Alberta Non-Partisan League
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Alberta Non-Partisan League | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Former Provincial Party | |
| Founded | 1916 |
| Dissolved | 1920 |
| Leader | Lee Wilson |
| President | |
| Headquarters | 204-205 Leeson & Lineham Block Calgary, Alberta |
| Political ideology | populist |
| International alignment | none |
| Colours | Red |
| Website | none |
The Alberta Non-Partisan League was a minor provincial political party in Alberta, Canada. The league changed its name to the Non-Partisan Political League of Canada: Alberta Branch in 1917 as it prepared to move into federal politics. The party would changed its name yet again as the Farmers Non-Partisan Political League.
The league was formed to promote the active interest of farmers in the political arena, because it was felt that the Alberta Liberal and Conservative parties did not represent farmers. The non-partisan league conducted extensive meetings with interested farmers across rural Alberta.
The League ran one candidate in the June 1917 provincial election. J.E. Hillier finished third in a tight three way race in Pincher Creek.
Lorne Proudfoot future United Farmers of Alberta Member of the Legislative Assembly, had extensive involvement with the league, however he ran officially as an independent candidate for the Independent Political Association for the constituency of Acadia.
In the months that followed, the party became active in federal politics. The decision was made at a 1917 convention in Calgary. The Non-Partisan Political League of Canada was founded. It nominated three candidates in the December 1917 federal election. None were elected.
The league continued organizational efforts for the next few years, gathering a sizeable campaign fund, holding townhalls and increasing the member base. The league officially become the political arm of the United Farmers of Alberta around 1920. The ground work and organization done by the league helped the UFA win a 1920 by-election and the 1921 provincial election.
