January 4, 2010 | News/Issues

Jumping Ship

Two Tory back-benchers jumped to the WRA today, raising the stakes for Mr Stelmach's government. While I don't have much interest in getting into 'domestic disputes' (these are disenchanted Tories) this opens up the sensible center where the Alberta Liberals stand. People are hungry for moral government with a business-like approach to financial management, resource development, and public services.  

Elected Tories are now going to make a decision about staying with a sinking ship, moving hard to the Right or moving to the center, where a balance of public and private provide for Alberta for the longer term. 

This is good news for political revival in Alberta!

November 27, 2009 | News/Issues

Statement on the Stelmach Administration's Quarterly Financial Update

The Stelmach administration’s latest quarterly financial update is short on details but paints a compelling picture of Conservative leadership failures.

 The update claimed $430 million in savings, but noted $575 million in new expenditures.  It also notes that over half the Stelmach administration’s cuts are to core public services, which are vital to Alberta’s prosperity and social fabric.

 A responsible government wouldn’t use its own wasteful spending as an excuse to cut core public services such as education, children’s services and health care. For Lloyd Snelgrove to claim that government has been at the public trough for ten years is true, but his administration is punishing the wrong people.

 The Alberta Liberal cost savings plan takes a different approach, saving $577 million by reducing the size of cabinet, eliminating the Public Affairs Bureau, and cutting wasteful spending such as subsidies for horseracing and grants to golf courses.

 If this administration were really serious about cost savings, they would take a long, hard look in the mirror and cut back on the fat. But it’s been a long time since Alberta has enjoyed that kind of leadership, and we won’t get it back until Albertans choose a different government.

June 17, 2009 | News/Issues

Swann hopes to meet 10,000 Albertans this summer

Calgary – David Swann, Leader of the Official Opposition, began his Leader's Tour of the province this past Monady at Good Earth Café in Calgary's Glenmore Landing.

Swann's goal is to meet as many Albertans as possible.

“As Leader of the Official Opposition, one of my most important duties is listening to Albertans. I want to hear your concerns, your challenges, and your hopes for the future,” Swann says.

The first day of Swann's tour features stops in Calgary, Red Deer, Leduc and Edmonton. Later this summer, Swann will try to visit every major festival, rodeo and significant community gathering in the province. He will also arrange one-on-one meetings with community leaders, doctors, nurses, social workers, seniors, youth, aboriginals as well as representatives from the energy industry, environmentalist groups, human rights activists, labourers, small business owners, farmers – citizens from all walks of life. 

“I want to listen to everyone who has a story to tell or a dream to share,” Swann says. “We live in challenging times, but that's when Albertans are at their best. Together we can get the economy back on track, fix our health care system, protect the environment and build safer communities.”

“Albertans have the solutions to today's problems – they just need someone to listen and act.”

June 8 2009 | News/Issues

Another session in the Alberta Legislative Assembly has come to an end. Here are some of the important issues I have been engaged with as your MLA.

Alberta's Healthcare System has been so disrupted by the lack of a clear plan combined with a lack of input from the professionals striving to to make it work. What is absent from the dramatic re-structuring has been the return to essential care - family doctors, adequate beds, and nurses, long term care and prevention programs. Without these basic elements we are experiencing longer wait times, decreased quality and wasted expenditures.

"The changes this Premier has made to health care this past year have created anything but progress. Through this whole experiment the Premier and his minister have released no information and left the public and professionals guessing as to what is coming next."

Bill 44 has created much consternation and concern in legislating the right - which has long existed in the School Act - of parents to be notified of curriculum covering contentious issues including sexuality and religion. The unfortunate effect of this is to create a chill on the teaching of controversial subjects.This risks entrenching dogmatism rather than honoring and trusting our publis education to provide a full discussion of the many different ways of living and believing.

What is the most pressing provincial issue for you today?

What do you think I should be doing about it?

For more issues that have been covered by the Alberta Liberal Caucus at the legislature please click here

A note regarding Bill 44 – The Human Rights, Citizenship, and Multicultural Amendment Act 2009.

My colleagues and I in Alberta 's Official Opposition have received many letters on this controversial bill.

