CP
The right wing Alberta Wildrose Party moved to the centre on social and environmental issues during their latest annual general meeting in Red Deer over the weekend.
It laid down policies that, amongst other things, called for the guarantee of equal rights to gays, minorities, as well as accepted the reality of climate change and humanity's role within that change.
In recent years, the Wildrose has been criticized for alleged racist and homophobic remarks and for party leader Danielle Smith's denial of climate change or man's culpability in the process.
Will this policy shift benefit the Wildrose?
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Highlights Of The Alberta Election
Highlights Of The Alberta Election(01 of13)
Here's a look back at some of the most memorable moments from the campaign. (credit:CP)
Wildrose Anti-Gay Blog Revealed(02 of13)
A blog post saying that gays were destined to burn in a "lake of fire" for eternity was brought to light on April 16.Allan Hunsperger, a pastor who's running as a Wildrose candidate in Edmonton South, also referenced Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way': "You see, you can live the way you were born, and if you die the way you were born then you will suffer the rest of eternity in the lake of fire, hell, a place of eternal suffering."Wildrose leader Danielle Smith said she was aware of Hunsperger's religious views. (credit:Alamy)
Smith Booed, Mocked(03 of13)
Wildrose leader Danielle Smith found herself on the receiving end of booing and mockery at a debate on April 19 for questioning climate change ."There is still a debate in the scientific community," said Smith before being drowned out by a chorus of boos and catcalls.PC leader Alison Redford said Smith leading the province would be an embarrassment. (credit:CP)
Candidate Makes 'White Advantage' Comment(04 of13)
Wildrose candidate Ron Leech made some controversial remarks about race on a South Asian radio show."I think as a Caucasian I have an advantage. When different community leaders such as a Sikh leader or a Muslim leader speaks, they really speak to their own people in many ways. As a Caucasian, I believe that I can speak to all the community," said Leech.He apologized for his remarks on April 24, saying that his comments did not come out the way he intended. (credit:Alamy)
Redford Under Seige(05 of13)
During the April 12 debate, the candidates for the Wildrose, Liberal and NDP took the opportunity to gang up on Progressive Conservative leader Alison Redford. It was an unsurprising tactic given that the Tories have held power in Alberta for 11 consecutive majority governments, although polls reveal the Wildrose may have a fighting chance. (credit:CP)
Bus Cleavage(06 of13)
When the Wildrose first rolled out their campaign bus, there was something distinctly odd about the wheel placement in relation to Smith's image.Late night host Jay Leno even poked fun at the busty bus before a new, less suggestive design rolled out. (credit:yfrog)
Closing The Gap(07 of13)
An April 10 poll showed that Danielle Smith's Wildrose party was neck and neck with the Progressive Conservatives. The Leger Marketing poll showed the Wildrose has the support of 36 per cent of Albertans, compared to 34 per cent for the governing Tories. (credit:CP)
22 Minutes Pokes Fun At Candidates(08 of13)
This Hour Has 22 Minutes gave their own take on the Alberta election by poking fun at the similarities between Alison Redford and Danielle Smith.CLICK TO WATCH (credit:22 Minutes)
PC Staffer Gets Personal(09 of13)
Progressive Conservative staffer Amanda Wilkie "resigned" on March 31 after tweeting "If @ElectDanielle likes young and growing families so much, why doesn't she have children of her own? #wrp family pack = insincere."Backlash came swiftly from the PC, the Wildrose and Twitter users alike. Alison Redford herself issues an apology, but not before Smith revealed that she didn't have children due to fertility issues. (credit:CP)
Awkward!(10 of13)
In a moment of levity, but mostly embarrassment for Danielle Smith, the Wildrose leader's dogs got frisky during a photo op in Calgary. (credit:CP)
The Other Guys(11 of13)
In a province where conservative values dominate politics, Brian Mason's NDP and Raj Sherman's Liberals are left to duke it out in left-leaning pockets such as Edmonton. (credit:CP)
Controversial Issues(12 of13)
On April 10, for the second time, Wildrose leader Danielle Smith was called out for her supposed opposing stance on abortion and gay marriage.Smith however snuffed out the controversy: "When our members elected me they knew they were electing a candidate that was pro-choice and pro-gay marriage."The issues came up earlier in the election when Smith was less forthcoming on the subjects. (credit:CP)
Tory Candidate Assaulted(13 of13)
Alberta's education minister Thomas Lukaszuk claimed he was assaulted while canvassing in an Edmonton neighbourhood.He said he knocked on the door of a residence with a Wildrose support sign and, once recognized, was punched by the resident within. The resident, Al Michalchuk, says he merely nudged Lukaszuk when he refused to leave. (credit:CP)