Alberta party leaders to face off in debate Thursday

The leaders of Alberta’s two largest political parties are set to square off in a debate Thursday night, with just over a week left until election day.

The polls are tight leading into voting day, which is expected to only increase the intensity of the debate.

New data released by the Angus Reid Institute Thursday says the parties and their leaders are tied, though the United Conservative Party’s Danielle Smith seems to be the top choice to manage the economy and the oil and gas sector, while the New Democratic Party’s Rachel Notley is the favourite for the healthcare system and “honest and ethical leadership.”

There are reasons to believe this debate could end up being a deciding factor for either party to win on May 29, given that in previous elections, the party that would ultimately form government saw its polling numbers increase in the days following the debate.

Neither Smith, nor Notley, are new to this — this will be the NDP leader’s third, and the UCP leader’s second debate.

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Smith got some practice in on Wednesday, speaking in Medicine Hat against the two candidates running in her constituency of Brooks-Medicine Hat.

Topics during the two-hour debate focused on tax rates, small businesses, health care, education, and 2SLGBTQ+ rights.

After a Medicine Hat audience member asked how the candidates would ensure the protection of 2SLGBTQ+ children and adults, Smith said the issue should be depoliticized.

Earlier in the day, the UCP candidate for Lacombe-Ponoka, Jennifer Johnson, apologized for comparing transgender children in schools to having feces in food.

These topics are likely to appear in the spotlight once again at Thursday’s event.

Controversial comments made by Smith and members of her caucus are expected to be a point of interest, as is the performance of the NDP during its time in office from 2015 to 2019.

CityNews will have a reporter covering the debate, which can be watched on CityTV.

The gloves will come off at 6 p.m., in what is expected to be a war of words.

What should voters watch for?

Communications expert Natalie Sigalet says this debate is a make-it-or-break-it moment for the candidates.

“This is the opportunity for both leaders to showcase themselves to Albertans. This is the last push to encourage voters to get out to the polls, this is the last push to inspire voters,” Sigalet explained.

Sigalet has several years of experience working in the Alberta legislature in various roles under then-Premier Alison Redford. She says voters should be looking for a few different things when they’re watching the leaders go head-to-head.

“I think the big thing is listening for the policies — trying to cut through some of the mudslinging that is inevitably going to happen during the debate, but really looking for the policies that ring true to them, that really will help them in their lives, daily lives, help with their families, help with their children, and take those into considerations,” Sigalet said.

“Compare and contrast what you’re hearing from both candidates, and then take that back and decide who you’re going to vote for based on that.”

She doesn’t anticipate anything new coming out of Thursday’s debate, adding “we’ve heard a lot so far from each candidate.”

“Both parties have set out a wide range of policies over the course of the past few weeks. I would expect there’s going to be a focus on economic policies during the debate,” Sigalet added.

“I’m looking forward to watching it, seeing two female leaders debate. I think this is probably the first time in Alberta history that we’ve had two female leaders debating and I’m really looking forward to seeing how it plays out.”

-With files from The Canadian Press and Melissa Duggan