The Alberta Liberal Caucus is extremely concerned with the potential ramifications of Bill 44. As this bill will give parents the right to remove their children from classes that deal with sexual orientation or with religion, many Albertans have expressed concerns that children may be pulled from classes dealing with concepts such as evolution. In addition, many of Alberta 's teachers are worried that they may be brought before a human rights tribunal should a parent lodge a complaint against them. Minister Blackett, Minister for Culture and Community Spirit, has commented that concerns and objections raised regarding the possible ramifications of the parental opt-out clause in Bill 44 were “not the intent” of the legislation. We in the Alberta Liberal Caucus find this argument ridiculous - the unintended consequences of legislation are just as real and important as the intended consequences.

The Stelmach Administration consulted with Christian groups and lobbyists in forming this bill but did not consult with the Alberta Teacher's Association . This is concerning. Government is not listening to teachers on legislation that will be affecting the way that they can teach Alberta 's children. The Alberta Teacher's Association has asked for Minister Blackett to completely remove section 11.1 of Bill 44 (the parental opt-out clause). The Alberta Liberal Caucus put forward an amendment to remove section 11.1 from Bill 44 – unfortunately, this amendment was rejected by the government.

As Alberta 's Official Opposition, the Alberta Liberal Caucus actively challenged the Stelmach Administration on Bill 44 (I have included several recent excerpts from Question Period with this letter). We called for a free vote on this bill, introduced several amendments, and debated the bill extensively in the Legislature (taking the debate past midnight on two separate occasions). Despite our best efforts the bill was ultimately passed, with every government MLA voting in favour of Bill 44.

If you believe that Bill 44 does not serve our children or public education please write to the Culture Minister Lindsay Blackett at:

#418 Legislature Building, 10800-97 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5K 2B6

Constituency Office
#29, 735 Ranchlands Blvd. NW Calgary, AB T3G 3A9

calgary.northwest@assembly.ab.ca

June 8, 2009 | News/Issues

Another session in the Alberta Legislative Assembly has come to an end. Here are some of the important issues I have been engaged with as your MLA.

Alberta's Healthcare System has been so disrupted by the lack of a clear plan combined with a lack of input from the professionals striving to to make it work. What is absent from the dramatic re-structuring has been the return to essential care - family doctors, adequate beds, and nurses, long term care and prevention programs. Without these basic elements we are experiencing longer wait times, decreased quality and wasted expenditures.

"The changes this Premier has made to health care this past year have created anything but progress. Through this whole experiment the Premier and his minister have released no information and left the public and professionals guessing as to what is coming next."

Bill 44 has created much consternation and concern in legislating the right - which has long existed in the School Act - of parents to be notified of curriculum covering contentious issues including sexuality and religion. The unfortunate effect of this is to create a chill on the teaching of controversial subjects.This risks entrenching dogmatism rather than honoring and trusting our publis education to provide a full discussion of the many different ways of living and believing.

What is the most pressing provincial issue for you today?

What do you think I should be doing about it?

For more issues that have been covered by the Alberta Liberal Caucus at the legislature please click here

June 2, 2009 | News/Issues

In the Red Ed and his Keystone Kops Cabinet: A Session in Review

A record deficit and a tarnished international image are this government's main accomplishments for 2009

Edmonton – As this year's spring session draws to a close, Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann says that the Stelmach administration's performance reached new lows of government fumbling and incompetence.

“During the spring sitting of the Legislature, this government has thrown our health care system into further chaos, tarnished our international reputation and harmed free speech and public education with bill 44, and brought forward the largest budget deficit in Alberta history,” Swann says. “It's a record to be ashamed of.”

This afternoon, Swann delivered a statement highlighting the accomplishments of his team of Alberta Liberal MLAs. 

“A lot of people don't believe that nine Alberta Liberal MLAs can succeed against 72 Tories. But we do succeed, both inside the Legislature and in our constituencies,” Swann said. “Dave Taylor's successful push to have the government cover the cancer drug Avastin will undoubtedly save lives.  We convinced the government to at least extend coverage for individuals who have started hormone treatment for gender reassignment surgery. We got the Premier to commit to a free vote on Bill 44, although I think we all know just how ‘free' that vote really was in the end.”

“We need a government that looks ahead, one that understands the law of unintended consequences and does the research before making decisions. We didn't have that government this session, and the people of Alberta are worse off because of it.”

