The Conservative government likes to talk the talk about economic diversification and sustainability, but when will we see any real action?

We need to strive for that balance of supporting the pillars of our current resource-based economy while at the same time transitioning to a more sustainable way of living. It is no easy task to reevaluate those aspects of our society which have become routine and comfortable but which are diminishing innovation and economic potential of current and future generations. Indeed, this transition will be difficult, especially in fragile economic times. For this reason, however, real action is more necessary than ever.

The actions and expressions of activists from around the province- even those actions which are unconventional and out of our comfort zone- might be the kick we need to change. These actions force us to ask: are we walking the talk? What active measures are we taking, as a concerned society, towards becoming more economically and environmentally sustainable?

Despite what other Alberta political parties might believe, we cannot wait passively in the hinterland and let the market achieve these sustainability objectives itself. We need a clear vision for a new economy based in energy efficiency, conservation, alternatives and renewable with incentives to level the playing field with carbon-based fuels. People who are taking action to become more sustainable, such as retrofitting their homes and exploring new transportation methods, should be encouraged. If the market doesn’t support these crucial social actions, governments must. Other provinces and countries are doing much more that Alberta. It’s time to show the leadership and gain a business advantage before it’s too late.

The peer-reviewed research of David Schindler’s team at the National Academy of Science on environmental pollution from oil sands development reveals that the Stelmach administration has not done nearly enough to protect Alberta’s watersheds or the international reputation of our oil and gas sector. Contrary to his government’s prior claims, toxic contamination of the Athabasca River can’t be entirely blamed on nature; oil sands development, including toxic tailings ponds, is almost certainly responsible. Slick communications strategies aren’t enough – the Premier must take direct action now.

Protecting human health and our lakes, rivers and wildlife requires independent, more accurate monitoring and enforcement. That means equipment and qualified specialists on the ground, with the tools, funding and enforcement powers necessary to do the job. Disincentives for polluters must have real teeth to encourage responsible development and restore our international reputation. This government’s decision to cut our environment department by $17.5 million this year speaks volumes about its priorities and its irrational fixation on public relations at the expense of real solutions.

Albertans want to be proud of our oil sands development. We’re leading the way in providing energy to the world; now we need to take the next step, by leading the way in real environmental protection. Human health, the economy and the environment are inextricably linked, and would be the top priorities of a David Swann government.

The release of a report last week investigating the death of a thirteen-month old child in foster care provides upsetting evidence of how our province continues to fail those who depend critically on our support: our children. The inadequate staffing and funding to this service were aggravated with millions of dollars of cuts in April of this year.

And this negligence hasn’t stopped. Since this child’s death in 2005, three more children have died in foster care. When will the current government insist on thorough and fail-safe background checks of foster parents, and provide adequate support to those foster parents who take on this immense service to society?

The mismanagement and continued strain on Children and Youth Services has to stop before the futures of even more young Albertans are compromised. This is yet another example of how the current government’s lack of basic business principles is costing future generations.

Some might say fossil fuels are Alberta’s greatest resource. I disagree. Our greatest resources are our children and grandchildren, who will continue to lead this province long after our economy has changed in ways the rest of the world is already moving.

To the Honourable Premier,

Without any provincial consultation, the federal government and Industry Minister Tony Clement have elected to eradicate Canada’s long-form census. We strongly disagree with this action as the long-form census provides crucial data needed to provide social programs and supports for those Canadians who require them. A voluntary version of the long-form census, preferred by Industry Minister Tony Clement, is a poor substitute as it would not supply the depth of information needed for government to make effective decisions and allocate resources appropriately, now and into the future.

One of the most concerning effects of changes to the mandatory long-form census will be the loss of reliable data used to track important social information such as family income, educational status, area of residency, and employment information. This is crucial data to have at hand when planning for health care delivery. It should be the goal of the Government of Canada, and the Province of Alberta, to reduce health inequalities wherever possible and the information gathered by the long-form census is an important tool in locating and analyzing social determinants of health. The information gathered by the long-form census is especially important for fast growing provinces like Alberta. We need this data to adapt to and understand the rapidly changing social and economic demographics in this province.

Alberta is currently the only province that has not come out in opposition to this decision. As Leader of Alberta’s Official Opposition, I feel it is my duty to urge you to join with other provinces in voicing these concerns to the federal government. It is time to be brave and make a stand – to stand up for Albertans and to stand against this irrational decision by Prime Minister Harper’s government.

It is the opinion of the Alberta Liberal Caucus that without the information provided by the mandatory long-form census, it will be very difficult to address many of the factors that contribute to the numerous health and social inequalities that exist in our great province. I urge you, as Premier, to take a stand and let Prime Minister Harper know that you oppose his government’s decision regarding the census.

