September 5, 2008

In the News – ELECTION EDITION
U of C experts available for commentary

There’s no denying that election fever is in the air. Will Canadians vote in their third consecutive minority government? And what will the new president of the United States mean for its allies and the world? For these questions and more, the University of Calgary is here to help with a wide variety of expert commentators.

David Stewart, head of the Department of Political Science, says the growing Green movement and the different environmental approaches between the Liberals and Conservatives will be a defining factor in the Canadian election. He can be reached at 403-220-6727 or by email at dstewart@ucalgary.ca

The growing concern over Canada’s wilting economy and which party/leader is the best equipped to handle the impending slowdown is also poised to become a major election issue. Much will depend on the economic policies of the various contenders says Jack Mintz, head of the U of C’s new School of Public Policy Studies. Contact Mintz at 403-220-7661 or at policystudies@ucalgary.ca.

Renowned climate change scientist David Keith, of the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering and the Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy (ISEEE), expects the Liberals will do everything they can to keep environmental issues at the forefront and make this a green election. Keith can be reached at keith@ucalgary.ca on his cell phone at 403-681-6682, or through his assistant Hollie Roberts at 403-210-8857.

The ongoing war in Afghanistan and mounting death toll will also continue to play a major role for the electorate both north and south of the 49th parallel. American withdrawal from Iraq and a potential troop increase in Afghanistan will have ramifications for Canadian forces both in terms of troops and fire-power but also command structure for the allies, says Terry Terriff, the new Arthur J. Child chair of American Security Policy. He can be reached either at home: 403-240-0690, office: 403-220-5502 or email: tterriff@ucalgary.ca.

Another issue of both foreign and domestic policy that could loom large is the issue of Canadian sovereignty of the High Arctic. Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s recent flag-waving trip to the North is a clear sign of the growing significance of the Northwest Passage and ownership of potentially vast oil and gas reserves as well as other natural resources under the ice. Contact Rob Huebert, political science professor and associate director of the Centre for Military and Strategic Studies: office: 403-220-3995 or email: rhuebert@ucalgary.ca

The four male leaders of Canada’s major parties will sharply contrast with the U.S. election where gender and race politics are at the forefront. What that means for Canadian women voters and what the parties will do to woo them remains an open question. Contact political science associate professor Brenda O’Neill at 403-220-6710 or bloneill@ucalgary.ca

When the election gets fully underway, the key issues will be decided by whoever gets to `frame the contest,’ says political science professor Barry Cooper. And that will likely be the Conservatives, given their significant economic advantage over the cash-strapped Liberals. If that’s the case, expect the Conservatives to make this one all about leadership and keep thorny green issues to the side. Contact Cooper at 403-220-5764 or bcooper@ucalgary.ca          

Prof. David Taras, with the U of C’s Communication and Culture faculty, expects the Conservatives to play to their opponent’s weakness, which appears to be Liberal leader Stephane Dion. He says watch for Harper to attempt to look decisive and more like Prime Minister material while painting Dion as the carbon tax baron hitting Canadians in the wallet at a time when they really can’t handle new taxes. Contact Taras on cell: 403-614-7363 at work: 403-220-7575 or by email: dtaras@uclagary.ca

Other election issues and expert commentators include:

•    Post-secondary education and research funding. Contact U of C president Harvey Weingarten at 403-220-5617 or email: president@ucalgary.ca
•    Energy and how the volatile price of crude will play on political fortunes. Contact new oil and gas economist Philip Verleger at the Haskayne School of Business: Philip.verleger@haskayne.ucalgary.ca
•    Public health-care funding and policy issues. Contact Dr. Tom Noseworthy, Vice President  (Research) on Public Health, Faculty of Medicine. 403-220-2481 or tnosewor@ucalgary.ca