The best piece of advice I received from my father was to keep my cool when something didn’t go the way I wanted it to.
“Don’t start gnashing your teeth,” he said. “Give the other guy a chance before you judge him.”
Last month’s election didn’t go the way that most people in these parts wanted it to, and a lot of us are still pretty hot under the collar about it.
I agree that skepticism and accountability are two essential parts of any healthy democracy, but harkening back to what my dad said, I think it’s also important to give a new guy a fair chance.
Policy changes can never be implemented overnight. Even with the best of intentions, newly elected officials must navigate bureaucratic systems, collaborate with stakeholders and sometimes overcome resistance from within the civil service itself.
Making demands literally within hours of the election without giving those elected a hearing doesn’t serve the public good. Better to adopt an approach that allows each newly elected government to prove itself rather than straightaway dismissing it as a mere continuation of the previous administration.
When Ralph Klein replaced Don Getty as Alberta’s premier back in the 1990s and when Jim Prentice replaced Alison Redford in the 2010s, each was given the opportunity to implement his own vision, policies and priorities without being immediately judged on the basis of party affiliation or perceived ideology.
Pre-emptive judgment undermines public confidence. If citizens believe that no real change is possible regardless of who is elected, political engagement diminishes, breeding cynicism and apathy. It’s a perspective that fails to recognize that even governments from the same political party may be capable of shifts in leadership style, focus and approach.
Yes, it is frustrating when regional preferences do not align with national outcomes. However, dismissing an election and threatening to leave Canada simply because the winner may differ from local preferences is shortsighted.
And while there are legitimate concerns about Alberta's position within confederation, the path to separation is fraught with incredible economic risks and social division, not to mention legal hurdles.
Alberta can still influence federal policy by building coalitions with other provinces, and advocating for reforms that strengthen regional representation, such as Senate reform or decentralization where appropriate.
By participating in the system respectfully, even in defeat, Albertans preserve their own rights and contribute to a political culture where dialogue, compromise and peaceful change are possible. In the long run, this strengthens the credibility of democracy, which benefits everyone, regardless of political affiliation.
Ultimately, democracy works best when citizens remain vigilant but open-minded – ready to hold leaders accountable but also willing to acknowledge efforts at positive change.
By giving Prime Minister Mark Carney the benefit of the doubt, we confirm our support for a political culture based on fairness and responsibility – one that signals a belief that leaders should be evaluated on their performance, not just on political affiliation or perceived ideology.
Anyway, that’s the way I see it.
