MLA Report Dec 10

Hello to all my constituents! Thursday, December 10 is Human Rights Day, celebrating the 1948 UN Universal Declaration Of Human Rights. See my statement at Facebook.com/ChestermereRockyview.
Well, it has been a busy week to say the least. The Wildrose has been leading the battle in the Legislature against Bill 6, the government’s so-called “farm safety” legislation. We have been begging them to simply withdraw the bill or put it before a Legislature committee where they can listen to the family farmers it affects. Protests are erupting all over the province. The government has refused. What is their agenda? Why are farmers suddenly second class citizens? Why, when the Alberta farm safety record is superior to that of the provinces whose legislation the government trumpets, are they in such a hurry? Good questions, I think you will agree. Here’s another good question. There are over 10 backbench government MLAs whose constituencies have many family farms. Why are they silent? We are getting hundreds of emails, etc. from their constituents asking us to be their voice since their MLA won’t listen. Have they forgotten that they work for their constituents? In the Wildrose we know that we work for you. We are your voice. To reinforce that, last week I had the honour of introducing Bill 206, the Recall Act. The Recall Act would allow any constituent to raise a petition to recall their MLA. If successful, the seat would be declared vacant and a by-election would be held. This would allow voters to hold their MLA accountable between general elections. The bill provides for a $5,000 fee to raise the petition which would serve to discourage frivolous recall attempts. This is a longstanding Wildrose policy plank and every one of my Wildrose colleagues supports it. Seems to me a few government MLAs were in favour of this when they were in opposition and we certainly hope they would support it now. You may download the Recall Act at www.assembly.ab.ca or stop by my office and we will be happy to supply you with a copy.
Last Thursday, with nearly 2,000 family farmers on the steps of the Legislature asking the government to listen, it was heartwarming to see the protest begin with a reminder that they were collecting for the Food Bank. In the middle of a fight for their livelihood they thought of the less fortunate. These people care for their neighbours. They don’t need the government to tell them to help, they just DO IT. In that vein, please donate to Christmas With Dignity. This initiative helps the needy in Chestermere and nearby. They welcome new or gently used toys and clothes. The Children’s Store will allow needy kids to buy presents for their moms, dads, and siblings for a nominal fee. A special thanks to our office neighbours Trend Fashions who have offered lots of high quality clothes and also gift certificates for the Children’s Store. Stop in at City Hall, my office, or go online and check out www.Chestermere.ca/cwd. In these tough times let’s do what we can to help our neighbours out. The generosity of Chestermere – Rocky View residents continues to amaze me, and I am so proud to represent you.