“A fresh wind is blowing” in Alberta

Outside my running life, I desperately cling onto my job as a newspaper reporter.

We’re a dying breed.

But some days I just want to ignore my spidey senses, attend events and witness history as one of the people. Sunday was just the perfect day. Alberta’s 17th premier Rachel Notley was sworn in on the grounds of the legislature in Edmonton. I had to be there. Sure I could have snagged press credentials but I just wanted to enjoy the moment. (Maybe I am slipping.)

I had to go to MEC for a tent and trail shoes so I made a day of it. I haven’t been to Edmonton since last year. I love the grit of the city. Not the potholes, mind you. A slight detour because of a running event (the irony) threw my GPS out of whack. But a nice police officer helped me with directions. He also ignored the fact that I was using my iPhone as a GPS device.  
 

After picking up my trail shoes, I headed off to Legislature grounds. I parked in a public parking spot because I didn’t want to drive around and fight for a parking spot. I am going to ignore how expensive it was. When I arrived to the grounds there were only about 200 people milling about.

 

But as you can see, only an hour later there were thousands of people. Whew! I arrived early enough to secure a spot on the steps. I didn’t want to fight with people to get a glimpse of the new cabinet and premier.

 

What an amazing day. I still can’t believe I am in Alberta. I have never seen reaction like this for a swearing in of a government. Crazy times indeed. There was thunderous applause whenever Notley spoke. People were crying (I’m serious) crying all around me. Notley and her cabinet were treated like rockstars, not elected politicians.

Clearly the people believe this change is long overdue.

4 Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing this event with us. I wasn't able to be there but appreciate your perspective. It is an exciting and hopeful time for us, here in Alberta.

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