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GUIDE

VOTING DETAILS FOR STUDENTS HOW TO VOTE

PARTYPROFILES It is your right to vote and every vote counts DEAN HUFFMAN & CHASE MALEY @Deano_HW & @maleycmaley

The provincial election is coming up fast and the first step is registration. According to instructions on the website, every person that intends to vote must register. To register a driver’s license number or an Alberta Identification Card number can be presented online under the register to vote tab. If you are not registered to vote by the time you make it to the polls, you can present two pieces of identification. A piece of ID is needed with your name and a piece with your name and address. This can range from a Canadian military membership or identity card, a credit or debit card that has your legal name on the front and a library card. For pieces of ID with your current address, you can use a bank or credit card statement, government cheque or cheque stub, insurance policy or coverage card, vehicle ownership or registration or insurance certificate and finally your where to vote card. Advanced polling locations are also available to students leaving town early or for just eager voters. The early polling started on April 9 and will end on April 13. Polling stations can be found in all areas of the city. South side polling stations can be found in the Holiday Inn on Mayor Magrath Dr. S. and Park Place Mall. West side locations are at the University of and the north side location will be at the Lethbridge Multicultural Moose Association. Out of province voting can also be a concern for Albertans away during the vote. Elections Alberta suggests going to the advanced polls before traveling or applying for a special ballot. This ballot is then mailed to your primary residence. This also counts if you are physically unable to appear at the poles due to disability or injury. You can apply for a special ballot in writing, by telephone, by fax or email, in person and online. You must then have your ballot completed before 8 p.m. on April 16.

21 Voting is not only a right, but also a privilege. Every vote counts and will GUIDE shape our country for years to come.

PAGE 1 What students look for in a provincial candidate? SETH SLOMP tax] is not an environmental @ssgoalie98 issue. The government taxing us for the increased usage of It’s election season. carbon, does not change the The time of year you see red, environment whatsoever. It’s blue and orange signs pegged just a money grab.” into the ground all over the Shields believes it’s just an- province with names like Jason other way for the government Kenney and writ- to make more money because ten on them. they are spending too much. But now the question all But there is also the Liberal Albertans face is, “Who do you and . vote for?” The Liberals support the pub- Do you vote for the United lic healthcare system, but wants Conservative Party who want to to make it more sustainable. maintain or increase healthcare According to the Alberta funding to give Albertans the Liberal website, “Alberta pays chance to re- the most per ceive the best “If funding is cut, capita for care possible there is going to be a healthcare.” or the New They plan Democratic decrease of work.” on reducing Party who Bonnie Shields long-term want to de- costs by crease emer- emphasizing preventive care, gency room wait times? nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. The UCP plans on keeping On the other hand, the Al- the public health care system berta Party wants to decrease while giving Albertans the high- money spent by Alberta Health est quality care. Services by “charting a path to The NDP propose adding financial stability, encouraging what the people in their riding more medical staff to decrease innovation in the healthcare want. But I also agree with emergency room wait times. sector and making sure the representative’s who also look Bonnie Shields, a Practical quality of the system rises to to do more than just what the Nursing student at Lethbridge meet the needs of Albertans.” people want as long as it’s ben- College, said in the next four One idea the caucus has pro- eficial to the riding.” years, she only cared about posed to abide by this election Now it all comes down to getting a job as a nurse which is to increase the amount of election day on April 16. means having jobs available. paramedics spending time in Could we see an NDP gov- “If funding is cut, there is the community rather than hav- ernment stay in power for its not going to be jobs available ing them in the hospital. second term or can Kenney which means a decrease of When it comes down to vot- overtake the Notley govern- work in the nursing program. ing for a provincial representa- ment and become the next Healthcare is a huge factor.” tive Landon Malinowski, Justice Alberta premier? However, a platform she is Studies student at the college, People can vote before also passionate about is repeal- April 16 with advanced said he looks for transparency. 21 ing the carbon tax. “I look for what the candi- poll dates starting on GUIDE “I’m sorry but [the carbon date does to actually find out April 9 until April 13.

