Pundits claimed we were a fluke. We were not and we proved it. I’ve heard the same kind of rhetoric aimed at Rachel Notley over the past four years. She has proven herself a capable, deserving leader.
Allan A Warrack is a professor of business emeritus at the University of Alberta, a former Progressive Conservative MLA and cabinet minister.
Like most Albertans, I care deeply about the fate of my province.
That’s why I ran for office back in 1971. As part of Peter Lougheed’s Progressive Conservative Party, I was swept into the legislature during a season of massive political change. We knocked off a Social Credit dynasty that was in power longer than I had been alive.
It was exhilarating. I felt numb.
As a 34-year-old, I was one of the youngest members of premier Lougheed’s first cabinet. I was proud to serve with him for two terms, stepping down in 1979 to give priority to my family and to launch an academic career. The experience showed me that politics can and should include younger citizens, which is why I always encourage young people to step up.
I became the rookie MLA for Three Hills nearly 48 years ago. Of the 22 members of Lougheed’s cabinet, I am now one of just seven survivors. I have closely watched how succeeding premiers have governed. Few have enjoyed the public support of the Lougheed era, or the practical successes that came under his leadership.
As a rule, I don’t speak ill of premiers who are no longer alive. I am first to say that governing is an extremely tough job. But nobody has come close until Rachel Notley. She is the best premier of Alberta since Peter Lougheed.
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