May 26, 2009 | News/Issues

Swann calls on Premier to allow free vote on Bill 44

Edmonton – Flanked by Albertans opposed to the parental opt-out provisions of Bill 44 and several Alberta Liberal MLAs, Dr. David Swann, Leader of the Official Opposition, challenged Premier Stelmach to allow Tory MLAs a free vote on the controversial bill.

“We know that several Tory MLAs are very uncomfortable about the sections of this bill that damage our public education system,” Swann said. “I believe the Premier should allow his MLAs to follow their consciences today by allowing a free vote.” Swann will allow his own MLAs to vote freely on the bill.

Citizens concerned about free speech joined Dr. Swann in condemning the bill at the Legislature today.

“The Alberta Teachers Association, the Sheldon Chumir Foundation, the Alberta and Northwest Conference of the United Church, the Centre for Inquiry and other organizations have all issued strong statements opposing this bill,” said Laurie Blakeman, Shadow Minister of Culture and Community Spirit.

“Under the School Act, parents already have the ability to pull their children from classes on sexuality or religion,” Swann said. “But if the Premier enshrines this ability as a right, he will expose teachers to the spectre of lawsuits from offended parents. Premier Stelmach's Bill 44 will have a profound chilling effect on classroom discussion.”

The Alberta Liberals have introduced several amendments to the bill, including amendments to protect free speech and remove the opt-out clause. Yesterday Culture and Community Spirit Minister Lindsay Blackett said that the government would amend the bill, but made no promises that the opt-out clause would be removed.

Read the press here

May 25, 2009 | News/Issues

Liberals force government to blink on Bill 44

Edmonton – In response to direct questioning from Alberta Liberal Leader Dr. David Swann, Culture and Community Spirit Minister Lindsay Blackett admitted today that his government will amend Bill 44.

“Our public school system is designed to impart knowledge; it is not designed to reinforce dogma. Why is the government persisting in its attempt break down this core role of public education?” Dr. Swann asked in Question Period.

“We will make some amendments to make sure and clarify the intent of this caucus and this government…we will not put them in any undue circumstances, we will not cause them any undue pain, and tomorrow you will see that,” admitted Blackett in response.

“Intense opposition and weeks of relentless questioning from the Official Opposition have finally gotten through to the Premier, or at least so it seems,” Swann said. “However, we'll wait and see whether or not the amendments will actually satisfy the demands of Albertans.”

“Our hope is that the Stelmach administration will remove the parental opt-out clause,” added Laurie Blakeman, Shadow Minister for Culture and Community Spirit.

Swann and other Alberta Liberal MLAs are bringing several citizens concerned about Bill 44 to the Legislature tomorrow.

See the video of proceedings at the Legislature on bill 44 here

May 11, 2009 | News/Issues

We have been receiving a great deal of correspondence from concerned Albertans about Bill 44. Harry Chase , MLA for Calgary Varsity, recently asked some questions in the Legislative Assembly that help clarify some of the issues surrounding this controversial bill. Read Mr. Chase's questions and their answers here

April 27, 2009 | News/Issues

Alberta's Health Care System Weakened by Doctor Hiring Freeze

Statement from Dr. David Swann, MD

As a physician, I understand how serious the current outbreak of swine flu could be. Already, dozens of people across North America have lost family members, while many others are fighting the disease, some right here in Canada. On behalf of the Alberta Liberals, I extend our condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and our hopes and prayers to those battling the flu.

Because of swine flu concerns, increasing numbers of people with flu-like symptoms will be seeking medical care. Unfortunately, the Stelmach administration has allowed our public health care system to deteriorate, compromising our capacity to deal with a pandemic. And now, the Stelmach administration has frozen hiring of new physicians, refusing even to replace retiring doctors.

The Stelmach administration has disabled our health care system's ability to deal with not only the routine needs of our growing population, but extra demands like pandemics that responsible governments must plan for.

Thus far, the only government response has been to ask Albertans to help stop the spread of infection via common-sense measures such as hand washing, staying home from work when feeling sick, and so on. This is good advice, but as a response to a threat as serious as this, it is woefully inadequate.