PAGE 2 Alberta Party makes push for 2019 election MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ @michaelrdrguez one of moderation, or as Rho- is the fear of splitting the vote. denizer puts it, “not right, not “For those who want the left, but forward.” New Democratic Party (NDP) For the first time the Alberta Rhodenizer said it’s difficult out of power, you don’t want Party is coming into the 2019 to be the moderate voice in to risk vote splitting again. Alberta provincial election such a divisive election. The United Conservative Party running candidates in all 87 “There are two types of mod- (UCP) was formed to stop vote ridings. erates. There’s the type that splitting on the right. Some of The Alberta Party received its is looking to pick and choose those voters, potentially UCP first elected seat in the legisla- policies and be everything to voters, would probably look ture in the 2015 election, with everyone. People don’t really at the Alberta Party as a more former party leader and MLA like that. It looks like you’re centrist and still reasonably for Calgary-Bow Greg Clark trying to please everyone. fiscally conservative party. The winning his riding. We’re the other type. We don’t party is run by a leader who This time, the party’s hopes try to please everyone, we is formerly of the Progressive are higher according to Zac just do please everyone. Most Conservative Party.” Rhodenizer, the Alberta Party’s Albertans want fiscal responsi- As of April 2, CBC’s Alberta candidate for Lethbridge-West. bility and social responsibility. Votes 2019 Poll Tracker proj- “We have strong people We’re trying to come up the ects the Alberta Party taking across the whole province. We middle and present good, for- six per cent of the popular vote have 87 candidates — we’re ward-thinking ideas and show and one seat in the Legislative legit. We do have a shot at we reflect Alberta’s values.” Assembly, but Rhodenizer said forming a government, though Faron Ellis, research chair of he thinks his party will “shock it’s probably a long shot at this the Citizen Society Research Alberta” with how well it does, point. There are a few ridings Lab, said the Alberta Party is despite polling relatively low where I expect us to do really coming up the centre in an compared to other parties. well, but ultimately it’s election that has proven very The Alberta election takes about getting our mes- 21 polarizing thus far. He said the place on April 16, with ad- sage out.” GUIDE biggest challenge for smaller vanced voting taking place That message is parties running in this election from now through April 13. PAGE 3 Alberta Liberals looking to make a change MEGAN MCCOY @meganmccoy546 claim litigation. Khan is also the berta Liberals are investing all first openly gay provincial can- of their energy into creating a didate for the Liberal party. platform that both appeals to With the provincial election Khan said in an updated the voting audience and makes quickly approaching in Alberta, platform release that policies Alberta stronger. the Liberal party is working to have changed within the party For many voters in Alberta, ensure voters know their plat- to fit the needs of voters in this the voting choice may seem form among a sea of alternative election. to be only between the New options. “Our 2019 policy platform Democratic Party and the The Liberal party of Alberta lays out a path for job creation, United Conservative Party, as was founded in 1905, but the stronger public services, sus- they are the two lead parties in province has not had a Liberal tainable finances, equality of the polls, however Johnathan premier in almost a century. opportunity, respectful inclu- Bueckert, a Liberal supporter in The sion and protection of vulnera- Lethbridge said this does not has three pillars to their central ble Albertans.” have to be the case. platform which are, freedom Khan and other members of “You don’t have to vote NDP of the individual, equality of op- the Liberal party believe that or UCP just because everyone portunity and fairness to future their platform will make life else is. Everyone should be generations. better for all Albertans, be- picking the party that does the For many Albertans, the con- cause it is based on solutions to most for them individually, that sideration of the Liberal party current and foreseeable issues. is the reason that a democracy as a viable option for voters has The party has prioritized hiring works.” been clouded by a distaste for new teachers, improving the The Alberta Liberal Party has the federal government, but environment and protecting over 100 initiatives it intends the Alberta Liberals ensure that LGBTQ people. to implement if it wins the the federal and provincial Liber- With intentions to allocate election. All information on the al parties are entirely separate. more money to mental health party platform can be found at Leader of the party, David and addiction rehabilitation AlbertaLiberal.com. Ad- Khan is a licensed lawyer based initiatives, economic growth vanced voting begins 21 in Calgary, who specializes in strategies and a sustainable across Alberta from indigenous rights and land GUIDE health care strategy, the Al- now until April 13. PAGE 4 NDP ready to take on challenge of a second term

