The federal New Democratic Party (NDP) is strategically targeting Alberta’s urban-rural divide in their efforts to win blue seats in the upcoming general election. Party leader Jagmeet Singh’s recent visit to Edmonton is part of a new approach that focuses on deepening connections with specific regions of Canada rather than spreading thin across the country. Jennifer Howard, Chief of Staff for Singh, sees an opportunity in Alberta, as the recent provincial election indicated that voters in urban areas are rejecting politicians who engage in conspiracy theories, criticize the World Economic Forum (WEF), and bash the media.
Both Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have distanced themselves from the WEF, which holds an annual conference in Davos, Switzerland, inviting global political and business leaders. The WEF has been a target of conspiracy theories from both the left and right ends of the political spectrum. These conspiracy theories claim that the WEF is part of a global plot to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic and usher in socialist systems and social control measures. Poilievre has made it clear that Conservative cabinet ministers will not participate in WEF events, stating it goes against the interests of the people. Smith, on the other hand, canceled a health consulting agreement with the WEF, citing their alleged control over political leaders.
The federal NDP sees an opportunity to attract voters who are disillusioned with this type of rhetoric. According to Howard, these theories do not resonate with people in cities and suburbs who are more concerned with practical matters such as healthcare, cost of living, and climate change. The party witnessed the Alberta NDP gain 14 seats in May, including wins in Edmonton and Calgary, traditionally strongholds of the United Conservative Party. Howard believes that this support in the provincial election can pave the way for federal success in these regions.
Howard points to the electoral district of Edmonton Griesbach as a reason for optimism in Alberta. In the 2021 election, NDP’s Blake Desjarlais won the seat, which was previously held by the Conservatives. Desjarlais became Canada’s first openly Two-Spirit member of Parliament. The NDP believes that voters in Griesbach felt their Conservative representative was not adequately representing them or aligning with their values, which presents an opportunity for the NDP to expand their reach in Alberta.
To capitalize on this momentum, the NDP has launched the “Blue-Orange Battleground Fund,” aiming to turn traditionally conservative constituencies into NDP strongholds. The party is also focusing on showcasing their track record and ability to get things done in Ottawa. Through their confidence-and-supply agreement with the Liberals, the NDP has pushed for affordability initiatives such as dental care, a rental supplement, and an increase in the GST rebate. They are also working on recruiting strong candidates, campaigning in Saskatchewan to regain a seat, and engaging with municipalities.
Heather McPherson, member of Parliament for Edmonton Strathcona, acknowledges that there is still work to be done before the next federal election in 2025. However, she believes that the NDP’s brand has strengthened after the Alberta general election, and they are determined to convince voters that they can deliver results in Ottawa. McPherson emphasizes that Alberta’s urban ridings are not inherently conservative and that the Conservatives have taken their support for granted for too long.
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