Sincerely,

David Swann, MD
Leader of Alberta’s Official Opposition

I spent yesterday touring areas of Southern Alberta and meeting with people severely affected by this year’s floods. Hopefully we can get some help to these people who have gone through so much.

Please read the letter I sent today to Premier Stelmach, urging the government to step up and help these damaged communities.

David Swann
Leader of the Official Opposition

What: Join your MLA Dr. David Swann at his 6th Annual Stampede Breakfast!
LIVE MUSIC- COMMUNITY FAIR- PANCAKES- WESTERN FUN

Bring your families and friends for the best Calgary Mountain View party of the year!

We look forward to seeing you all there!

When: Saturday, July 17 – 8:30-11:30 am

Where: Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association
1320 5 Ave NW
Calgary, AB

- Please bring your own plates and cutlery to cut down on waste.
- The Calgary Food Bank will be taking your donations through out the morning as well!

I’m very disappointed that some passionate but misinformed Americans are urging their fellow citizens to cancel any plans to visit Alberta.

While I can understand someone’s passion to stand up for what they believe in, this is a misguided public relations war without a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

It also unfairly punishes all Albertans – including the people who work in our tourism sector and their families – for the perceived sins of one industry, an industry that not only fuels Canadian prosperity, but the US and world economies. Rethink’s strategy is also counterproductive; how can Alberta diversify its economy and move to something more sustainable if people sabotage our tourism sector, as this campaign does? Where’s the logic?

It’s true that the oil sands must be more carefully developed and monitored. Government has failed to set and enforce the highest standards and industry must do a far better job of reclaiming the water and land damaged by oil sands mining. But it is not true, as our detractors claim, that the oil sands are the number one menace to the environment. In fact, managed properly, the oil sands will be transformed with new, cutting-edge technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, eliminate tailings ponds and reclaim the environment. An Alberta Liberal administration would revive the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority and add a two to three cent/bbl levy on bitumen production; both of these initiatives would jump-start the development of the new green technologies we need.

I have little respect or sympathy for those who would boycott Alberta and deliberately harm families based on misinformation. To those with more open minds, I urge you to visit Alberta, talk to people in the industry – many of whom are working hard to reduce the environmental impact of the oil sands – and form an opinion based on a rational analysis of all the facts.

We all have a part to play in protecting the environment. But spreading misinformation and attacking all Albertans isn’t the way to do it.

Canada and Alberta need more markets for our oil and gas, and Enbridge’s plan to construct a pipeline to Kitimat would open up those markets for us. Combined with the Alberta Liberal plan to increase bitumen upgrading here in Alberta and western Canada, the pipeline would guarantee greater prosperity and economic security for all Canadians.

The federal Liberal plan to ban oil supertankers off Canada’s northwestern coast, diverting them to the port at Vancouver, is well-intentioned, but it would make the Kitimat project impossible. And even worse, the ban doesn’t serve the supposed goal of protecting the environment. Vancouver’s harbour is incredibly busy– a far riskier environment for spills than the less-used port at Kitimat.

If I were Premier, I would work with British Columbia to ensure this pipeline is built to the highest environmental and safety standards. And I would work with all Western Premiers to keep the economic benefits of upgrading here in Canada.

There’s an opportunity in Alberta for real political change. Albertans have lost trust in the Stelmach Conservatives and see a lurch to the Wildrose Alliance as a move from frying pan to fire. As the Conservatives fight I’m suggesting that we talk actively in the sensible center about the best way to achieve a centrist/progressive government in the next election. As the number one choice of progressive voters who want an alternative to the Tories it makes sense for the Alberta Liberals to take the lead with any cooperative venture among progressive and moderate parties.

Vote-splitting among progressive parties results in right-wing governments that don’t represent the majority of Albertans. It’s time for a new approach.

Our members voted in favour of closer “cooperation with other progressive political parties.” We respect our members and the principles of democracy and are doing what they asked us to do.

Any agreement on specific methods of cooperation will have to be approved by a vote of the party’s membership. This won’t be a back-room deal.

I am not so concened about right and left politics. I care more about right and wrong politics. How can we better reflect Albertans’ values and hopes for Alberta? That is what we should be giving our energy to.

I’m prepared to set aside our differences with other parties in search of a better way of governing this province. There’s a better way for us and for our children! Let’s work at it together.

Let’s Talk!

On behalf of my colleagues in the Official Opposition, I wish all Albertans a very safe and happy Canada Day.

Today, Canada turns 143 years old. I hope Albertans can take a moment to celebrate our heritage, remember our successes and look to our future.

For some Albertans, this will be their first Canada Day as Canadian citizens. Others will be continuing a longstanding family tradition. Whether new Canadian, First Nations or descendant of one of the many waves of immigrants from Confederation onward, I know that all Albertans will come together to celebrate Canada Day and Alberta’s contributions to our country.

On behalf of my caucus colleagues, again, I wish everyone a fun, invigorating and inspiring Canada Day.