David Swann: Blog

Dr. David Swann is the elected member of the Alberta Legislature for Calgary Mountain View and the Liberal critic for the Health and Wellness, Human Services, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Aboriginal Relations.

David Swann: Blog - Dr. David Swann is the elected member of the Alberta Legislature for Calgary Mountain View and the Liberal critic for the Health and Wellness, Human Services, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Aboriginal Relations.

Monthly Archives: December 2009

On Education

The Alberta Liberal Caucus believes that all students have the right to receive the best possible education. Alberta’s students should not have to suffer as a result of inadequate planning by the Stelmach Administration. Albertans saw what happened in the early 1990s when this Government made drastic and painful changes to our education system under the cover of a sham consultation process. Now it seems as though those mistakes are being repeated.

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. A large part of our job as Official Opposition is bringing forward the issues and concerns of Albertans – we have heard from students, parents, teachers, and trustees from across this province and we want to bring forward your concerns to the government and to the public.

This government needs to start viewing education as an investment priority, rather than a liability. The Alberta Liberals have a plan for fiscal sustainability that would see money properly invested in the Heritage Fund, where it could then earn interest to fund government initiatives, of which education should be a priority. Details on our fiscal and education policies can be found on our webpage at www.albertaliberalcaucus.com

We’d like to hear from you on this issue. To contact us click HERE

David

Human Rights Day

On behalf of all Alberta Liberal MLAs, I encourage all Albertans to take a moment today to acknowledge Human Rights Day, which is celebrated around the world to recognize the adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

That includes freedom of speech, which many in Alberta hesitate to exercise because they fear they’ll lose their jobs – particularly in the public sector. A culture of intimidation exists, which is why I believe so strongly in the need for whistleblower protection for Albertans and why I’m so impressed by those that speak out despite the risk of punishment.

Here’s another example. Bill 44, forced through this past spring, jeopardizes the education our children are entitled to as stated in the Declaration by hampering the promotion of understanding, tolerance and friendship. When teachers do not have the freedom to teach an inclusive curriclum, the spirit of the Declaration is diminished.

Human rights must be fought for every day, even here in Alberta – perhaps especially here, where it is too easy to take our rights for granted. The Official Opposition will continue to fight threats to the fundamental rights of Albertans.

David