Twinning Highway 63 - AB Government Responds

Days after the tragic accident on Highway 63 that killed seven people on what many call the "Deadliest Highway in Alberta, the government responded.  Doug Horner, Deputy Premier of Alberta called the accident tragic, but said he could not give a timeline on when the twinning of the highway could be completed. 

Horner said that the construction crews had to deal with marshlands, which had significantly slowed progress on the project. 

"If you've got a bottomless bog, how do you fill that?" Horner said. "So they've got to do some interesting things there.
"You've got to make sure the highway is safe when it's complete too, because you don't want the bottom falling out of it."

Horner said that 33 km of the highway had been twinned and another 36 km should be completed by fall this year.

He said that the highway is a priority for the government and if the Premier could wave a magic wand and have it twinned it would be done.

 "If it was in the premier's power to wave her wand today and have it twinned, it would be done," Horner said. "That's not in her power, but it is a priority of this government."

Horner said that the loss of life was painful an he would look into fast tracking the project, but that he was worried that it might not be possible.

 "It is a tragedy, and we are working as quickly as we can to make sure those kinds of tragedies don't occur again. However, we don't know all of the factors around it right now."

The construction on this highway started six years ago and to say the least 33 km in six years has amounted to five km being completed annually.  There are 300 km of highway to complete.  To say the least this is at a snails pace.   One has to wonder how the work was tendered and who estimated the work to determine the difficulties.  

After six years, surely someone did an environmental assessment, did an assessment of the work required and established a timeline.  After all how else was it tendered?  Companies can't tender a contract without that basic knowledge.  So where is the timeline?

With two lanes already in place, the terrain in the area has to be well known.  There is also a network of pipelines that move crude from Fort McMurray to the Edmonton area.   

It took only six years to complete the Alaska Highway, which covered 2700 kilometers through some of the most difficult terrain in North America.   Granted it was an all out war effort and it was given a high priority.  Nonetheless it was completed.

Wildrose leader and Leader of the Official Opposition, Danielle Smith said that making the highway a priority means actually twinning it.

 "If they continue at this rate, they're not going to be done for 70 years," said Smith. "Making it a priority means actually delivering on twinning it."

It's time for the Alberta government to get serious about Highway 63.  Provide a timeline for completion, including the cost and how it will be funded.  Albertans have heard enough excuses over the past six years and it's time for the Alberta government to act in an open and transparent matter.   Not knowing all the factors around it right now, is just not good enough. 

Keep the pressure on the Progressive Government, the time for excuses is over.  Albertans demand action.



 A facebook group has been organized PLEASE TWIN HIGHWAY 63 and has more than 13,000 members in just two days.  If you agree that the Highway should be made a priority and should be twinned take some time to visit and leave a comment for Premier Alison Redford.

There is also a petition Twin Highway 63.  Please take the time to sign it. 

Alberta - Convenient Release of Mar Ethics Report

The Alberta government chose a Friday afternoon to release the results of the Ethics report on Gary Mar.  Even though the information was apparently available well ahead of the election on April 23rd. 

During the campaign it was reported that Mar had been reinstated to his position by Redford’s deputy minister, Peter Watson, well before the televised Leaders’ debate.  At the time, the PC campaign and Redford insisted they had seen nothing of the report despite the close connections with the Premier’s office.

Gary Mar, who faced Redford during the Progressive Conservative Party Leadership campaign an lost in the third ballot, was handpicked by Redford as the Alberta envoy to Asia in Hong Kong.  He was   investigated after auctioning off a trip to his Hong Kong government office at a personal fundraiser earlier this year organized to help him pay off PC leadership debts. The trip reportedly fetched $20,000.

Alison Redford suspended Mar without pay and ordered and ethics investigation.  She referred the investigation to the Deputy Minister of Executive Council, Peter Watson, who is responsible for administering the Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service which applies to senior officials in the Government of Alberta.  He apparently hired an independent investigator and legal advice. 

When queried about the report, during the election campaign, Redford said she was not aware of any report.  Then just a few days after the election, on a Friday, the report is released, with the following findings:

• The wording of the invitation was changed when concerns were raised to make it clear that the dinner was a private affair
• Mr. Mar was not involved in the direct solicitation of funds from the dinner
• The funds raised from the dinner did not relate to the discharge of Mr. Mar's duties in public office;
• None of the funds raised from the dinner would be paid to Mr. Mar
• No information was conveyed to attendees that was not freely available to the public
• No special access was provided to or expected by the winner of a trip to Hong Kong auctioned at the dinner

The investigation found that there was no conflict of interest and Mar is returning to his duties in Hong Kong.

Obviously Alison Redford wanted to avoid any controversy and criticism during the election.  The Wildrose Party was quick to respond.  Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith commented on the report and said that the transaction involving Mr. Mar does not pass the smell test.

 “Regardless of the report, this transaction involving Mr. Mar doesn’t pass the smell test,” Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith said. “Ms. Redford should force Mr. Mar to repay the $20,000 as a condition of remaining on the job.” Source Wildrose Party

Wildrose MLA Rob Anderson criticized Redford for fumbling the Mar file from the start by keeping the report behind closed doors and by handing out a patronage posting in the first place.

“Redford is building a reputation of wanting to keep the public in the dark, whether it’s her time as Justice Minister creating laws that shroud illegal donation investigations into secrecy, or punting important issues until after the election,” Anderson said.  “It’s time to hold an open and transparent competitive process for international offices instead of continuing on with the PC pattern of giving plum patronage postings to party officials.”

If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, in all likelihood it's a duck. 

Last Word on the Alberta Election

The National Post published an article this morning, which analyzed the Alberta election outcome.  The article characterized a defeat for the Wildrose Party.  Gaining 16 seats over the last election and gaining 34% support can hardly be categorized as a defeat. 

Personally I would not characterize the Wildrose Party as having been defeated in the election, other than the expectations raised by faulty polls.  The Wildrose Party received 34% of the popular vote, which is 10% less than the PC Party.   Many of the ridings were extremely close elections.  The big losers were Alberta's Liberal Party and the New Democrats, which ended up in the Redford tent. 
At the end of the day, Redford has some promises to keep, which are well beyond the budget she passed prior to the election.  Having gained 16 seats in this election can easily be characterized as a win for the Wildrose Party.  The party, as the official opposition, can at the least keep Redford accountable, on fiscal responsibility, property rights, transmission lines and a myriad of smaller issues that should have been discussed during this election but were hi-jacked by conscience issues that were settled a couple of decades ago. 

Smith was right not to throw those candidates under the bus.  It may have cost her a few seats, but the principle of free speech was protected.  It should perhaps have been settled during the AGM, but unfortunately it wasn't.  Such is hindsight in politics. 

There is no doubt that Alison Redford ran a well oiled campaign, with the full force of the Alberta PC apparatus behind her.  Her success, however, will depend how she handles her promises.  Those have to result in reducing waiting lists, better care for seniors and an improving economy.  How she handles big oil and the environment will be another measure.  In any case, the people of Alberta have spoken and one can only hope that Alison Redford indeed changes the negative image of her PC party.  Continuing with the old arrogant ways will not help her.    

Election Day in Alberta - Will it Change the Political Landscape?

After twenty eight days on the campaign trail, Albertans head to the polls today.  The election is seen as a referendum on the leadership of Alison Redford, Progressive Conservative,  perceived by many as a bureaucrat and Danielle Smith of the Wildrose Party.

Redford was elected leader of the Progressive Conservatives, which have been in power for 41years, after Gary  Mar, a former PC cabinet minister, won the first two ballots, but did not reach the 50% threshold required.  Redford edged ahead on Mar, after the second choices of the third placed candidate were counted.

 After appointing Gary Mar as Alberta's envoy to Hong Kong, Redford ordered the probe and suspended Mar without pay when it was revealed that Mar had allegedly used his office to promote a fundraising event to pay off debts incurred running against Redford in last year's PC leadership race.

Redford had initially asked the Ethics Commissioner to lead the probe, however when he advised Redford that he didn't have the jurisdiction she assigned the case to Peter Watson, who works out of the Premier's office. 

The Rutherford show revealed that Gary Marhad been cleared of ethics violations and reinstated as Alberta's envoy to Hong Kong.  Rutherford quoted anonymous sources.  Alison Redford, who suspended Mar without pay said she had no knowledge of his reinstatement.

 "I didn't know it had been resolved until I heard that it was on Rutherford this morning.  We put in place that process because it is a public service circumstance. It's something that Peter Watson has been dealing with. I haven't been made aware of it so I have no comment on it."

During Redford's campaign there were allegations of doctor and school board intimidation, a refusal to hold a public inquiry on health care delivery and the famous "Do Nothing Committee".  The committee collected $1000 a month and never met for 39 months.  There is also the issue of high voltage transmission lines and property rights.  Let's not forget the Tory get away prior to passing resumption of the legislature.

Redford felt it was important to pass a budget prior to the 28 day election campaign, yet she didn't campaign on it, instead she has made millions in additional promises, without a plan to pay for them. 

While the Progressive Conservative Party in Alberta has been touted, by the national media as a centre of right party, this is no longer the case.  Under Redford the party has placed more emphasis on the "Progressive" label.

Redford says she wants to change the "character" of Alberta.  She has come across as one who knows what is best for Albertans.  PC Party Platform

Redfords main opponent, Danielle Smith, Wildrose Party has run a well organized campaign. The campaign rolled out its platform early, which was based on fiscal responsibility, a balanced budget,  a family pack, an Alberta Energy Dividend, a "Wait time Guarantee" and the Alberta Accountability Act.  Read More Here.

Smith also faced her share of controversies. She refused to criticize two Wildrose candidates after they made, what could be considered, racist and anti-gay comments.  She stated that she was both pro choice and pro gay marriage and that a Wildrose government would not legislate on conscience issues, since those issues were protected in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  Nonetheless the fear mongering continued. Yet Redford has MLAs with similar views.

She attracted more criticism in the last week of the campaign for stating that the scientific debate over climate change still hadn't been settled.  She did however state that this was not a reason not to act on climate change.  That part was lost on the national media. 

The Liberal leader Raj Sherman and NDP leader Brian Mason have run a robust campaign.  Both parties say that neither the PC or Wildrose Party can be trusted.  Raj Sherman made a last effort Robocall last night, bashing both leading parties, stating that he would fix health care and "Alberta I have your back."  There has been some talk on strategic voting.  It is not clear how that would play out overall.

What is clear that there will be much larger voter turn-out than in the last election, where only 40% of voters turned out.  For 41 years the Tory Party ruled Alberta and in today's election there is a viable contender. 

Be sure to vote today.  For information on polls across Alberta check out the Elections Alberta Webiste.


PARTY PLATFORMS

Wildrose Eyes Majority


Even if the party were to take 30 seats in rural and small-city Alberta – a conservative estimate – they’d need to win only 14 seats in Calgary and Edmonton to take the province, Mr. Taras said.
Edmonton, which has traditionally been a hotbed of progressive support, is also facing several four-and even fiveway races, making it highly unpredictable.
In Calgary, however, Wildrose is polling well ahead of the Tories.
The Tories, on the other hand, must hold Calgary if they are to prevent a majority Wildrose government.
“Calgary is the place you gotta win, and that’s the difference,” he said.
However, some polling data suggest even Ms. Redford’s affluent downtown seat in Calgary-Elbow may not be safe.
“She’s in the crosshairs,” Mr. Taras said.
Ms. Redford denied her constituency was so divided, saying she had good support from the community.  National Post

Alberta Election - The Last Word - Wildrose set for Sweeping Majority - Poll

Despite the influx of the national media, in an attempt to change the outcome of the Alberta election, Albertans seem to have thumbed their nose at progressives in Toronto and Ottawa.  Danielle Smith and her Wildrose Party are set for a sweeping majority on Monday, according to a Forum Project Inc poll conducted late Saturday. The results of this latest poll confirm the findings of a Sun News poll published on Friday. 

The poll, which shows the Wildrose Party with 41%  over Alison Redford's Progressive Conservatives with 32%, while the NDP has 13% and the Liberals at 10%.  The NDP and Liberals are strongest in Edmonton, where they are at 23% and 14% respectively.

The Forum Project Inc poll was conducted with a total of 2010 responses gathered Saturday evening by automated phone response.  

The polling firm president Lorne Bozinoff said that the win is enough for Wildrose to capture 62 of the province's 87 seats.

“We expect to welcome a new majority government to the provincial scene on Monday night,”

Alison Redford's approach was that she wanted to change the character of Alberta.  Most Albertans think that the province's character is just fine.  In addition to this there have been attempts to fear monger against the Wildrose Party, almost to the point that it was described as scary and intolerant.  Yet Redford had enough problems in her own party.

 Despite passing a provincial budget prior to the election, Redford has made all kinds of additional promises and the list keeps piling on.  The question is how it would all get paid for.  Excessive spending has consequences.  One only need to look south of the border to the U.S. with its $16 Trillion and growing deficit.  Sooner or later the chickens come home to roost. 

Alberta is headed for change.  A change that returns the province to fiscal responsibility, property rights and free speech.   A change that will be refreshing.

Alberta Election - On the Campaign Trail April 16th

With an additional unprecedented $7 Billion in promises, Wildrose leader Danielle Smith has asked Alison Redford's Progressive Conservatives to come clean on how this would be paid for.  Redford was in a rush to pass a budget prior to dropping the writ. 

While Allan Hunspergers remarks, made in the capacity of a Fundamentalist church pastor are still being kept alive by Redford, the media and he LBGT community, Danielle Smith has stayed on message with the Wildrose platform.  Redford was apparently shocked by the remarks, even though she has a candidate, Ted Morton, in her party with similar radical views.  Smith has made her stance on conscience issue very clear by stating that a Wildrose government would not legislate on conscience issues.  Allan Hunsperger also committed to supporting the party platform in a brief statement yesterday.

"I love people and everybody, I have no intolerance about anyone, but I do have a personal religious view.  My views were my personal religious views.  I also agree with the leader, and Danielle Smith says the Wildrose will not be legislating on contentious social issues."

Danielle Smith, once again reiterated her commitment not to legislate conscience issues.

 "I believe in freedom of religion, and I do believe that religious people do have an opportunity, and should run for public office.  What they believe in their own religious private practice is none of my business," Smith stated. "As a political leader the separation of church and state is there for a reason. We do not want the state interfering in the private religious affairs of our citizens."

Smith previously stated that she was pro-choice and pro-gay marriage.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is well entrenched and he Supreme Court of Canada has ruled on issues like abortion and gay rights.  Time to give the fearmongering a rest. 

Redford came under fire yesterday for comments she apparently made at a private fundraiser.  According to a fundraiser attendee, Redford said that she was still dealing with negative impacts from Klein’s cost-cutting during his reign from 1992-2006.  Klein is suffering from dementia and obviously can't defend himself.  Klein imposed some difficult budget cuts, balanced the budget and ensured that Alberta was debt free, something strange to the PC party now. 

As Redford often does, she reacted.  The comments and criticism caused her to issue a press release.

“There have been questions raised about my commitment to Premier Klein and his legacy. I think it is important to remember, I have been a loyal PC member for the past 32 years, including Premier Klein’s tenure.”

A long time friend of Ralph Klein, with no association to the Wildrose party, criticized Redford's remarks.

 “Leave Ralph Klein alone.  When it comes to Ralph, I am non-partisan. Just leave him alone. This is a man who can’t speak for himself.”

Danielle Smith came under fire for comments she made questioning climate change and said her party would scrap a Progressive Conservative plan to capture greenhouse gases.  She said she would scrap the Progressive Conservative plan to capture greenhouse gases.  She said that she was not denying climate change, but didn't believe in footing a $2 Billion bill on something that is not totally understood.

"We've always acknowledged that our world is in a long-term transition away from carbon fuels.  In the meantime, we want to provide supports to consumers to be able to find energy efficiencies so than can reduce the amount of energy, and amount of emissions." 

Smith said that her government would offer tax rebates to Albertans who made their homes more energy efficient. 

This is without a doubt the most exciting election campaign in Alberta in four decades.  A poll released yesterday has the Wildrose leading with 43%, the PCs at 39%, with Liberals and NDP at 11 and 9% respectively.   The election is on Monday, April 23rd

Alberta Election - The Week in Review

As the Alberta election campaign moves into the final week, it appears that this election will be Danielle Smith's to lose.  With only one week in the campaign left to go, the Wildrose Party has a healthy lead over the incumbent Progressive Conservative Party.  In some polls the Wildrose Party leads by 17 percentage points. 

While the parties rolled out their platforms, the debate, held on April 12th, seemed to be a defining factor.  While Alison Redford appeared stiff and almost rattled near the end of the debate, Danielle Smith seemed to connect with voters, with her no nonsense approach to many issues.  The attempts to demonize her because of conscience issues and lack of experience did not resonate. 

Here is a review of issues discussed thus far in the campaign:

Wildrose Announces Accountabilty Act and MLA Pay  April 9th

Race is Tightening - Leger Poll April 10th

Are Conscience Issues Bogus? April 11th

Liberals Reveal Carbon Levy Plan April 11th

Wildrose Leader Stance on Abortion-Gay Rights April 12th

Alberta Leader's Debate - No Clear Winner April 13th

Voters Declare Danielle Smith Debate Winner

 On  the campaign trail on Friday, Alsion Redford promised to introduce legislation that would make Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) a claimable condition under the Workmen's Compensation Board.  The problem is that this condition is already claimable, according to Wildrose leader Danielle Smith.  Sometimes it pays to do your homework before putting your mouth in motion.  

Danielle Smith also committed to call a full public inquiry into physician intimidation, a measure supported by the New Democrats and Liberals.   

As the campaign winds down toward the election on April 23rd, there should still be a number of surprises.  Alison Redford will have to go full out to try and overcome the impression Albertans have of her.  She comes across as a bureaucrat, who knows best and gives the impression that she leads by committee.   

The Progressive Conservative Party is no longer the party of Ralph Klein, in fact it has almost made a 360 degree turn.  Support in Edmonton is divided evenly between Redford and Smith, while the majority support Danielle Smith in Calgary.  Smith appears to lead in rural Alberta as well.  

Stay tuned.

 

Alberta Election - Voters Declare Danielle Smith Debate Winner

According to an Ipsos poll, taken immediately after the debate, Danielle Smith was chosen as the winner by voters who watched the debate over her opponent Alison Redford.  While the two leader were tied in Edmonton at 27%, in Calgary Smith beat Redford by 6 points in Calgary, 39 to 33%.   Alberta wide Danielle Smith won by a wide margin 46 to 21%.  Combined Smith was chosen by  37% of debate viewers , which is a 9 point lead over runner-up Alison Redford with 28%.  Raj Sherman at 13% and Brian Mason at 10% score well back of the other two leaders, while 13% were undecided.

Smith was more popular among men, who said that she won by a margin of 39 to 27%, while women favoured the Wildrose leader 34 to 28%.  This result is interesting, since it was widely believed that Redford would have greater support from women.

To the question of who lost the debate, viewer chose Alison Redford at 31% and Raj Sherman at 27% most often.  Only 16% chose Danielle Smith or Brian Mason.

Danielle Smith entered the debate with a slight lead in the polls and it was really her debate to lose.  She held her own and appeared to have connected with viewers.  Brian Mason appeared to be honest in his approach to questions, while Redford started out confident, but appeared rattled after a view pointed attacks on her performance as Premier.

During the campaign Redford has flip flopped several times on issues like Members of the Legislative Assembly pay, including the flip flops or indecision on repayment of the bonus received by MLAs who sat on a "Do Nothing Committee".  The reaction of voters is no big surprise.  Redford came across like a UN bureaucrat, who likes to have committees make decisions for her, while Smith appeared decisive.  Smith obviously convince viewers that she is ready for the office of Premier.


"Changing Impressions
If the night is simply about changing impressions, then it could be argued that the NDP’s Brian Mason had the best debate. Four-in-ten (41%) viewers say their impression of Mason improved, compared to only 14% who say their impression worsened (NET = +27).
Next best is Danielle Smith with 40% improved impressions versus 30% worsened impressions (NET = +10).
The evening was essentially neutral for Raj Sherman, who had 35% improved impressions and 34% worsened impressions (NET +1).
Alison Redford was the only leader with more worsened impressions (39%) than improved impressions (24%), for a NET score of -15."  Read More Here

There are ten more days left before Albertans go to the pole.  For the firs time in 41 years Albertans have a choice and this election matters.  During the last election there was only a 40% voter turn out.  This should change.  What will Alison Redford promise next?

Alberta Leader's Debate - No Clear Winner

Alberta's Leaders appeared in a 90 minute media moderated debate last night.  Although there was no clear winner, Progressive Conservative leader Alison Redford, who appeared confident at the beginning of the debate, appeared rattled during the final segment.  41 years of Tory rule had taken their toll.  Redford, who found it necessary to pass a budget prior to dropping the writ, did not run on her budget, but had introduced an additional $1 Billion of spending in her election platform.  Brian Mason's New Democrats had introduced a platform that is costed at $1.9 Billion, Raj Sherman's Liberals platform at $820 Million, while Danielle Smith's platform is estimated to cost $308 Million. The figures have been provided by the Canadian Taxpayer Association Party Platform Spending .

With this background, the leaders fast questions and challenged each other.  While the debate was seen to be a contest between Alison Redford and Danielle Smith, Redford soon came under fire by Liberal leader Raj Sherman and the NDPs Brian Mason.  The format consisted of an opening statement by each leader of 45 seconds.  Questions were limited to 20 seconds with answer at 45 seconds, with a 30 second response, followed by an open debate.  The debate concluded with 45 second closing statement.  For the  most part leaders were polite, withe the odd dig.  Overall there was no knock out punch that would give any leader a clear win.

This was good news for Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith, since Redford spend most of the night on the defensive, dealing with the "Do Nothing Committtee", physician intimidation, approving a controversial transmission line,  voting for a 30% pay raise for herself.

Smith put in a strong performance, deflecting criticism on conscience issues and citizen intiatives.  When pressed on social issues like abortion and same sex marriage, Smith said that her party would not legislate or have policies on contentious social issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage.

"It's nothing but fear-mongering by a government that's on the run," she said.

These issues have been settled decades ago and for any party to raise them is bogus.  Not only are those rights guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

There was little discussion on policy issues, although Health Care received some air time.  Brian Mason, NDP Leader accused both Conservative parties of wanting to privatize health care.  There was no discussion on the environment, the oilsands and specifically the construction of both the Northern Gateway and XL Keystone pipeline.

Raj Sherman at one point made a statement to Danielle Smith, which was odd.  "Danielle Alberta is not Alabama."  Thanks Raj, but we already knew,

Overall there was no clear winner of the debate, but Redford was unable to convince voters that she should continue as leader. In the end the debate probably helped Danielle Smith.  The knives should come out for the next ten days.

Alberta Election: Wildrose Leader Stance on Abortion-Gay Rights

Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith felt compelled to snuff out a controversy, which questioned her position on "Conscience Issues."   While recent polls indicate that the Wildrose Party may have lost some ground because of the controversy, overall the party still holds a healthy lead over the Progressive Conservatives, while Wildrose leader Danielle Smith's approval rating has slipped slightly.

On Wednesday Smith said when her party elected a leader it was clear to them that they elected a pro-choice, pro-gay marriage candidate.

 "When our members elected me they knew they were electing a candidate that was pro-choice and pro-gay marriage.  The only way we're going to be able to become a mainstream, big-tent conservative party capable of forming government is to focus on the issues that matter to Albertans. If I am elected premier, a Wildrose government will not be legislating in areas of morality."

While this issue was infused by a Calgary blogger, it was quickly taken up by Progressive Conservative leader Alison Redford.  It reminded this blogger of U.S. politics "deja vous," where Rick Santorum got sucked into social issues, such as abortion and contraception.  It effectively changed the focus of his campaign.

In Canada, the issue of gay rights has already been handled by the Supreme Court, including gay marriage and abortion.   Smith also affirmed that the promised citizen initiatives would have to stand the test of being constitutional and in accordance with Canada's Charter of Rights.

While this should put the matter to rest, Smith is doubtful that it will.  She believes that it was pushed by the Progressive Conservatives to divert the discussion from the real issues.

 "I think what you see normally when a conservative challenger comes up, you see this very commonly that these kinds of issues are brought up to fearmonger.  We saw it with Preston Manning, with Stockwell Day, we saw it with Stephen Harper so it actually doesn't surprise me that it has come up this election but it does disappoint me."

The Progressive Conservatives have recently framed the Wildrose Party as the party of old, white guys determined to resurrect regressive social policies.  The Progressive Conservative campaign manager, Susan Elliot, has suggested that the target of the citizen-initiatives would be women.

"Ethnic minorities are targets. Gays and lesbians are targets. We're the targets of those kinds of things."

Despite those suggestions, the Wildrose Party continues to lead in the polls.  A CTVHQ poll, published yesterday, finds that 43% of decided voters favour the Wildrose Party, followed by Progressive Conservatives at 29%, the NDP at 12% and Liberals at 11%.  

In the meantime, Progressive Conservative Leader, Alison Redford's approval rating has dropped from 59% to 46% last week.   Danielle Smith, who had an approval rating of 56% has slipped slightly to 54%, which could be within the margin of error. 

50% of Albetans believe that the Progressive Conservatives do not deserve re-election, while 23% say they should be re-elected.  27% are unsure.

Tonight at 6:30 pm the Alberta Leader's Debate will be broadcast throughout the province by a media consortium.  While debates in Alberta normally haven't received a lot of attention, this debate will be pivotal.   It may be the turning point for those still undecided.  The focus will undoubtedly be on the two women that lead the Wildrose and Progressive Conservative Party.    Smith will most certainly go after the PCs wreckless spending.  If the debate remains stays on the issues that matter, it could be an interesting exchange.

Party Platforms

Alberta Election: Are Conscience Issues Bogus?

With the Alberta election less than two weeks away, the initial momentum enjoyed by the Wildrose party seems to be shifting, with latest polls indicating a neck on neck race.  While the Wildrose Party campaigned primarily on fiscal issues, the question of conscience entered the race after a question raised by  a Calgary blogger, Jane Cawthorne, on each parties position on abortion.  The Wildrose response:

“The legalities of abortion fall under federal jurisdiction. We respect that Albertans view social issues differently, which is why Wildrose would immediately introduce legislation allowing citizens to put issues like abortion to a citizen-initiated referendum.”

Although there was an immediate clarification by Danielle Smith on the issue, the question and responses appear to have raised doubt in the minds of the electorate. 

 “Citizen initiative is and has always been an important part of the Wildrose platform.  However, any initiative must first be vetted by a federally-appointed judge to determine whether or not it is constitutional.”

Alison Reford is using the Wildrose conscience policy as a wedge issue and it appears to be working.


“I was absolutely amazed we were having this conversation in Alberta because I believe that all Albertans want to live in a place where we respect each other, where we feel safe,”

Is the issue of conscience right bogus?  You bet it is.  First of all the rights of marriage commissioners and doctors is already enshrined.  Abortions, which are mostly performed in larger centres like Edmonton and Calgary, have doctors that don't object to these procedures.  Marriage Commissioners are not in the employ of the Alberta government and get paid by the clients who hire them to perform their marriages.

" For practical purposes, the issue doesn’t actually mean much. Health care providers already have conscience clauses codified in their own standards of practice. Both the Alberta College of Pharmacists, and the College of Physicians and Services allow practitioners to opt-out of procedures or services that they find personally problematic. However, health care workers must then refer patients to other facilities."  National Post

Despite the fact that marriage commissioners can already opt out of performing marriage for same sex couples, there have been no complaints in the Province from couples about commissioners who are unwilling to marry them. 

The issue, IMHO, has been fabricated, strays from the real issues of property rights, civil liberties, fiscal irresponsibility and general arrogance of Tories, who seem to think they have an entitlement to govern.  Instead of discussing the overspending culture of Progressive Conservatives, it appears that fear mongering is right out the playbook of Liberals in Central Canada and Obama Administration in the U.S. 

Perhaps Albertans should be afraid of Alison Redford, who is a big "Progressive" and very little "conservative."  Let's just remember that both the Liberal Party and New Democratic Parties of Alberta are not a home for someone with political ambition in Alberta.  The Progressive Conservative Party has become the home of ambitious Liberals.  

The past two weeks have been full of promises and more spending, despite the rush to passing a budget prior to the election.  Voters should take a look at the various party platforms and make up their minds.  Don't let bogus issues determine how you vote.  

Check out the Party Platforms

Thursday, April 12th, will be the Leader's Debate, broadcast from 6:30 pm to 8 pm.  Get engaged and watch it.  After the debate there are eleven more days to pose direct questions to the leaders.  First and foremost get out and vote. 

Alberta Election - Wildrose Announces Accountabilty Act and MLA Pay

The Alberta election campaign moves into its third week, with leaders unveiling more of their platforms.  Danielle Smith unveiled the Accountability Act and addressed salaries for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).   She opined that a $125,000 salary for MLAs, without extra bonuses for serving on committees was ample, since serving in the legislature is a public service.

The Wildrose Accountability Act addresses several issues, including  Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) laws, introducing new referendum rules, and the high-profile issue of MLA pay.

"I understand there is some debate about whether you pay more to get higher quality applicants, or whether you acknowledge that it is a public service, and it is a sacrifice, and you get people in there for the right reason."

MLAs recently passed a 33% pay raise, which was met by outcries from the public.  Smith's announcement addresses this issue.

 Raj Sherman, Liberal Leader is in agreement with Danielle Smith on the MLA pay issue, with his own plan to roll back MLA pay and put a cap on committee pay.

"I've found public service to be a labour of love, it shouldn't be the best paid job you've ever had."

He also pledged that a Liberal government would change the relationship with communities, since communities should not be treated as wards of the province.  He would establish  "Big City Charters for Edmonton and Calgary" and save $1.5 billion of surplus resource revenue into a municipality heritage fund every year.

Maybe that plan would get some of our country roads into a safe condition.   Of course this is all dependent on resource revenue remaining relatively high.  With health care being the top priority in Alberta and 40% of the budget already allocated to it, major changes will be needed to reduce emergency room waiting list and suitable elderly care.   Maybe giving a percentage would have been wiser than putting a dollar amount to it.  A dollar amount includes too many assumptions.

Alison Redford was touring rural Alberta today and promised to spend more money on agricultural research, offer bursaries for rural students and  refund tuition to doctors who agree to practice in rural communities.