RYLEY MCCORMACK @mccormark

The Alberta NDP feels they maintain a platform of doing what they believe is best for the people of Alberta. The NDP government has struggled to build pipelines due to disputes between oil companies, environmentalists, the federal government and indigenous communities. This has caused friction be- tween a large part of the public and the NDP, because a lot of Alberta’s economy is supported by the oil and gas industry. The NDP has a plan, includ- be done.” Albertan, not just the wealthy. ing significant investment in $18 million from the carbon Investing in health care and renewable energy infrastruc- tax has come back into Leth- education is absolutely vital for ture. According to the NDP’s bridge to diversify the econo- sustaining a healthy, productive platform statement, it has my. population. Their care and at- created $10 billion in private in- The NDP has taken a strong tention to inclusion and LGBTQ vestments and will create 7,000 stance on social issues, such as rights will ensure we continue jobs by 2030. supporting the LGBTQ commu- to be a society that values and Some don’t trust the NDP nity, passing an act to support protects all members.” and their platform, believing gay-straight alliances in 2017. Hann continues, “as some- the Notley government is hurt- The NDP is also pushing for one with a chronic health con- ing the economy by shifting fo- the ban of conversion therapy, dition, I am dependent upon cus away from the oil industry. a controversial practice that government health care fund- A lot of people were also up- attempts to brainwash some- ing. I believe that by checking set over the carbon tax, believ- one to think being part of the UCP on the ballot, people will ing it doesn’t’ work to help the LGBTQ community is wrong. be signing the death warrant environment, or is harmful to If the NDP remains in office, for vulnerable individuals in this the public’s savings. they plan to continue working province.” , MLA for on health care with a focus on Hann and other supporters Lethbridge East stands by the solving the opioid crisis. of the NDP feel that tax cuts to carbon tax. They continue to stand by corporations don’t do a lot to “Since we implemented our the effectiveness of supervised help the economy and prefer climate change leadership consumption sites to help peo- higher taxes for the wealthy plan, which included the car- ple through addictions. to fund social programs like bon levy, our emissions have Karen Hann, a local NDP sup- healthcare and education. been reduced by seven porter, is involved in activism NDP’s platform has a strong 21 megatonnes. That’s an and social justice movements. emphasis on social issues and incredible start and GUIDE “I’m voting NDP because the sustainability to work towards a it’s an example it can party is one that values every better future for Albertans. PAGE 5 A look at the UCP Platform DARA KENDELL @darakendell Albertans who need assistance. The party also promises to sup- The election is days away port Albertans with disabilities, and the United Conservative build affordable housing and Party (UCP) has released its full support Alberta’s indigenous campaign platform. people. The platform focuses on five The UCP also want to focus simple things. Job creation, re- on health care for Albertans pealing the carbon tax, stand- and decreasing wait times for ing up for Alberta, getting the surgeries. According to alber- fiscal house in order and pro- tastrongandfree.ca, “A United tecting quality health care and Conservative government will education. make patients the priority and Highlights from the job cre- deliver a world-class health care ation has the UCP committing system, which Albertans already to repeal the carbon tax and pay for and deserve.” creating 6,000 jobs for Alber- The party says they want to tans. The job creation tax cut get pipelines built and stand up will cut taxes from 12 per cent for a fair deal in Canada. They to eight per cent for employers say they will create a “realistic” with the hope to create 55,000 budget. This includes reducing jobs and jumpstart the econo- the premier’s salary by 10 per my by $12.7 billion. This plan cent and MLA’s salaries by five includes the opportunity to per cent. re-energize oil and gas, build Other areas of focus for “We feel that will be the best public infrastructure and a red the UCP include bringing step to get that graduated step tape reduction plan. back Grade Three Provincial to get young people that first “We have said that we will Achievement Tests, making job, without over complicating get rid of the carbon tax be- grade 12 diploma exams worth the system,” Neudorf added. cause we believe it does not 50 per cent of students grades The UCP also wants to bring work,” said Lethbridge East and building more schools. back the education act, which, candidate at “We need to modernize the in short, would remove Bill 24 an election forum on April 2. curriculum, we should include which makes it illegal for teach- The second part of the plan issues like ensuring in the sex- ers to tell parents when stu- focuses on making life better ual education curriculum that dents join a GSA, they would for Albertans. Highlights of consent is taught as a critical bring back Bill 10 instead. this section include creating a principle,” UCP leader Jason “It neither supports man- patient-centered health care Kenney said during the Alberta datory disclosure, nor does it system, maintaining or increas- Leaders debate on April 4. compel silence. It trusts teach- ing health care funding and The UCP also plans to intro- ers to react in the individual promoting experiential and duce a youth job creation wage case every single time as for vocational learning from high for workers who are 17 years or what is best for that student,” school through post-secondary. younger, only paying them $13 Neudorf said.

