Municipal governments in Edmonton and Calgary are trying to revitalize their downtown cores – but school closures make it impossible to attract families. Up to 70 schools in Edmonton alone could be on the chopping block thanks to the Stelmach administration’s education cutbacks. And if all the schools under review in Calgary were closed that would be that city’s largest closure of schools ever.

A school is the heart of any neighbourhood, but this administration doesn’t care about the very real possibility of hollowing out the metro cores of our two largest cities. These decisions have far-reaching ramifications, and if we don’t want Edmonton and Calgary to look like Detroit in ten or twenty years, the Premier and the Minister of Education should rethink their position.

I support a thorough review of the way government handles school closures, and demand that plans to close schools cease until that review is complete.

Five years ago, former Education Minister Gene Zwozdesky indicated that the procedure for closing schools should be reviewed. Last month, current Education Minister Dave Hancock again said “We are looking at our school closure regulations.” Why should we believe him, when five years have already gone by since the Tories last made this promise?

Closing down schools also defeats much of the purpose of the Stelmach administration’s own land-use framework to reduce sprawl and encourage development of city cores.

The right hand of this administration doesn’t know what the left is doing. The Premier needs to sort out his contradictory policies so that school boards and municipalities can work together to revitalize our cities.

I encourage parents and community leaders in Edmonton and Calgary’s cores to write or call their MLA, the Minister of Education and the Premier.

We all need to stand up for local schools.

Contact the Premier

Contact Dave Hancock- Minister of Education

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 me at: calgary.mountainview@assembly.ab.ca

David

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