Danielle Smith's 2022 bid to become United Conservative Party Leader

Danielle Smith is an Alberta politician who reached for the 'brass ring' as Alberta's Premier once before but, for reasons that must be clear to all Albertans in 2022, chose to merge, fold, call it what you will, join the fledgling Wildrose Party with the Conservatives under Premier Jim Prentice. She had her own reasons for that decision but those reasons MUST now be vocalized publicly once again as Danielle Smith seeks to become the next Leader of the United Conservative Party of Alberta.

I believe Danielle deserves a second chance, as do all except in very specific circumstances.

I also do NOT believe Danielle deserves a third chance if she once again chooses to abrogate her responsibilities to individuals who Respected her, Trusted her and Committed to her.

United Conservative Party requires a Leader with the courage and conviction to stand up for the principles that will counteract the draconian policies and legislation from both the current federal Liberal Party and, indeed, policies from the United Conservative party itself under the questionable, self-serving interests of the current, but retiring, UPC Leader Jason Kenney.

Alberta is a proud, successful province that has toiled under the burden of an unfair, inequitable and Easterncentric federal government that has never had the best interests of Albertans at heart going all the way back to 1905.

Alberta needs a Leader with the strength, the determination and the FORTITUDE to enact Alberta policies and objectives that will ensure the future well-being of Albertans while, at the same time, employing Constitutional Rights ALREADY granted to break the unfair, unjust policies of the Federal Government.

Alberta must achieve greater self-determination in the face of a federal government that is not, nor ever has been, a true friend to millions of Albertans who continue to subsidize other provinces through a horrific equalization formula.

Does Danielle Smith deserve a second chance to become Alberta's Premier and a champion for Alberta Self-Determination and Sovereignty?

Yes. But a qualified yes. She cannot be given a third chance if she changes course midstream. Those of us who were original Wildrose founding members still feel the sting of disappointment when Danielle abandoned the vision of Wildrose to join Jim Prentice's Conservatives.

There is too much at stake to allow another Premier to subordinate Alberta interests as that Premier pursues personal ambitions contrary to the well-being of those who elected him/her.

Get it right this time, Danielle. This must be your last opportunity to prove your mettle and your worth to the citizens of Alberta.

Glen Walushka, Moderator and Host
Voice of the West