They also promise to partner an hour as well as discussing if Find your voting 21 with non-profits and charities servers should make less than station at elections. GUIDE to create a brighter future for minimum wage. ab.ca.

PAGE 6 Former Lethbridge MLA finds similarities between 1993, 2019 elections SKYLAR PETERS chance when we started, @skpeters17 but all of a sudden at the doors people were com- One former Leth- ing in and changing our bridge MLA sees the minds.” vote in the upcoming Dunford went on to Alberta general election serve four terms as the coming down to the MLA for Lethbridge-West, wire, just as it did for working alongside Liberal him 26 years ago. MLA Ken Nichol in the Clint Dunford sees Lethbridge-East riding for many parallels between three of those. the 2019 and the 1993 Among several notable election that brought accomplishments, Dun- him into the Legislative ford says his most mem- Assembly. orable was one where he The United Conserva- disagreed with party poli- tives have a substantial cy to stand up for what he gap in the polls between believed in. them and the NDP as it Dunford publicly dis- stands today. Dunford agreed with the cutting sees the race between of kindergarten funding party leaders as more of during a question-and-an- an open audition than swer period and feared NDP defending its seat. he was going to be disci- Dunford added he plined by Klein. thinks the NDP had to “I happened to run into question some of their Ralph in the hall before own decisions over the a question period and past four years in order he told me, ‘Clint, I un- to retain some voters. derstand. Good for you.’ “While I don’t com- That’s all that was said pletely agree with Ra- about it. There was no chel Notley, I do think scandal. We played our she is trying to be like cards right and we had . Any- our funding back in kin- one who is trying to be dergarten.” like Peter Lougheed is Dunford says he has taking a big step.” race in the 44 consecutive years never forgotten that moment Dunford’s entrance into the of power in Alberta. Despite no because Klein showed appre- Alberta Legislative Assembly change in leadership with Ralph ciation for Dunford sticking to was by the slimmest of margins Klein remaining Alberta’s pre- what he believed in. – 112 votes separated him from mier, the Progressive Conserva- No matter who emerges as his nearest competitor. tives lost eight seats while the the next , Dunford was a mem- Liberals quadrupled theirs. Dunford hopes that they exem- 21 ber of the Progressive “We knew it was going to plify the leadership of Klein and

GUIDE Conservatives that be close,” reminisced Dunford. Lougheed before them for the survived the closest “We never thought we had a sake of all Albertans. PAGE 7