Alberta Party to choose new leader amidst unprecedented growth

It's been an incredible year of growth for Alberta's 'other' political party

In the past year, the Alberta Party has seen its membership jump from 1,024 members to 6,543 an increase of more than 500 per cent.

In the legislature, the partyhas increased its presence to three MLAs, up from one member six months ago.

Ahead of the next provincial election in 2019, the party is focused on setting itself up as a third option for voters.

To do that, it will start the election process for a new leader onSunday.

The leadership campaign was triggered bythe resignation of former leader Greg Clarklast November, so he could focus on his family.

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"I think it's really an exciting time for the Alberta Party," said Robbie Kreger-Smith, the party's communications manager, and member of the leadership committee.

He said he attributes much of the party's recent growth to the consolidation of the parties on Alberta's political right.

"I think as the Progressive Conservative Party and the Wildrose Party amalgamated and you look at that entity, it has certainly moved further to the right. A lot of progressive, what you'd typically think of as 'Red Tories' didn't feel at home and didn't like the policy direction that party was taking," he said.

"I would say it's been a net positive for the Alberta Party for sure."

He also attributedthe party's rising numbers to the ongoing divisiveness in the Legislature.

"I think some of it has been driven as well by the hyperpartisan rhetoric and divisiveness you've seen between the NDP and the UCP and a lot of Albertans are kind of tiring of that," he said.

"So we've tried to focus on being constructive versus obstructive or obstinate. I think that's what's drawing as well a lot of people to the Alberta Party, and I think we'll see that momentum continue to go past the leadership race."

Kreger-Smith saidthe party is hoping to appeal to moderate, centrist voters in Alberta come the next election.

"Yes, Albertans want fiscal responsibility. But they're not prepared to take a risk with social programs or social stances in order to accomplish that," he explained.

"We don't believe you have to choose between making sure homeless people are taken care of and housed and given access to services, or that we have an efficient healthcare program in order to get a balanced budget. And so I think the Alberta Party really does embody that."

The candidates

Kreger-Smith saidthe tone of the Alberta Party's leadership race over the past two months has been more respectful than the recent United Conservative Party leadership race.

"Although there were some sharp differences in terms of policy and approach between the three candidates, they were always very respectful of each other. You haven't seen the personal attacks that have characterized some of the other leadership races that have happened recently," he said.

You haven't seen the personal attacks that have characterized some of the other leadership races.- Robbie Kreger-Smith, Alberta Party spokesperson

"I think on the larger stage when we get into the general election, I think that's really going to appeal to Albertans."

Over the short term, he says members are looking for a leader who can ensure the party's profile continues to rise.

"If we're seriously going to challenge for government in 2019,we need to really increase the pace with which we're on-boarding new members and with which we're bringing new money into the party,"Kreger-Smithsaid.

One of the three candidates hoping to fit that bill is former Edmonton mayor Stephen Mandel.

After leaving municipal politics, he won a provincial byelection in 2014, becoming Alberta's health minister under Jim Prentice's PC government.

• StephenMandelconfirms he will seek Alberta Party leadership

Also on the ballot is Calgary energy lawyer Kara Levis, whose own political experience is less extensive.

Levis co-founded the Calgary-based non-profit Ask Her, which worked to encourage more female candidates to run in the 2017 Calgary municipal election.

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Shealso helped manage KerryCundal'sunsuccessful campaign to lead the Alberta Liberal Party early last year.

Finally, there's Rick Fraser, the MLA for Calgary-South East.

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The former paramedic was electedthe Progressive Conservative MLA for Calgary-South East in 2012 and 2015.

The PCs merged with the Wildroselastsummer to create the United Conservative Party. Fraser left the UCP in September to sit as an independent for several months. He announced his candidacy for the Alberta Party leadership in early January.

Each of the candidates brings different strengths to the Alberta Party, saidKreger-Smith.

"Mr. Mandel obviously has great name recognition and was a very popular mayor," he said.

"Kara brings political organization and experience and she's a fresh face and really represents the youth of Alberta. And Rick obviously has the legislative experience and has really done a good job of building consensus and support with his constituents."

Of the6,543members who are eligible to vote for a new leader, Kreger-Smithsaid he's expecting more than 60 per cent will cast a ballot.

That can be done online or over the phone between noon Sunday and 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The new leader is expected to be revealed later Tuesday at the Lister Centre in Edmonton.

"To be honest, the Alberta Party is going to do quite well and we'll continue to see the growth of the party no matter who wins on Tuesday," Kreger-Smith said.

The leadership announcement will be livestreamed on the Alberta Party's Facebook page.