What are Albertans Likely to Experience with an NDP Government and what are the Chances of Yet Another Political Dynasty? (Part 2 Q&A)

Published: June 11, 2015, midnight

b'Among many promises, one of the first items on Premier Rachel Notley\\u2019s agenda, besides a revised budget, may be campaign finance reform. Currently, individuals, corporations, and unions have a $15,000 limit on campaign donations to political parties in non-election years, and $30,000 in election years. Removal of corporate and union donations and lowering the limits, could see a ceiling of $1,500 per person, per year thereby putting an end to Alberta\\u2019s slanted election finances while closely resembling laws at the federal level and in many provinces.\\n\\nSuch rule changes may help prevent any future political dynasty in Alberta. These democratic reform measures would mean that any future governments will not be able to use the tools and levers of government to promote and sustain their political party like the PCs, and before them, the Social Credit party, have done. Alberta\\u2019s political system could possibly grow into a mature mix of parties with competitive elections and regular rotation of governments. The speaker will give his perspective on this and other issues facing Alberta\\u2019s recently elected NDP Government. \\n \\nSpeaker: Dr. Duane Bratt\\n\\nDuane Bratt is Chair and Professor in the Department of Policy Studies at Mount Royal University (Calgary, Alberta). He was educated at the Universities of Windsor (BA 1991, MA 1992) and Alberta (Ph.D. 1996). He teaches in the area of international relations and Canadian public policy, with specialty in the sub-field of Canadian foreign policy. His primary research interest is in the area of Canadian nuclear policy. \\n\\nRecent publications include: Canada, the Provinces, and the Global Nuclear Revival (McGill-Queen\\u2019s University Press: Montreal and Kingston, 2012) and co-editor, Readings in Canadian Foreign Policy: Classic Debates and New Ideas 2nd edition (Oxford University Press: Toronto, 2011). Duane is also a regular commentator on political events.\\n\\nDate: Thursday, June 11, 2015 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) \\nLocation: Country Kitchen Catering (lower level of the Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea at the presentation)'