Social Credit Party of Alberta

The Social Credit Party of Alberta is a provincial political party in Alberta, Canada that was founded on the social credit monetary policy and conservative Christian social values.

Decline of Social Credit

Manning retired in 1968 and was replaced by Harry E. Strom. But after over three decades in office, the Social Credit Party had become tired and complacent. Social Credit was defeated in the 1971 election by Peter Lougheed's Progressive Conservatives, and never came close to taking power again.

Related Topics:
1968 - Harry E. Strom - 1971 election - Peter Lougheed - Progressive Conservatives

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On March 31, 1982 Raymond Speaker, the official opposition leader, announced that there would be no Social Credit candidates running in the next election. In his press release, he said it would be useless for Social Credit to fight the next election since there were not enough Social Credit voters left in the province.

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The Social Credit council quickly denied Speaker's statement. This led to Social Credit Leader Rod Sykes resigning. There was wide speculation at the time that Speaker would cross the floor to the Western Canada Concept. Unable to attract a new leader, the Social Credit membership held an emergency meeting September 18, 1982. A resolution was put forward that would have dissolved the party. This was soundly rejected by the attending delegates and a new president was elected.

Related Topics:
Rod Sykes - Western Canada Concept

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As soon as the writ dropped in October of 1982 election Walt Buck and Raymond Speaker converted to Independents. Fred Manderville decided not to run. Social Credit went into the 1982 election without a full time leader, and for the first time since 1935 no incumbents. The party faired very poorly.

Related Topics:
Walt Buck - Raymond Speaker - Fred Manderville

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In 1986, Social Credit, Western Canada Concept and the Heritage Party of Alberta joined together to form the Alberta Political Alliance. The Alliance fell apart when the WCC left, followed by Social Credit. The APA continues as the Alberta Party. Most of the Social Credit supporters joined and ran for the Representative Party lead by Ray Speaker.

Related Topics:
1986 - Western Canada Concept - Heritage Party of Alberta - Alberta Party - Representative Party

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