Lesson 4: Political Parties

Political Beliefs People develop opinions about society and how they believe things should be run in their community, province and/or country. A political ideology is a group of shared beliefs or principles about how society and government should work.

What do YOU believe? Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? The size of government should be small with less services so we do not have to pay a lot in taxes. Companies that pollute our air and water should suffer consequences. Tradition is a more important than change in our society. Canada should give more money and aid to poorer countries. 3

What is a political party? A political party is an organized group of people who share similar political beliefs and goals. Parties are made up of ‘members’ from the public. Party members work together to achieve power through an election and try to accomplish their goals. Each party also selects a leader, usually through a leadership contest.

Alberta Political Parties There are 9 political parties Alberta. Alberta First Party Alberta Liberal Party Alberta New Democratic Party Alberta Party Alberta Social Credit Party Communist Party - Alberta Green Party of Alberta Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta Wildrose Party

Alberta Political Parties 6

What is a party platform? A party platform explains the party’s ideas to deal with major issues and to make improvements. While all the political parties may agree that education is important, they may have different ideas about how to improve the system or what exactly needs to change. During elections, parties share their platform through announcements, advertising and events, and try to attract support from voters.

How does a party form government? The party that elects the most number of representatives or wins the most seats usually forms government. At the provincial level, the leader of the party that forms government becomes the premier. After the 2012 provincial election, the Progressive Conservatives formed government because they had 61 out of 87 legislative seats.

2012 Provincial Election Results Political Party Candidates Elected Popular Vote Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta 61 43.95% Wildrose Party 17 34.29% Alberta Liberal Party 5 9.89% Alberta New Democratic Party 4 9.82% Alberta Party 1.33% Evergreen Party of Alberta 0.39% Alberta Social Credit Party 0.02% Communist Party – Alberta 0.01% The Separation Party of Alberta Independent candidates 0.27% 9

2012 Provincial Student Vote Results Political Party Candidates Elected Popular Vote Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta 54 34.60% Wildrose Party 23 28.19% Alberta Liberal Party 5 18.06% Alberta New Democratic Party 4 12.97% Alberta Party 1 2.78% Evergreen Party of Alberta 2.28% Alberta Social Credit Party 0.05% Communist Party – Alberta 0.14% The Separation Party of Alberta Independent candidates 0.89% 10

Final Thoughts Why are political parties important? Would you ever join a political party? Which political party do you like the most and why?