I sat down with Kyle Joseph yesterday, a grade six teacher and Progressive Tory Party candidate for the Calgary-Shaw by-election on September 14th, to chat about his stepping up during a significant moment in Alberta’s history. Kyle firmly states that Alberta must remain in Canada, noting that separation would be logistically problematic given treaty rights, and legally difficult under the Federal Clarity Act, which requires a two-thirds majority in the House of Commons. He also expresses concern that the premier is dangerously fueling the idea of separation and questions the UCP’s direction, pointing specifically to the fact that UCP candidate for Calgary-Shaw Mike Derry’s campaign manager, Craig Chandler, has openly supported separation. On the referendum’s nine questions, Kyle states he will personally vote no to all of them, distrusting the government’s motives and concerned that some questions are being used to target immigrants.
Regarding US trade negotiations, Kyle criticizes the premier for abandoning a Team Canada approach and giving up leverage with both Ottawa and Washington. He draws a pointed contrast between the premier’s willingness to use Alberta’s resources as leverage against BC but not against the Americans, questioning where her loyalties lie. He illustrated the importance of cooperation with a story about his own grade six students, noting that fighting against others rather than negotiating guarantees no one will want to help you.
On data centres, Kyle raises concerns about the provincial government pushing the initiative through without proper community consultation or environmental review. He notes that public feedback, including at AI data centre town halls, has been overwhelmingly negative, yet the government has proceeded regardless. On education and healthcare, Kyle argues that per-student funding has fallen far behind the rest of Canada, that there are not enough schools, teachers, or education assistants, and that the healthcare system faces similar pressures. His party’s approach centres on a strategy of recruit, retain, and collaborate with frontline workers such as teachers, nurses, and doctors, emphasizing that simply hiring large numbers of new workers is ineffective if burnout drives hundreds to leave the profession shortly after.
In closing, Kyle expresses pride in having run a positive campaign and frames the Tory Party as a return to common sense, moderation, and governing for Albertans rather than for political self-interest. I express my gratitude for his participation under Pete Guthrie’s leadership, noting that the by-election and the broader issues at stake represent one of the most significant moments in Alberta’s recent history. Both Kyle and I acknowledge the courage of those willing to challenge the current UCP government, including those facing personal legal consequences for doing so.
If Calgary-Shaw votes UCP does it affirm a separatist agenda?
If you live in or near Calgary-Shaw volunteer to support Kyle and the Progressive Tories here:
