CANADALAND Live from Calgary – WTF is up With Alberta?
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Sep 30, 2025 Max Fawcett, a columnist focused on Alberta politics, joins Erika Barootes, former principal secretary to the premier, and Melanie Thomas, a political scientist specializing in voting behavior, for a lively discussion. They tackle whether Albertans are unfairly labeled as 'hicks', explore their complex feelings about Ottawa, and analyze Danielle Smith's unique appeal to voters. The panel critiques political figures and discusses the importance of resonating economic messages, providing a deep dive into Alberta's political landscape with engaging insights.
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Alberta Isn't Monolithically Backward
- Alberta's stereotype as conservative 'hicks' is overstated and urban areas are often progressive.
- Political culture mixes symbolic conservatism with practical demands for services without wanting to pay for them.
Personal Conservative Profile From Erika
- Erika Barootes shares her personal conservative profile: drives a truck, owns and rides horses, and votes Conservative.
- She uses this to question whether the 'hick' label fits Alberta uniformly.
Symbolic Vs Operational Conservatism
- Albertans often identify with symbolic conservative identity while supporting broad public services.
- That gap makes honest conversations about taxation politically toxic in Alberta.