For months, the Official Opposition has warned that the Stelmach administration is causing dangerous chaos in our public health care system. The Premier must reverse the physician hiring freeze immediately and take rapid steps to increase the capacity of the health care system: more beds, more health care professionals, more public health officers with the skills to combat infrequent but potentially serious disasters such as pandemics. 

April 07, 2009 | News/Issues | Download PDF

A Message from David Swann

As the snow slowly recedes and Albertans anticipate the coming warmth and greenery, your Alberta Liberal MLAs are hard at work in the Alberta Legislature, bringing your concerns to government and holding the Stelmach administration to account.

So far this spring, we've revealed how the government has failed to improve the health care system – in fact, their actions have not improved ER wait times or hospital capacity at all, and they've created over one billion dollars in health care deficits with no discernible benefit to Albertans.

We've also revealed government hypocrisy on belt-tightening. They're asking Albertans to sacrifice in this recession, and yet they've handed out tens of millions of dollars in bonuses to top-level bureaucrats who already earn extremely generous salaries. Not to mention massive increases in frivolous hosting expenses.

And we've seen that the government continues to fail the people when it comes to protecting our environment, with the revelations that the government has helped cover up pollution of the Athabasca river and the true extent of the number of birds killed in toxic tailings ponds.

There is some reason for optimism, too. We support the government's long-awaited land use strategy, and we'll push for its full implementation. And even though Alberta faces economic challenges, your Official Opposition will work hard to ensure that the government puts people first.

With budget debates looming large in Alberta, we're giving Albertans a chance to have their say on the budget. Visit http://www.budget2009.ca or call our toll free number, 1-888-886-2834. Leave us a message and let us know your thoughts on the government's budget priorities. You can even have us ask a question for you in the Alberta Legislature. This is a great way for Albertans to have their voices heard in this critical debate; please take advantage of this opportunity.

I hope you enjoy the beauty of spring and the summer to come. Please remember that the Official Opposition exists to serve the public, and that we are happy to bring your concerns and ideas to the Alberta Legislature. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

Dr. David Swann, MD

MLA - Calgary Mountain View
Leader, Official Opposition of Alberta

March 09, 2009 | News/Issues

Swann to Attend Calgary Premiere of ‘Downstream' and Participate in Post-Film Panel Discussion 

Calgary -- Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann will attend this evening's Calgary premiere of Downstream , an Oscar shortlisted film that examines the potential impact of oilsands extraction on the residents of Fort Chipewyan .

Following the screening, Swann will participate in a panel discussion featuring former Fort Chipewyan community physician Dr. John O'Connor, investigative journalist Andrew Nikiforuk, Downstream Director Leslie Iwerks and Producer Philip Alberstat.

March 4, 2009 | News/Issues

Oil Sands Giveaway Greater than Value of Heritage Fund

Edmonton - The Alberta Liberals have released corporate documents showing that the Government's recent royalty deal with Syncrude will cost Albertans over $18 billion – a loss of public wealth significantly greater than the entire value of the Heritage Fund.

The astounding figures come from documents released by Canadian Oil Sands, the largest single stakeholder in the Syncrude Consortium. One of their news releases clearly states that the royalty deal causes the value of Canadian Oil Sands' stake to increase by 12 per cent.

“This is one of the biggest corporate giveaways this province has ever seen,” says Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann. “And it comes at a time when Albertans can least afford it.”

Swann also pointed out that the $18 billion covers only the amount handed over to Syncrude.

“Suncor got a similar deal, but Albertans don't know the size of that giveaway, because this government refuses to open the books,” he continues. “Albertans should not have to be shareholders in Syncrude or Suncor to find out how many billions are being handed over for corporate megaprofits.”

Swann challenged the Government to come clean on the full lifetime cost of the two deals.

“If Canadian Oil Sands Trust can work out how much the government is giving them, this government should know as well – and they should be honest with Albertans about that.

Imagine what could have been done with that lost revenue – the impact it could have had on providing better supports for the disadvantaged, for developing better health care and a green economy.”

February 17, 2009 | News/Issues

Peter Lougheed Centre Renovations/Health Services in the Calgary Region

Dr. Swann : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Alberta's health care system is in turmoil, and the minister of health is not making a positive contribution to the situation. 

