New candidate in Alberta Liberal race wonders if party should change its name

David Swann said he is content to continue flying the Liberal banner for now, but a rebranding may be needed as the the party tries to rebuild itself in the conservative fortress that is Alberta.

"Liberal in Alberta has some baggage from the federal Liberals," said Swann, who represents the constituency of Calgary Mountain View in the legislature and is the Opposition critic for the environment, sustainable resources and aboriginal relations.

"Over the next few years we may need to revisit the name of the Alberta Liberal Party. If the majority of our party members say it's time to change the name, then it's time to change the name.

"It is one of many areas within this party that needs to be examined and examined closely."

Swann has never shied away from saying things that have the potential to create controversy.

A medical doctor by trade, he decided to enter politics after he was fired from his job as a medical health officer in 2002 for publicly supporting the Kyoto accord.

"It's clear that I have been raising serious questions, especially since the last election when we had such a poor turnout," he acknowledged.

"I actually raised the question of should we be starting a new party? Should we be changing the name of the Liberal party?"

The Liberals received 26 per cent of the popular vote in the March provincial election but lost almost half their seats, dipping to nine from 16. The Progressive Conservatives won the election in a landslide.

Liberal Leader Kevin Taft announced in June he was stepping down at the end of the year.

The federal Liberals, too, have had a tough time gaining traction in the province.

The national energy program Pierre Trudeau's Liberal government instituted in the early 1980s has never been forgotten in Alberta. More recently, federal Liberal Leader Stephane Dion's plans for a carbon tax have been met with vocal opposition in the province.

Swann joins fellow Calgary legislature member Dave Taylor and former MLA Mo Elsalhy in the contest for the top job.

Laurie Blakeman of Edmonton Centre had considered running, but announced Tuesday she wouldn't be.