EDMONTON - The latest polling data shows that the Alberta Progressive Conservative party is continuing to bleed support to the emerging Wildrose Alliance.

In the early days of the Wildrose Alliance, the PC government led by Ed Stelmach was certainly guilty of underestimating the ability of the Wildrose movement - this, however, is no longer a valid excuse for inaction. For several months political commentators and news media sites (such as this one) have been warning that Albertans are not a timid, callow bunch. Rather than suffer poor leadership, Albertans will opt for a new government.

Whereas in other provinces this may simply amount to temporary vacillations between centrist Liberal and Conservative parties, in Alberta it has meant forging a new party altogether. This on its own should have been enough to galvanize the governing PC party to tighten its ship, refocus its priorities and engage Albertans.

The latest Environics research and polling data confirms the unfortunate reality that these warning have not been heeded - or perhaps that the current government has lost touch with its priorities.

The PC Party sits at 34%, whereas the Wildrose have climbed four points to a virtual tie at 32%. It would be foolish to disregard this polling data - especially as it reflects an ongoing trend.

The handling of the healthcare portfolio continues to push disgruntled Albertans towards the Wildrose, and unless the government's shortcomings are addressed quickly, the PC party will continue to see their support wane.

The healthcare portfolio needs to be handled responsibly, yet as Ed Stelmach continues to bungle he is losing support - within the party and without. This month, doctors warned of an impending collapse of the province's ER units due to overcrowding and wait times. When junior health minister Raj Sherman spoke up about his concerns he was thrown out of the caucus. This is the type of person who should be heard, not silenced. Such poor political interference in healthcare may be the downfall of this government. While Ed Stelmach refuses to acknowledge the looming healthcare crisis, Albertans have overwhelmingly indicated that healthcare ought to be the number one priority right now.

Wildrose leader Danielle Smith agrees. "You don't solve a crisis and a problem by denying that it exists."