With news recently of the Alberta government hiding information on royalty issues  and a senior minister in the Alberta government stopping off in Hawaii for personal pleasure on the taxpayer’s bill, it may be easy to lose trust in our political representatives and to dismiss politics altogether.  More than ever we need everyone engaged in the political process. Nothing else will ensure that politicians speak truthfully and act in the public interest.

Our governments make decisions about how our wealth is shared and that vulnerable people receive essential services. These decisions must be fair and if they are not, it is our duty to hold representatives accountable and demand change.

All of us need to listen and act on signs of dishonesty and corruption wherever we see it. Only then can we renew our democratic system and create safer, healthier communities for us all.

How do you think we can make our political system more accountable to citizens? I welcome your ideas. 

Alberta Minister Defends Hawaiian Stopover

CBC News 

Alberta Deputy Premier Ron Stevens made a three-day pit stop in Hawaii on a 2003 winter trip to Australia for government business, a CBC investigation has shown. Stevens, also the province’s justice minister, was the minister responsible for gaming when he travelled to Australia in January 2003 to study that country’s gambling system. 

Stevens defended the stopover Tuesday, saying it was a short layover to break up a long flight and was taken to save money. “I don’t recall whether it was a three-day stop or not,” Stevens said when questioned about the trip. 

“But I do recall that we did it in that fashion because it was less expensive than flying business class. In other words, it was the most economic way of doing it.”  Credit card statements obtained under Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act show meals and drinks for Stevens, his wife and four others during their Honolulu stay were paid for with government cards, which is against the rules.