MLA Report – Oct 8

A big hello to all my constituents. As October begins people are starting to pay a lot more attention to the upcoming Federal election. This election matters. We are faced with competing visions of how this country can move forward. We in the Wildrose believe that you are best equipped to decide where your hard earned dollars should be spent and how to educate your children, not the government. We believe that our federal government should treat all provinces and people equally, advocate for our national interests, protect the vulnerable, and keep us all safe.
We believe that you should say the same thing in French as you do in English, and say the same thing in Ontario as you do in Alberta, unlike certain federal parties and our current provincial government. We’re not embarrassed to be proud Albertans! Playing one region of our great country against another leaves us all poorer. We have been campaigning for Martin Shields, the Conservative candidate in the new Bow River riding, and for other Conservative candidates as we believe they best exemplify our values. Please consider the issues carefully, make up your own minds, and VOTE. Cemeteries around the world bear witness to the sacrifices Canadians have made to give you this privilege.
While on the topic of freedom and sacrifice, I was proud to be invited to speak at the grand opening of the new RCMP office here in Chestermere. Deputy Commissioner Marianne Ryan, Chief Superintendent Frank Smart, and other senior RCMP staff joined Deputy Mayor Chris Steeves, council, MLA Stephanie Maclean representing the government, and others in dedicating the new facility. It was great to see the former detachment commander, Staff Sergeant Glen Henry, lead the march from City Hall to the detachment offices. The RCMP helicopter made an appearance also. Dawn Nelson, the RCMP chaplain, gave moving prayers to open and close the ceremony. The officers and civilian staff of our local detachment are truly members of our community and we all sleep better knowing they are on the job.
I have just returned from the second leg of the Northern Energy Tour, listening to people in Bonnyville, Cold Lake, and Wolf Lake. The technology on display is a tribute to the efforts of our energy companies and the hard working people they employ to provide this country with the energy it needs while protecting the environment. The entire country benefits from Alberta’s energy and it is time that our provincial government made the case forcefully that pipelines to get our products to tidewater are in the national interest. Sadly, they seem more interested in advancing the agenda of their federal counterparts and special interest groups.
Thanks to the Wildrose, the government has reversed big raises for senior public servants such as the auditor general. Nobody denies that these people serve us well but they are very well paid as it stands. The government doesn’t seem to realize that faced with an economic crisis, the public sector must share in the sacrifices necessary to keep spending under control. Why should private sector employees bear the entire burden? It was also good to see them reverse their decision to send three of their MLAs on a costly junket to Boston. For an ethics conference. What is ethical about international boondoggles when thousands of Albertans are losing their jobs? Ask yourself: Should our government representatives need to be taught ethical behaviour?
The ongoing golf course fiasco should serve as a warning to the government about the dangers of subsidizing private business. Turns out the operators were smarter than the previous government and it would cost more to break the contract than to continue. Nobody denies the Kananaskis golf course is a world class tourist attraction but when partnering with the private sector the taxpayers shouldn’t be taking all the risk. A certain upgrader also comes to mind given the words of a former PC finance minister. Consider these examples carefully when the government speaks about risking billions of tax dollars on refineries. If they were such a great investment don’t you think our oil companies are smart enough to have built them themselves? As they say, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. And you and your children get to pay.
The coming weekend is Thanksgiving. We are blessed to live in a wonderful province in the greatest country in the world. Enjoy your turkey (or tofurkey!), mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and in particular the company of family and friends. Please spare a thought and a donation for those less fortunate members of our society. Best wishes to all.