Canada's leading union congratulates Alberta NDP on historic election breakthrough

UFCW Local 401 President Douglas O'Halloran (centre) and Ken Neumann, USW National Director for Canada with Rachel Notley on election day.

Toronto – May 6, 2015 – The Alberta provincial election campaign was one of the most exciting and thrilling campaigns in quite some time, and no one could have envisioned its outcome a few weeks ago.

Just months ahead of the 2015 Federal Election, Rachel Notley and the Alberta New Democratic Party (NDP) have achieved the unthinkable by winning a majority government in what has long been considered Canada's "most conservative" province.

"I would like to congratulate Rachel and the Alberta NDP on their historic election victory," says UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema. "The NDP ran an excellent election campaign, and I would like to thank all of the UFCW Canada members who helped to elect Alberta's first worker-friendly government," Meinema adds.

With the Alberta NDP winning a majority government, the province's voters clearly rejected the Conservatives' backward plans for Alberta, and also made clear that they do not support the Wildrose's dangerous brand of right-wing populism. 

Instead, voters opted for a party that has promised to help workers and their families get ahead, ensure that all Albertans can share in the province's oil wealth, and invest in priority areas such as health care and education. Many Albertans were also impressed with Rachel Notley's stellar performance in the Leaders' Debate and on the campaign trail.  

UFCW Canada has a long and proud tradition of working with all governments to improve the quality of life for working families across Canada, and we will continue that tradition with the newly-elected government of Alberta. Our union is confident that Rachel Notley and the Alberta NDP will work with citizens and community stakeholders to grow Alberta's economy in the years ahead, and help build a province that works for everyone.