MLA Report Nov 12

Hello to all my constituents. Those of you who attended the Cenotaph dedication last Friday saw the culmination of almost 6 years of hard work by Ray Hessler and the rest of the Cenotaph Committee. Her Honour Lois Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, gave a most moving address. The Cenotaph was the site of this week’s Remembrance Day service and will serve as an inspiration and cause for reflection for many years to come. Now that these events have passed us, I would like to say a few words about the Veterans Food Bank. In conjunction with the Calgary Poppy Fund they assist needy veterans and their families throughout the region with food, household necessities, assistance with medical devices and care, rides to the hospital, etc. While Chestermere and Rocky View have once again shown the generosity that characterizes this riding during the season of remembrance, this is an ongoing need. I am pleased to announce that my constituency office will accept donations to the Veterans Food Bank throughout the year. Stop in or drop us a line and we can let you know what they are looking for. The Veterans Food Bank is located at 4539 – 6 St. NE, Calgary, phone 403-265-6304. They also have an ongoing need for volunteers to help with hampers, stocking shelves, etc. Call them or stop in at the office and we can give you a package describing the opportunities to help.
We also are serving as a drop off location for Christmas With Dignity.
Thanks to the Wildrose, last week the government was forced to apologize for inviting people to pay $250 for access to the Premier and Cabinet. The government exists to serve all Albertans, not just the ones who voted them in. Remember their apology for using the swearing in ceremony (paid for by taxpayers) as another party fundraising opportunity? It seems they just don’t get it. The previous government was notorious for this also. It’s OK to steal ideas from other parties, but why do they insist on stealing the bad ones?
It looks like 80% of the money they are raising with their 2.7 billion dollar tax hike is going to pay for public sector wage increases. They have flatly rejected even asking the public sector unions to agree to a wage freeze to help out. Is this fair to all the Albertans who have lost their jobs or risk losing them? You be the judge.