Eric Linkord "Link" Byfield (December 5, 1951 – January 24, 2015) was a Canadian journalist, magazine publisher and political activist known for his role in Western Canadian conservative media and politics. He wrote columns, edited and published a provincial news magazine, and later moved into political organizing and advocacy. His writing and public activities focused on small‑government conservatism and issues affecting Alberta and the western provinces.
Career in journalism and publishing
Byfield served as editor and publisher of the weekly Alberta Report for eighteen years, a period during which the magazine became a prominent voice in conservative and regional commentary. Through columns and editorial direction he sought to highlight the political and cultural concerns of Alberta readers, and the magazine regularly addressed topics such as provincial autonomy, resource policy and fiscal conservatism.
Political activity and advocacy
Outside journalism, Byfield helped establish new organizations and political groupings aimed at advancing conservative principles in Alberta. He was a founder of the Citizens Centre for Freedom and Democracy, an advocacy group that promoted individual liberty, limited government and democratic engagement. In 2007 he was involved in the founding of the Wildrose movement, which grew into a formal political party that challenged the provincial status quo and emphasized grassroots participation.
Roles and public profile
- Columnist and commentator on provincial and national issues
- Editor and publisher of a regional weekly news magazine
- Founder of advocacy organizations focused on freedom and democracy
- Early organiser in the movement that produced the Wildrose Party
Byfield's public profile combined media work with direct political engagement; he used editorial platforms to shape debate and helped convert grassroots sentiment into organized political action. His approach reflected a strand of Western Canadian conservatism attentive to provincial rights, resource development and skepticism of centralized authority.
Death and legacy
Link Byfield died on January 24, 2015 in St. Albert, Alberta at the age of 63. The cause of death was complications of liver and esophageal cancer. Obituaries and remembrances noted his influence on provincial political discourse and the role he played in nurturing conservative media and political institutions. For further reading on his life and work see contemporary profiles and retrospectives of his journalism and political involvement via archival and biographical sources.