Hello Chestermere! I would like to begin by thanking the Chestermere Anchor City News for their efforts to keep our citizens informed, entertained, and made aware of our fine local businesses. I truly value the opportunity to give you my perspective on the issues. As you know the 29th Legislature is in full swing and we are starting to see the government’s priorities for this session. The very first Bill to be put forward was Bill 1 (go figure). This Bill is named the Promoting Job Creation and Diversification Act which allows the Minister to create and regulate programs. This is actually the mandate laid out in the Minister’s job description. It is interesting that there was a need to create legislation to describe what the Minister would be responsible for. We in the Wildrose would prefer action to mission statements. We have had the pleasure of debating interim supply as well as supplemental supply since we do not have a budget. The question is of course, why is the budget delayed again? We are not sure, but I hope the government is exchanging ideology for common sense. The Wildrose unveiled its 12 point jobs program this week and to quote the Leader of the Opposition, “We hope it is taken in the spirit with which it was intended”. It features reasonable, common sense ideas to help Albertans get back to work, upgrade their skills, reduce red tape, lower small business taxes, and take advantage of our knowledge infrastructure. These are positive and tangible solutions and steps that have been offered by us to help our government and Albertans. The Premier is being coy but we think she may be getting at least part of the message. To see our jobs program have a look at www.wildrose.ca. We want to see business confidence and competitiveness gain some ground again. The government’s job during an economic downturn is to not cause more harm. Our unemployment rate has hit its highest level in 20 years. We need our government to show us some hope and thoughtful ideas as to how they are going to move forward to help our province and our citizens. Hiring a top AUPE union negotiator to handle the government side of negotiations with public sector unions does not inspire confidence: it is like having the “fox guard the hen house” as was stated by my colleague Derek Fildebrandt. Smaller public sector wage increases are not exactly “restraint”. The government needs to help job creators create jobs, and stand up for pipelines. We need to look at the diversity that already exists and play on our strengths as a province.
Mark 6 PM April 2, 2016 on your calendars and plan on attending our Light It Up Blue In Delacour fundraiser in support of Autism Canada and Inclusion Alberta. Held at the Delacour Hall we will be featuring a Chili Cookoff competition with some celebrity judges. Think you make good chili? Prove it! Win bragging rights to “Best Chili In Chestermere – Rocky View”. Our theme is employment for these very ABLE people and we will have some great speakers who can PROVE that our autistic friends could be the best hires you ever made. Enter a Chili Team ($150 fee), sponsor us, or just come out (free entry although we welcome donations) and lets help these young people become productive, tax paying citizens of our great province. Check out www.facebook.com/LightItUpBlueInDelacour, call Pete at 403-700-5437, or stop in at my office. Let’s step up, Alberta, it’s what we do! As always, we love to hear from you.
