands.
• Work with industry to reduce the industrial use of fresh water and promote water conservation solutions.
• Create incentives for industry and households to substantially reduce water consumption.
• Develop water management plans for all major watersheds.

By working with all stakeholders, we can develop and implement effective policies that protect our environment and our prosperity for future generations.

Learn more:

• Read our full Environment policy document
• Read our 2012 Election Platform - We can dream bigger

All of our hard work is starting to pay off and the Alberta Party's message is spreading faster than ever. Please use the social media buttons below this post to share our Environment message with your friends and family.  

Have a wonderful day folks!

Glenn Taylor
Leader, Alberta Party
Candidate, West Yellowhead
@GlennTaylr

PS- In case you missed it, we have just confirmed that we are super-close to winning seats on Monday - and we need your help today to get us over the top. Also, Advance Voting began today - all eligible voters can vote today, Friday and Saturday at advance polling locations across the province - learn more.

Help us spread our message to more Albertans - please make a donation to the Alberta Party, any amount you can afford from $5 - $250 will be gratefully accepted.

Help us get over the top!

UPDATE - Friday, April 20 - 11:00am:  We've had an excellent response thus far, but we still need a few more donors and volunteers to reach our goals!  A small investment from each Alberta Party supporter by the end of the day today will go a long way towards winning seats on Monday.  Please learn more about how below. Thanks very much for your support.

We’re excited to share that in a number of constituencies across the province recent local poll results are looking good for our candidates. Several Alberta Party candidates in these winnable constituencies, which we are calling the Super-Close Constituencies, are very close to winning seats on Election Day. It can happen, but only with your help.

We are asking you to do three things today: 
    

1. Volunteer a few hours of your time.

If you are not already volunteering on a campaign, we really need your help.  The extra phone called, door knocked or flyer dropped could make the difference.  Please fill in the volunteer form on our website and we will get you working on the ground in one of the Super-Close Constituencies. We need 200 new volunteers in the next 48 hours!

Volunteer your time 
  

2. Make a donation to the Super-Close Constituency fund.

Over the next 48 hours we need to raise $6,000 for our Super-Close Constituency fund, which will be used to send a positive phone message about the Alberta Party to each resident in the Super-Close Constituencies. This money could play an essential role in ensuring that the Alberta Party is represented in the next legislature. Every donation - no matter how big or small - helps. 

Make a donation now
  

3. Share our "We can dream bigger" election platform on Facebook and Twitter, with your personal endorsement.

Social media tools have been an essential element of our successful provincial election campaign. The best way to help spread the word today is to share our platform on Facebook, Twitter or other networks - along with your personal endorsement - using the social media buttons at the bottom of the page.

It works!  Earlier this week, our supporters shared Alberta Party web pages over 2,500 times in one day - reaching over 100,000 Albertans with personalized messages of support! 

Visit our election platform page and share it on Facebook & Twitter

  
Thank you for all of your support and hard work! 

Brian Thiessen
President, Alberta Party


PS - Donations to political parties in Alberta receive generous tax credits. Your tax credit will be 75% of annual donations for the first $200, plus 50% of annual donations between $200 and $1100, plus 33 1/3% of annual donations between $1100 and $2300, to a maximum credit of $1000/year.  Take advantage of these generous tax credits by making a donation now.

Dear friends,

As election day approaches, Albertans need to ignore those who are attempting to play on their fears and cast their votes for the candidates and parties who best represent their views. When I talk to people, nobody tells me that they want to cast their vote out of fear. It is time that the Liberal, Progressive Conservative and NDP campaigns stop playing the game of ‘lesser evil’ entirely.

Despite all of the analysis and punditry nobody knows who will win this election. Trying to cast your ballot to prevent an outcome doesn’t work, and it misses one of the fundamental purposes of exercising your right as a citizen. The representatives we send to the legislature are there to look out for our interests, advocate for our causes and ensure that our needs and ideas are represented in government. Negative voting accomplishes none of these things.

Cast your vote for the person and the party you actually want to represent you – that way no matter what happens you were right.

Increasingly it looks like this election will result in a minority government. This means every individual vote is even more important than usual. Each individual MLA, regardless of party, will have enormous importance in such a balanced legislature. The Alberta Party looks forward to being able to work for Albertans in a setting which perfectly suits our emphasis on collaboration.

I urge everyone to vote for the person or party they feel will represent their community best. As Albertans we owe ourselves the best, not a lesser evil.

Glenn Taylor
Leader, Alberta Party
Candidate, West Yellowhead
@GlennTaylr 
  

Please share this important message today.

With the election just days away, this is an important message that needs to be heard today.  We need your help to ensure that this call gets heard - please use the sharing buttons below to share this message on Facebook, Twitter and Google +.  Thank you for your help and support!

Today’s seniors are engaged in their communities like never before, yet too often their voices are ignored when it comes to shaping government policy. 

The Alberta Party believes that we can improve the quality of life for our seniors by:

• Providing quality public home care that recognizes the full range of services that seniors need in order to stay in their own homes as they age.
• Ensuring quality, affordable long-term care facilities are available which allow couples to stay together.
• Imposing a moratorium on converting long-term care facilities into assisted living facilities until a comprehensive seniors’ housing plan has been developed and implemented.
• Creating advisory councils in all seniors care facilities.
• Appointing an Independent Seniors Advocate that reports directly to the Legislature. 

Our seniors need dependable healthcare.

Over the last decade, our healthcare system underwent a massive restructuring to form Alberta Health Services under the management of the “super-board”.  Even though our doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers are clear that the last thing Alberta needs is another major structural change to the health system, the other parties are proposing major changes that won’t improve patient care.   The Alberta Party has made practical suggestions to improve our health system without plunging the system back into chaos. 

We believe that Alberta can be the best place to live for our seniors.  We just need to make it happen.

Learn more:

- Read our full Seniors policy document

- Read our 2012 Election Platform - We can dream bigger

All of our hard work is starting to pay off and the Alberta Party's message is spreading faster than ever. Please use the buttons below to share this post with your contacts on Facebook, Twitter and Google +.

Have a wonderful afternoon folks!

Glenn Taylor
Leader, Alberta Party
Candidate, West Yellowhead
@GlennTaylr

PS- In case you missed it, we also released our Democratic Renewal policy late last week and our Education policy yesterday.

Help us spread our message to more Albertans - please make a donation to the Alberta Party, any amount you can afford from $5 - $250 will be gratefully accepted.