“The minister stated this weekend, and I quote: he is sick and tired of people whining about not enough health care facilities. End quote. My first question to the Premier: does the Premier stand behind the minister's comments?” READ MORE

February 12, 2009 | News/Issues

Dr. Swann's Response to the Speech from the Throne

Excerpts From The Response to the Speech from the Throne

As Leader of the Official Opposition, and an immensely proud Albertan, it is my privilege and duty today to challenge the government's flawed premises and assumptions as outlined in yesterday's Speech from the Throne. With no disrespect I offer an alternative vision of our future – the future of a great province of unparalleled potential. I acknowledge that there are some good ideas within the speech, but it fails to answer the question most Albertans are asking – “Where are we going? What is the long-term vision for a different – a better – future?” READ MORE

January 14, 2009 | New Shadow Cabinet Announced

As the new Leader of the Alberta Liberals, Dr. Swann recently announced changes to the Shadow Minister positions.

Full story here

Dr. David Swann Elected the New Leader of the Alberta Liberal Party

December 15, 2008

Members of the Alberta Liberal Party elected Dr. David Swann as the new leader of the Alberta Liberal Party which also means that he is now the Leader of the Official Opposition.

It was a first ballot victory with 2468 votes for Swann, 1616 for Dave Taylor and 491 for Mo Elsalhy.  Dr. Swann was selected by Liberal Party members through a mail in ballot after a four month campaign. 

December 6, 2008

Land Use Framework Unveiled

The Tory government has unveiled the final draft of the Alberta Land Use Framework, and there's no time to wait, say Dr. Swann and other opposition MLAs.

" In the legislature, opposition MLAs called on the government to act quickly and decisively. Liberal MLA David Swann said a business-as-usual approach would mean a "compromised future" for Alberta" writes the Calgary Herald's Kelly Cryderman. READ MORE (PDF)

David Swann on "The Current" with Anna Maria Tremonti

Dr. Swann spoke with Anna Maria Tremonti about the role of medical officers of health in being independent advocates for public health and safety. Listen to the interview here: Part 2.

Adjustments to Shadow Minister Portfolios for Leadership Contest

Dr. David Swann's portfolios for Shadow Minister of Environment, Sustainable Resource Development and Aboriginal Relations have been temporarily re-assigned during the leadership race for leader of the Alberta Liberal Party (until December 14, 2008). This was done to ensure that each of the candidates be freed of their responsibilities as shadow minister in order to more fully commit to the leadership race.

Dr. Swann is still available for comment on matters pertaining to Environment, SRD and Aboriginal Relations.

The current shadow ministers are:
Environment: Kevin Taft
Sustainable Resource Development: Darshan Kang
Aboriginal Relations: Bridget Pastoor

Emissions Higher than Reported at Alberta Refineries

In a media release issued today, David Swann, Alberta Liberal Shadow Environment Minister, said that the government must improve emissions measurements and leak detection at Alberta refineries. A report by the Alberta Research Council shows that estimates currently used to determine toxic emissions do not accurately reflect actual carcinogens and greenhouse gases released into the environment. [PDF]

Below is an article published on the CHQR 770 Radio News:

Liberal Environment Critic Raises Alarm on Emissions Reporting
CHQR Newsroom 9/10/2008

The Alberta Liberal Environment Critic says estimates used by the Alberta government to determine toxic emissions from refineries near Edmonton are way off the mark.

David Swann says a report by the Alberta Research Council using new measuring techology shows emissions of carcinogens and greenhouse gases from refineries may be 10 to 20 times higher than government estimates.

Swann says he's not saying the sky is falling, but we don't know what we need to know and is urging the Alberta government to make the new technology the monitoring standard for the province. Swann also wants to know why the study done in 2006 is only coming to light now.

Article in Canadian Water Treatment Magazine Highlights Drinking Water Situation in First Nations Communities [PDF]

According to researchers Sven Peterson and James Gibson, "Many native communities have to treat very poor quality raw water sources. Without proper treatment processes, no amount of training and regulations can make these waters safe to drink."

Today, the Alberta Liberal Caucus issued this press release to draw attention to the possible threats with the Tories' current water consultations. These consultations could provide cover for the Tories to develop private water markets, Dr. David Swann said in a statement. Read it HERE.

CBC's "The Current" chronicles Alberta's water issues

August 18, 2008

August 14, 2008