THE ANNUAL MEETING — FORUM FOR PROGRESS
Excerpt from Progressive Conservatism in Alberta: The Rebuilding of a Political Party
Concrete evidence of the surge of Conservative strength, has been the series of annual meetings in Edmonton and Calgary. Lots of enthusiastic people … young and old … newcomers and old-timers … exciting … stimulating … productive.
From as far as Milk River on the Alberta-Montana border and Spirit River in the north have come delegates and observers from every walk of life who reflect all Alberta. They listen; they argue; they vote; they work; they visit — they participate. Close to 1,800 persons participated at the Annual Meeting in January of 1971 to make it one of the largest, most enthusiastic political gathering held in Alberta. And all returned home with folders full of fresh ideas and a renewed conviction that their Party will not be denied much longer.
At these gatherings, Peter Lougheed’s impressive leadership qualities become evident. He personally greets each delegate — and listens to what he has to say. Each year his impact on the assembly is a little greater. His performance on the “hot seat” (an innovation of the last several conventions) demonstrates his agile mind, his amazing grasp of issues. His jaw as he speaks of Government complacency and his determination to make Alberta great.
And still the Party continues to grow. Broad membership, active functioning committees and a complete knowledge of Alberta and its people are the result of six years of hard work and relentless drive by the Leader and his continually expanding group of like-minded supporters. People want to be where the action is. In Alberta, the action is with the Progressive Conservative Party.
THE ANNUAL MEETING — FORUM FOR PROGRESS
Excerpt from Progressive Conservatism in Alberta: The Rebuilding of a Political Party
Concrete evidence of the surge of Conservative strength, has been the series of annual meetings in Edmonton and Calgary. Lots of enthusiastic people … young and old … newcomers and old-timers … exciting … stimulating … productive.
From as far as Milk River on the Alberta-Montana border and Spirit River in the north have come delegates and observers from every walk of life who reflect all Alberta. They listen; they argue; they vote; they work; they visit — they participate. Close to 1,800 persons participated at the Annual Meeting in January of 1971 to make it one of the largest, most enthusiastic political gathering held in Alberta. And all returned home with folders full of fresh ideas and a renewed conviction that their Party will not be denied much longer.
At these gatherings, Peter Lougheed’s impressive leadership qualities become evident. He personally greets each delegate — and listens to what he has to say. Each year his impact on the assembly is a little greater. His performance on the “hot seat” (an innovation of the last several conventions) demonstrates his agile mind, his amazing grasp of issues. His jaw as he speaks of Government complacency and his determination to make Alberta great.
And still the Party continues to grow. Broad membership, active functioning committees and a complete knowledge of Alberta and its people are the result of six years of hard work and relentless drive by the Leader and his continually expanding group of like-minded supporters. People want to be where the action is. In Alberta, the action is with the Progressive Conservative Party.
THE MAKING OF A CANDIDATE
Excerpt from Progressive Conservatism in Alberta: The Rebuilding of a Political Party
Momentum increased as the nominating began. Following the ’67 election, the lament of so many second-place PC candidates had been: “If only I’d had more time!” Publication on December 1st, 1969, of the 75 proposed, redistributed provincial election boundaries (creating ten new constituencies), triggered a spate of nominations. Determined not to be caught napping by any snap election call, constituency organizations hastened to regroup and launch their nominees.
In most cases, the problem was no longer to find a suitable candidate but to choose one from among a number of outstanding contenders. The concept of an “open party” was dramatically demonstrated on a number of occasions when large gatherings of people saw Provincial Party officials of long standing lose contested nominations. Here was proof that this, indeed, was a truly representative party with no automatic rewards for faithful service.
A crowd of over a thousand packed the Camrose Lutheran College auditorium to see four fine candidates fight for the right to represent them. Such turnouts for nomination meetings were previously unheard of — another indicator of the excitement generated by this party on the march.
By the February opening of the 1971 Legislature, almost 60 Progressive Conservative candidates were off and running, with more waiting to join them. The target: a full slate at election time.
A winning candidate’s campaign begins from the moment of his nomination. With the losing contender’s full support there is no relaxing of effort until election day. All the experience and expertise of his Conservative colleagues are at his disposal. He will have attended a series of five policy conferences in Red Deer, Camrose and Lethbridge, at which his views and the particular concerns of his constituents have been put forward. Regular regional candidate meetings will have provided opportunity for valuable exchanges of information with the Leader and others. Climaxing this intensive preparation is a series of Candidate Conferences to finalize the platform and plan a winning strategy.
