The Legislative Assembly is set to
begin Thursday, February 4th at 3pm. This is an exciting
year of opportunities for the Alberta Liberal Caucus. As your MLA, and the
Leader of the Official Opposition, I have heard from Albertans across the
province that simply want common sense in our government!
We’re looking for a clear plan from the
Stelmach administration. Where is a plan for dealing with serious problems
in our economy, our energy sector, public services, education and health care?
Here’s what the Official Opposition
will be focusing on during this session, as we roll out new policy on economy,
healthcare and the environment:
Strengthening the Economy-
Albertans have the right to expect responsible planning and disciplined
spending, while protecting our basic human services. It’s time that this
government was held accountable for decisions that have slowed our economic
recovery and threatened our future stability.
I will work hard to see that the
diversification of Alberta’s economy and energy plan remains a priority, while
focusing on increasing the success of the oil and gas industry in this province
on multiple stakeholder levels. The Alberta Liberal Caucus will be
following up on Dave Taylor’s well-received policy on the oil and gas industry,
launched last week. If you would like to read more about our new oil and gas
policy for Alberta, please click here
Revitalizing Healthcare -
It’s time to go BACK TO BASICS. Every Albertan deserves a family doctor, and
all seniors in this province deserve quality affordable long-term care.
The Lieutenant (Health Minister) has
changed, but the General (Mr Stelmach) remains the same. I’m afraid that
we will see more serious problems in people’s ability to receive timely care
from a health professional – including prevention.
Protecting Social Services
– In these difficult economic times it is especially important that social
services remain available for our society’s most vulnerable persons. Persons
with developmental disability and their care-givers are reasonably upset by
threats to reduce basic services, safety and health.
The Alberta Liberal Caucus has long
challenged the Alberta government to provide more funding for Persons with
Developmental Disabilities (PDD) support programs. We deeply disagree with the
recent decision to force $6 million in cuts. It demonstrates this
government’s willingness to sacrifice vital services for the bottom line.
Defending Education
– A large part of my job is bringing forward the issues and concerns of my
constituents – I have heard from students, parents, teachers, and trustees from
within the constituency and across this province who are all concerned with
impending funding cuts to the education system.
Education is the most basic investment
we can make in our economic and social wellbeing. All students have the right
to receive the best possible education. As Alberta’s Official
Opposition, the Alberta Liberal Caucus will continue to challenge the Stelmach
Administration to adequately fund the education of Alberta’s children, both
K-12 and post-secondary.
In a time when there is so much
wasteful government spending, there’s no justification to slash public health
care, public education or crucially important programs, like those serving
people with developmental disabilities. To read a listing of alternative
cuts that an Alberta Liberal government would make, click here. We are
interested in your thoughts on our proposal.
I want to hear from you and your ideas
on how to make this great province of ours greater for all Albertans.
Please contact my office with any concerns, questions or comments you may have:
(403) 216-5445
calgary.mountainview@assembly.ab.ca
#102, 723 14th Street NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2A4