ECPCA - In The News

The Edmonton Centre PC Association got a shout-out in Saturday's Edmonton Journal.

More information on the ECPCA Summer Speaker Series can be found here.

Excerpt From:
Parades, Barbecues, with a Side of Politics
Edmonton Journal
August 12, 2006 - A17
Archie McLean and Jason Markusoff

"Why is Ed Stelmach seeking the leadership?" the candidate asks about himself, launching into his well-practised introductory speech. But this is not the usual Progressive Conservative crowd.

These urban, 20- and 30-something Tories may be a growing and increasingly relevant demographic in an ever-younger and rapidly urbanizing Alberta. About two dozen have come to the Maverick Brewery to size up Stelmach's leadership bona fides at a forum sponsored by the Edmonton Centre PC association.

As they sit with their beer and wine, Stelmach outlines his campaign principles and promises. They range from the vague -- improve Albertans' "quality of life" -- to specifics about setting up registries for government lobbyists and contractors to "remove perception of a one-party state."

During the question period, an audience member asks about environmental regulations, expressing worry that young people see the Tories as siding with industry. Stelmach, a one-time agriculture minister, suggests clean-burning biodiesel made from corn and other crops is a promising solution. Then, leaning on his recent experience as international affairs minister, he discusses imbalances caused by U.S. crop subsidies. Judging from the audience reaction, that may not have been the answer the young Edmontonians expected.

Another asks Stelmach about how he proposes to get more youth involved in politics. He replies by recalling that he became interested in politics when he was in school. So perhaps politicians should spend more time speaking to high-school classes, he reasons.

The crowd is fairly receptive, praising him as an honest, earnest candidate. Others react positively, too -- including a former cabinet minister and a former Liberal MLA, who both take him aside afterwards to offer some advice.