Continued in Part VI
THE MAKING OF A CANDIDATE
Excerpt from Progressive Conservatism in Alberta: The Rebuilding of a Political Party
Momentum increased as the nominating began. Following the ’67 election, the lament of so many second-place PC candidates had been: “If only I’d had more time!” Publication on December 1st, 1969, of the 75 proposed, redistributed provincial election boundaries (creating ten new constituencies), triggered a spate of nominations. Determined not to be caught napping by any snap election call, constituency organizations hastened to regroup and launch their nominees.
In most cases, the problem was no longer to find a suitable candidate but to choose one from among a number of outstanding contenders. The concept of an “open party” was dramatically demonstrated on a number of occasions when large gatherings of people saw Provincial Party officials of long standing lose contested nominations. Here was proof that this, indeed, was a truly representative party with no automatic rewards for faithful service.
A crowd of over a thousand packed the Camrose Lutheran College auditorium to see four fine candidates fight for the right to represent them. Such turnouts for nomination meetings were previously unheard of — another indicator of the excitement generated by this party on the march.
By the February opening of the 1971 Legislature, almost 60 Progressive Conservative candidates were off and running, with more waiting to join them. The target: a full slate at election time.
A winning candidate’s campaign begins from the moment of his nomination. With the losing contender’s full support there is no relaxing of effort until election day. All the experience and expertise of his Conservative colleagues are at his disposal. He will have attended a series of five policy conferences in Red Deer, Camrose and Lethbridge, at which his views and the particular concerns of his constituents have been put forward. Regular regional candidate meetings will have provided opportunity for valuable exchanges of information with the Leader and others. Climaxing this intensive preparation is a series of Candidate Conferences to finalize the platform and plan a winning strategy.
Continued in Part VI
A PARTY FOR PEOPLE
Excerpt from Progressive Conservatism in Alberta: The Rebuilding of a Political Party
At the same time as the Opposition seats in the Legislature were filling, the Conservative Party mailing lists were growing. It was recognized that the key to forming a government was a strong local organization in each constituency. Immediately after the 1967 provincial election, Party officials went to work. In some remote areas it was actually necessary to walk the length of a town, knocking on doors in hopes of finding a Conservative sympathizer willing to pioneer a local PC organization.
The task grew easier as Peter Lougheed and his fellow MLA’s indicated their desire to truly represent the people by embarking on a series of fact-finding tours. Their first trip, following the 1968 legislative session, took them to the Peace River country. A second tour in June, 1969, covered 22 communities in east-central Alberta. The group met with mayors, town councils, chambers of commerce, farm and labour groups in wide-ranging dialogue on a multitude of concerns. The reaction was rewarding: “For the first time in years, Opposition MLA’s (let alone Government MLA’s) have taken the trouble to come to our community and listen to our problems.”
A third tour in the fall of 1969 gave the MLA’s an awareness of the concerns unique to southern Alberta. During this period these men were also taking on as many speaking engagements as their heavy schedules would allow. By June, 1970, Peter Lougheed could say: “I have now visited virtually every community in Alberta.”
A series of regional conferences also carried the Conservative point of view to Albertans and gave them opportunity to shape Conservative policy. Workshops provided prospective candidates and constituency executives with fresh ideas for attracting members and keeping interest keen.
With a limited budget, it was impossible for the Party to maintain a large staff. Onlookers marvelled at how so much could be accomplished. The secret lay in the quality of the volunteer committees which substituted for a paid staff.
The lines of authority spread from a provincial executive through regional directors to the individual constituency organizations. The work of these groups was supplements by the activities of a dedicated women’s organization, two live-wire youth organizations and special “task forces” who filled in in areas where the Party was initially weak.
The structure was typical of any political organization. What was unique was the enthusiastic participation of extremely able people from every segment of the population and every area of the province.
Backing up these efforts were the talent-filled special committees handling finance, communications, membership, convention organization, policy, election strategy. And always, the most significant factor in the whole building process — the tireless drive of the leader.
Continued in Part V
A PARTY FOR PEOPLE
Excerpt from Progressive Conservatism in Alberta: The Rebuilding of a Political Party
At the same time as the Opposition seats in the Legislature were filling, the Conservative Party mailing lists were growing. It was recognized that the key to forming a government was a strong local organization in each constituency. Immediately after the 1967 provincial election, Party officials went to work. In some remote areas it was actually necessary to walk the length of a town, knocking on doors in hopes of finding a Conservative sympathizer willing to pioneer a local PC organization.
The task grew easier as Peter Lougheed and his fellow MLA’s indicated their desire to truly represent the people by embarking on a series of fact-finding tours. Their first trip, following the 1968 legislative session, took them to the Peace River country. A second tour in June, 1969, covered 22 communities in east-central Alberta. The group met with mayors, town councils, chambers of commerce, farm and labour groups in wide-ranging dialogue on a multitude of concerns. The reaction was rewarding: “For the first time in years, Opposition MLA’s (let alone Government MLA’s) have taken the trouble to come to our community and listen to our problems.”
A third tour in the fall of 1969 gave the MLA’s an awareness of the concerns unique to southern Alberta. During this period these men were also taking on as many speaking engagements as their heavy schedules would allow. By June, 1970, Peter Lougheed could say: “I have now visited virtually every community in Alberta.”
A series of regional conferences also carried the Conservative point of view to Albertans and gave them opportunity to shape Conservative policy. Workshops provided prospective candidates and constituency executives with fresh ideas for attracting members and keeping interest keen.
With a limited budget, it was impossible for the Party to maintain a large staff. Onlookers marvelled at how so much could be accomplished. The secret lay in the quality of the volunteer committees which substituted for a paid staff.
The lines of authority spread from a provincial executive through regional directors to the individual constituency organizations. The work of these groups was supplements by the activities of a dedicated women’s organization, two live-wire youth organizations and special “task forces” who filled in in areas where the Party was initially weak.
The structure was typical of any political organization. What was unique was the enthusiastic participation of extremely able people from every segment of the population and every area of the province.
Backing up these efforts were the talent-filled special committees handling finance, communications, membership, convention organization, policy, election strategy. And always, the most significant factor in the whole building process — the tireless drive of the leader.
Continued in Part V
A VOICE IN THE LEGISLATURE
Excerpt from Progressive Conservatism in Alberta: The Rebuilding of a Political Party
The original “Lougheed team” — Don Getty, Dr. Hugh Horner, Lou Hyndman, Dave Russell and Len Werry — was impressive in terms of brain power and achievement in other areas. Each man was assigned as watchdog to at least three government departments. In terms of legislative experience, (except for Hugh Horner) the official Opposition was incredibly green. Frequently, the earnest young MLA’s were not alert enough to exploit Government weaknesses. Wisely they decided that their strategy in the first session should be extensive use of “the Question”. For the first time in decades, the Government, previously accustomed to the uninhibited passage of its bills through the legislative mill, suddenly found its activities and financial statements minutely scrutinized. The taxpayers of Alberta became better informed and the Conservative legislators learned much in the process. The disturbing Socred trend to “government by cabinet” was reversed as the Conservative MLA’s restored the legislative process.
Then Ernest Manning retired as Premier of Alberta. A Socred leadership convention elected Harry Strom to succeed him. When the 1969 legislative session opened, the new Premier found opposite him a row of seasoned, well-informed MLA’s. Repeatedly they attacked the Government for its wastefulness, its mishandling of such issues as construction of the Bighorn Dam, the compulsory medicare program, and the Blair Report on mental health.
By the time Lieutenant-Governor Grant MacEwan read the throne speech at the opening of the 1970 legislative session, the Conservative opposition occupied nine seats. Bill Yurko, an Edmonton engineer, had snatched Premier Manning’s former seat from under the noses of the astounded Social Creditors to become the seventh Conservative MLA. October, 1969, saw the same combination of an outstanding candidate supported by a strong, hard-working organization, win the Edson by-election for the Conservatives. Even the crystal-ball gazers of the media who had confidently billed this as a two-way fight between the Socreds and the NDP, were astounded when Jasper druggist, Bob Dowling, emerged as the victor — and the eighth member of the Opposition. The following month, veteran MLA Bill Dickie gave up his status as lone Liberal in the House to join the PC’s. In June, 1970, rancher Clarence Copithorne, sitting as Independent member for Banff/Cochrane constituency, became the tenth man on the team.
The 1970 session of the Alberta Legislature found the Social Credit representatives somewhat nonplussed by the new tactics of their opponents. While continuing to slam Government inefficiency, the Conservative team balanced its hard-hitting attack with a constructive program of its own. In all, 21 Conservative-sponsored bills were placed before the House. None ever reached the statute books but Albertans were made aware of the positive new direction in which this irrepressible young team was headed. Finally a real alternative had emerged.
Continued in Part IV
A VOICE IN THE LEGISLATURE
Excerpt from Progressive Conservatism in Alberta: The Rebuilding of a Political Party
The original “Lougheed team” — Don Getty, Dr. Hugh Horner, Lou Hyndman, Dave Russell and Len Werry — was impressive in terms of brain power and achievement in other areas. Each man was assigned as watchdog to at least three government departments. In terms of legislative experience, (except for Hugh Horner) the official Opposition was incredibly green. Frequently, the earnest young MLA’s were not alert enough to exploit Government weaknesses. Wisely they decided that their strategy in the first session should be extensive use of “the Question”. For the first time in decades, the Government, previously accustomed to the uninhibited passage of its bills through the legislative mill, suddenly found its activities and financial statements minutely scrutinized. The taxpayers of Alberta became better informed and the Conservative legislators learned much in the process. The disturbing Socred trend to “government by cabinet” was reversed as the Conservative MLA’s restored the legislative process.
