Orange islands in a blue sea: Why Alberta's urban-rural political divide still exists
The electoral map has been recoloured, but Alberta's rural blue hasn't budged an inch.
Despite some promising gains in urban areas, the NDP was unable to find success in the less populated parts of the province during Monday's provincial election.
It's a trend that is only becoming more apparent.
"The rural/urban question is one of the most important political questions of our generation," University of Athabasca professor Paul Kellogg said. "The vote difference isn't just in Alberta, but it's definitely noticeable (here)."
The NDP will walk away from the latest provincial election firmly holding Edmonton and 11 additional seats in Calgary.
That makes the UCP the first provincial winner to not hold a majority in either of the two urban hubs.
Kellogg believes it could pull the conservative caucus into different directions.
"It is a very real tension that they will have to pay attention to if they are going to govern successfully," he said.
The party will no doubt be hearing suggestions from Take Back Alberta (TBA), a group that has rural origins.
"The conservative movement is grounded in rural Alberta," TBA's Marco van Huigenbos said. "Always has been, always will be."
TBA is confident it can continue to effectively mobilize voters to advance rural interests.
So far, van Huigenbos says he's happy with the work done by Smith.
"She united caucus -- a very divided caucus -- and won a clear mandate," he told CTV News. "Based on what rural Alberta values, a conservative victory was critical."
DIFFERING INTERESTS
The urban-rural divide is apparent across the world.
In Alberta, it's perpetuated by industry and upbringing, says Kellogg.
"The fear that exists in the small towns and countryside and the sometimes elitism that can seem to exist inside the cities, these two things do not have to exist," he said. "We need to find ways of communicating and relating.
"We live in both places. Our society depends upon the country and the city. We can't have one without the other."
Kellogg also believes some of the division stems back to political representation. Many urban voters in Alberta feel undervalued compared to their counterparts.
The population in some of the ridings in Calgary and Edmonton is almost twice as large as in some of the rural ridings.
"We need to find ways and mechanisms of better reflecting the multiplicity, because it's an increasingly diverse society we live in," Kellogg said.
The UCP captured 52.6 per cent of the popular vote on Monday. The NDP grabbed 44 per cent.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.