MLA Report Oct 29

Hello All! Things have certainly changed on the federal scene with a majority Liberal Government. Hopefully the new Prime Minister will remember that a prosperous Canada cannot exist without a prosperous Alberta and will work to ensure market access for our exports. Congratulations to Martin Shields, John, Barlow, and Blake Richards. Their victories mean that our provincial riding will have 3 strong advocates for our interests. Thanks to Kevin Sorenson, who won again but has been replaced by Martin Shields due to redistribution. You worked hard over the years for your Chestermere – Rocky View constituents. Congratulations also to all the candidates, win or lose. Democracy depends on diverse voices. And finally, thanks to departing Prime Minister Harper. Like him or not, Canada weathered the economic storms of the last few years better than any other G7 country. He kept us safe, kept our taxes low, and stood up for Canadian values. You have left an incredibly difficult job with grace and dignity.
As you read this the provincial government will have introduced their first budget. We will have a lot to say about it and we want to hear from you! Please give us your input. The Wildrose party is all about listening to Albertans. On that note, the Wildrose AGM will be held November 13 & 14 at the Coast Plaza Hotel in Calgary. You can debate policy, meet our MLAs and vote on initiatives to improve our ability to advocate for you! Please visit www.wildrose.ca for further details and to purchase a ticket.
Speaking of listening, on October 22 I had the privilege of speaking to the Southern Alberta Council of Public Affairs in Lethbridge on Alberta Energy Issues, Possibilities and Dangers. If I can summarize my speech it would be to say that while everyone wants Albertans to receive their fair share of our energy wealth we cannot consider issues such as royalties or taxation in isolation. There is a very real danger that ill-considered measures will result in less, not more, revenue for the provincial government as affected companies reduce spending, employment (over 50,000 job losses already) and the effects ripple far beyond the oil patch. Reduced revenue means less money for health care, education, and all the services that Albertans need. Contrary to the statements of our premier, far from being so-called “embarrassing cousins” we are world leaders in environmental protection. In energy matters we are second to none. Of course, we can do better but we need to listen and provide a stable investment climate to attract the capital we need that supports the livelihood of over 135,000 Albertans and thousands more across the country.
If the budget isn’t scary enough Halloween is upon us. Please bring your little ones by the Constituency Office on Halloween from 4 to 6 PM. I and my staff would love to see you there! Teal Pumpkins at the door signal that in addition to peanut free candy we will have treats for kids who cannot have any candy at all. For a great article on Becky Basalone and the Teal Pumpkin Initiative, please read “Halloween Goes Teal”, by Michelle Young in last week’s Anchor. It’s available on the Anchor website. Kids, we promise: no toothbrushes!