In Alberta, we’re accustomed to political opportunism, but this?
The Progressive Conservatives are fighting their traditional battle against themselves.
Over the past 44 years, we have seen the current PC government attack the previous PC government, all with a straight face.
Ralph Klein beat up Don Getty.
Ed Stelmach attacked Don Getty.
Alison Redford blamed Ed Stelmach.
And now Jim Prentice is condemning Alison Redford.
(Note that no one is blaming the sainted Klein, but that is a different blog)
But never before have I seen a member of the PC government absolutely attack a decision they themselves made.
Enter Gordon Dirks. Minister of Education. Former Chair of the Calgary Board of Education. Trustee for over a decade.
Minister Dirks said Monday parents are telling him “the CBE needs to make sure it’s spending its money on frontline classroom services not in the large headquarters budget.”
Strong statement.
So, who pushed for the new Calgary Board of Education Headquarters? Gordon Dirks.
Moved the motion. Passionately defended the decision. Insisted this was in the best interests of all CBE students.
But not today. Today, Gordon Dirks wants to be re-elected. So he will say what he thinks the voters want to hear.
So, he blamed the previous administration. He looked in the mirror.
Stephen Carter is the founder of QED Marketing, an advertising firm that delivers evidence based marketing solutions. Stephen has been involved in several high-profile political battles, two of them for Alberta’s former premier. He led Alison Redford’s successful race for the Progressive Conservative Association leadership bid in Alberta, as well as her campaign for premier of the province. He was also the political strategist in Naheed Nenshi’s successful 2010 campaign for mayor of Calgary. His roots in politics include serving as media liaison and strategies to Joe Clark from 2001 to 2003. Carter has lent his expertise to a number of organizations including the Salvation Army Agape Hospice, Millennium Park and The Alex Community Health Centre.
