Commentary
Canadian conservatives often find themselves at odds with each other, as demonstrated by recent events in Alberta and B.C. where MLAs were expelled or resigned from their parties.
The UCP and the B.C. Conservative Party were formed through mergers, uniting members with common ideologies. However, keeping all members aligned has proven challenging. The UCP was established in 2017 after the Progressive Conservative and Wildrose parties split their votes, resulting in an NDP victory in Alberta. On the other hand, the B.C. Conservative Party gained electoral viability after the B.C. United Party merged into it under John Rustad’s leadership in August 2024.
Merged parties can be fragile entities. Members join for practical reasons, and maintaining unity is crucial for success. The UCP formed the government in Alberta, and the B.C. Conservatives saw a significant increase in support. However, internal conflicts now threaten to divide both parties.
Conservative-leaning individuals tend to resist centralized leadership, valuing individual rights and outspokenness. This can make managing these parties challenging, unlike left-leaning individuals who prioritize solidarity and following party leadership. The recent events in Alberta and B.C. highlight the internal struggles faced by conservative parties.
John Rustad successfully united diverse candidates in time for the election, as running as an Independent in B.C. rarely leads to success. However, with no imminent elections, some members are now challenging the status quo.
In Alberta, Premier Danielle Smith faces challenges within her party, as conservative leaders in the province have a history of being ousted. Maintaining the support of party members is essential, as a few more departures could jeopardize her majority. Finding a balance between caucus freedom and unity is crucial for both Rustad and Smith amidst the ever-changing political landscape.
The NDP in B.C. and Alberta may benefit from conservative infighting, as divisions within conservative parties could weaken their electoral prospects. As both Rustad and Smith navigate internal challenges, the future of conservative parties in the region remains uncertain.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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