I can't remember many elections where the parties seem to be gearing up this early. Although the writ hasn't been dropped yet, doors have been knocked, literature delivered, and a small but steady core of people have been promoting their political aims.

What always surprises me, however, is how few people actually get involved in politics - at least on the riding level when it comes to an election. They claim to have specific viewpoints and a vested interest in which party is elected, they express their opinions over coffee with friends and when candidates come to the door, but a lot of them are so apathetic that they don't even get out and vote.

Certainly, a lot of people would prefer to stay indoors with a cup of hot cocoa (especially given the wintery weather in Calgary this weekend), but it seems that a core of people will be out dedicating themselves to promoting their party and their candidate.

Much like any other volunteer group, you consistantly see the same core group of volunteers stepping forwards each election, but it's a good way to meet some like minded people, make some friends and forward your own political agenda by ensuring that your candidate is represented in the best manner possible.

Certainly some of the parties - like the PCs have a lot of money to throw at an election. They can purchase teams of door knockers and telephoners (much like our friend Chandler did on his nomination campaign). What really irritates me is the feeling that I get from them - that they believe the election is up for purchase. And that's just wrong. It shouldn't be a question of who has the most money to invest in the campaign, it should be about the right people getting elected because of their strongly held beliefs and ideals.

I went on a real tear about this during the recent municipal election - Calgarians only had two real contenders for the mayoral seat because it was about the almighty dollar. The million dollar job - where the salary doesn't even come close to what is invested in the campaign.

Certainly, when it comes to a provincial run the dollars seem a lot lower (and I know that this surprises a lot of people). But a lot of people vote for the party instead of the person. And this is where Calgarians need to step forward and make a difference. They need to learn more about their candidates, and if they're in the mood for a REAL change, to get involved promoting that party. Especially if your beliefs trend Liberal.

I don't make a big secret out of the fact that I'm not likely to vote Conservative - I don't believe that they have done a good job governing our province, and that hasn't changed in the past 27 years. I want to see change, and I believe that Liberal is the key to change. Certainly the Green Party and the NDP have some very strong appealing candidates like Grant Neufeld (Green) and Julie Hrdlicka (NDP), but the truth is that the Liberals have a real chance of creating a government, or at the very least creating a strong opposition that will actually get the business of government back on track where it needs to be. I'm not happy with the Alberta that I live in - but I see the opportunity for change coming up this spring, just as it does every four years. And, to use a word that has been overused in the US primaries and secondaries - this brings hope to the table. Hope for change. Hope for accountability. Hope for a healthy and sustainable future.

My ideal government is not sitting Liberals in all ridings - I'd like to see the voices of all parties represented. (Certainly proportional representation has an appeal). We need the voice of the opposition, and to hear dissenting opinions. It's what keeps government honest - and what keeps the debate on the table where we need it to happen.

So what are you waiting for? Go out and meet your local candidate. They'd love to welcome you to their team as a volunteer- and if you don't know who your candidate is please stay tuned as I will be posting some more detailed information riding by riding - at least on the Calgary front.

Don't have time to volunteer? There are other ways you can get involved as well.

Start talking to your friends and neighbours about politics and don't be afraid to share your views.

Put up a sign on your lawn and fly your colours proudly.

For far too many years Alberta has had closet Liberals because of the fear of what the neighbours might think. I have talked to people who indicate they are going to vote Liberal, but are not willing to put up a sign because they are worried about the neighbours. Really? I want to tell them that their neighbours said the exact same thing. That road could be a sea of red (and we're not talking in support of the Flames here) - but each person stays quiet because they have been cowed into silence by the conservatives. (It feels like bullying to me).

And if you DO put up that sign, look to it with pride and recognize that the bullies might kick it over and play silly-buggers with it. But you have won if you pick it up, dust it off, and carry on proud to show your beliefs.

A quick visit to the ALP website (www.albertaliberal.ca) brings up the list of nominated candidates for Alberta. Take a close look - we are going to see some of these people representing us as our next MLA. Go visit your candidate and find out about getting involved.

Battle River-Wainwright: Horst Schreiber
Calgary-Bow: Greg Flanagan
Calgary-Buffalo: Kent Hehr
Calgary-Currie: Dave Taylor
Calgary-Egmont: Cathie Williams
Calgary-Elbow: Craig Cheffins
Calgary-Fish Creek: Laura Shutiak
Calgary-Foothills: Mike Robinson
Calgary-Fort: Carole Oliver
Calgary-Glenmore: Avalon Roberts
Calgary-Hays: Bill Kurtze
Calgary-Lougheed: Lori Czerwinski
Calgary-Mackay: Tianna Melnyk
Calgary-McCall: Darshan Kang
Calgary-Mountain View: David Swann
Calgary-North Hill: Pat Murray
Calgary-North West: Dale D’Silva
Calgary-Nose Hill: Len Borowski
Calgary-Shaw: John Roggeveen
Calgary-Varsity: Harry Chase
Calgary-West: Beth Gignac
Cypress-Medicine Hat: Dick Mastel
Drumheller-Stettler: Tom Dooley
Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview: Dawit Isaac
Edmonton-Calder: Jim Kane
Edmonton-Castle Downs: Chris Kibermanis
Edmonton-Centre: Laurie Blakeman
Edmonton-Decore: Bill Bonko
Edmonton-Ellerslie: Bharat Agnihotri
Edmonton-Gold Bar: Hugh MacDonald
Edmonton-Glenora: Bruce Miller
Edmonton-Manning: Sandeep Dhir
Edmonton-McClung: Mo Elsalhy
Edmonton-Meadowlark: Debbie Cavaliere
Edmonton-Mill Creek: Aman Gill
Edmonton-Mill Woods: Weslyn Mather
Edmonton-Riverview: Kevin Taft
Edmonton-Rutherford: Rick Miller
Edmonton-Whitemud: Nancy Cavanaugh
Lethbridge-East: Bridget Pastoor
Little Bow: Everett Tanis
Medicine Hat: Karen Charlton
Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills: Tony Vonesch
St. Albert: Jack Flaherty
Sherwood Park: Louise Rogers
Spruce Grove-Sturgeon-St. Albert: Ray Boudreau
Stony Plain: Bill Fraser
Strathcona: Jon Friel
Wetaskiwin-Camrose: Keith Elliott
West Yellowhead: Lisa Higgerty