Alberta NDP holds first leadership debate

Contestants vying to lead the Alberta NDP took part in the party’s first official debate of the Leadership Race, which was held at the Yates Memorial Theatre Thursday evening. Attendees were given an opportunity to hear from all the candidates in attendance and to see who they think can lead the party, and bring them to government in 2027.

Kathleen Ganley says that affordability and caring about climate change can go hand-in-hand

Sarah Hoffman’s campaign comes with a bold promise to bring a thousand doctors to the province, and to bring back the days from when she was Health Minister…make it boring again.

Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse did not hide her passion for the importance of water in our province. She fired shots at the Alberta Energy Regulator, holding them responsible for pollution on Alberta’s reserves.

And on the subject of firing shots, none were spared when it came to criticizing Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Naheed Nenshi accused the premier of costing the province billions of dollars when they introduced a moratorium on new renewable energy projects.

Gil McGowan says a key to the success of the NDP forming government in 2027 involves the party pivoting back to traditional worker values.

After the event, candidates had a chance to speak with the media. Naheed Nenshi said the relationship between the Alberta NDP and its federal counterpart needs to be re-examined.

McGowan criticized Nenshi for his statements, saying while he and Nenshi want to revolutionize the NDP, McGowan’s plan is much more rooted in the party’s interests.

And McGowan wasn’t the only one who tried to get under the skin of frontrunner Naheed Nenshi, Kathleen Ganley said the time no act is now, not in three years.

Voting on the NDP leadership begins on June 3.