Then Ernest Manning retired as Premier of Alberta. A Socred leadership convention elected Harry Strom to succeed him. When the 1969 legislative session opened, the new Premier found opposite him a row of seasoned, well-informed MLA’s. Repeatedly they attacked the Government for its wastefulness, its mishandling of such issues as construction of the Bighorn Dam, the compulsory medicare program, and the Blair Report on mental health.
By the time Lieutenant-Governor Grant MacEwan read the throne speech at the opening of the 1970 legislative session, the Conservative opposition occupied nine seats. Bill Yurko, an Edmonton engineer, had snatched Premier Manning’s former seat from under the noses of the astounded Social Creditors to become the seventh Conservative MLA. October, 1969, saw the same combination of an outstanding candidate supported by a strong, hard-working organization, win the Edson by-election for the Conservatives. Even the crystal-ball gazers of the media who had confidently billed this as a two-way fight between the Socreds and the NDP, were astounded when Jasper druggist, Bob Dowling, emerged as the victor — and the eighth member of the Opposition. The following month, veteran MLA Bill Dickie gave up his status as lone Liberal in the House to join the PC’s. In June, 1970, rancher Clarence Copithorne, sitting as Independent member for Banff/Cochrane constituency, became the tenth man on the team.
The 1970 session of the Alberta Legislature found the Social Credit representatives somewhat nonplussed by the new tactics of their opponents. While continuing to slam Government inefficiency, the Conservative team balanced its hard-hitting attack with a constructive program of its own. In all, 21 Conservative-sponsored bills were placed before the House. None ever reached the statute books but Albertans were made aware of the positive new direction in which this irrepressible young team was headed. Finally a real alternative had emerged.
Continued in Part IV
PROGRESS AT THE POLLS
Excerpt from Progressive Conservatism in Alberta: The Rebuilding of a Political Party
Though still not strong in terms of organization, the Conservatives were able to support 46 candidates in 65 ridings. In the less populated constituencies strength had not yet developed to any significant degree but in the larger centres enthusiasm became so contagious that many who had never been involved in politics before volunteered their help. Such help was invaluable as candidates walked literally miles to visit constituents in their homes and made themselves available to speak to groups wherever there were voters to listen to the Conservative alternative.
The turning point in the election came during a forum at McDougall Church in Edmonton when, for the first time, the four Party Leaders appeared on the same platform together. Here it became very clear that Peter Lougheed was a formidable challenger to Premier Ernest Manning. His logic was sound — his oratory was equally moving. Mass rallies in Calgary and Edmonton were remarkable for their attendance and enthusiasm which carried over to election day.
When the polls closed on May 23rd, 1967, the voters of Alberta had given the Progressive Conservative party six seats in the Legislature — not much cause for celebration, one would think, when the Social Credit Party had retained 55 seats. But from nothing to six was a giant step forward, measured more accurately by the 27% of the popular vote gained by the PC’s as compared with the Socred’s 44%.
Continued in Part III
PROGRESS AT THE POLLS
Excerpt from Progressive Conservatism in Alberta: The Rebuilding of a Political Party
Though still not strong in terms of organization, the Conservatives were able to support 46 candidates in 65 ridings. In the less populated constituencies strength had not yet developed to any significant degree but in the larger centres enthusiasm became so contagious that many who had never been involved in politics before volunteered their help. Such help was invaluable as candidates walked literally miles to visit constituents in their homes and made themselves available to speak to groups wherever there were voters to listen to the Conservative alternative.
The turning point in the election came during a forum at McDougall Church in Edmonton when, for the first time, the four Party Leaders appeared on the same platform together. Here it became very clear that Peter Lougheed was a formidable challenger to Premier Ernest Manning. His logic was sound — his oratory was equally moving. Mass rallies in Calgary and Edmonton were remarkable for their attendance and enthusiasm which carried over to election day.
When the polls closed on May 23rd, 1967, the voters of Alberta had given the Progressive Conservative party six seats in the Legislature — not much cause for celebration, one would think, when the Social Credit Party had retained 55 seats. But from nothing to six was a giant step forward, measured more accurately by the 27% of the popular vote gained by the PC’s as compared with the Socred’s 44%.
Continued in Part III