"Our agricultural industry as it is, is more important than ever," she said. "But what comes next is just as exciting and we need policies that will continue to make communities vibrant and prosperous."

 “My government will ensure that good jobs, health and education services that support a desirable and successful lifestyle are available in rural areas."

 Redford said that her package would come to $47 Million in 2013-14, with some covered in current ministry budgets.  The plan is intended to  boost agricultural society funding by $2-million per year and spend $3-million on high-speed Internet infrastructure.

This is another commitment that would obviously require further clarification.  While the doctor tuition refund  is desireable, with Alberta hiring so many foreign doctors to fill the void, again no dollar value or goal for the number of doctors was given. 

Since high speed internet is still wanting in Alberta, this also requires clarification on how $3 Million will expand it.  Satellite internet is too restrictive, both in download quotas, with its fair use policy (250 MB for Xplornet) and its speed.  Cable is obviously out of the question, due to cost.  This leaves wireless internet and more towers or repeaters.

As the party leaders lead up to the debate on April 12th, there are a number of questions that need to be answered.  Redford passed a budget just prior to calling the election, it would be prudent for all leaders to be prepared to show a dollar amount for their promises and how they hope to pay for it.

Alison Redford's budget has been passed by the majority progressive conservative government, how much more will her additional promises cost?



Brian Mason's New Democrats will be making a health care announcement later today.

Stay Tuned.

Alberta Conservatives - Reinventing Themselves Working - Poll

According to a poll conducted by Forum Research, which conducted the poll for the National Post, it  said it reflects the “new Tory look” in Alberta, after a bumpy few years in which former PC premier Ed Stelmach.  The Progressive Conservative Party in Alberta has been reinventing themselves for 41 years it has been in power in Alberta.  The poll suggests that the new Conservative look has resonated, especially with women in Alberta. 

The closest contender to Alison Redford's Conservatives is the right of center Wildrose Party, led by Danielle Smith.  The poll suggests that there is 38% support for the Progressive Conservatives as opposed to 23% for the Wildrose Alliance. 

Redford was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party in a similar situation as former Premier Ed Stelmach, with a system that is seen as highly flawed.  While Gary Mar received above 40% in the first and second poll to Redford's 13% and slightly more in the second poll, she accumulated the required 50% after second choices were added to her balance sheet. 

Candidates can sell memberships and by all accounts Redford sold many of them to the Alberta Teachers Union, based on her promise of reinstating $100 Million of cuts made to education, a promise she kept after being re-elected. 

Her first 45 days were controversial to say the least, but apparently it didn't distract Albertans.  With her new following, probably those who voted Liberal before, she has build on her popularity base.

There is a big gender gap, according to the poll.  Support among women is is especially strong among women, with 42% compared to 33% among men.  Wildrose support is stronger among ment with 28% compared to 18% among men. As has been common in Alberta in the past, New Democrats and Liberals are distant challengers with 12% and 13% respectively.   Most of the support for the NDP and Liberals is concentrated in Edmonton, with minimum support in the rest of the Province.

There is also an age demographic.  Danielle Smith's Wildrose Alliance support grows to 34% among those 55 and older, while there is only 16% support in the 18-34 age group range.


Regardless of the results, there is room for movement.  While Redford's support at 38% is higher than her 29% disapproval rating, there are 33% of respondents that had no opinion.  Danielle Smith's approval rating is 35% with 41% among men and 30% among women.

The Alberta Legislature passed a controversial Drunk Driving bill prior to the Christmas break, which gives new powers to peace officers with a .05 alcohol limit.  Opponents of the bill said that the bill required more study and gave too much power to police officers on the roadside.  A similar bill has been ruled unconstitutional in British Columbia.  54% of respondents approved of the measure.

The poll, conducted on Dec. 14, 2011, of 1072 adult Albertans via an automated interactive telephone survey is considered accurate to within 2.9 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Regardless of the poll results, Cabinet members and conservative MLAs have been abandoning ship in droves prior to the next election, which is scheduled in early 2012.   Redford has put her stamp on the Conservative Party and the direction is not necessarily one Albertans want to go in.  It is up to the Danielle Smith and her Wildrose Alliance to differentiate from Allison Redford's Progressive Conservatives, where Progressive seems to be the operative word. 

Health Care, the economy (as it pertains to the Alberta Oil Sands) continue to be high on the priorities of Albertans.  While Redford supports the expansion of the Alberta Oil Sands, she has also called for a National Energy Strategy.  Let's hope that this is not a disguise for the National Energy Program introduced by Pierre Trudeau.

Redford is a lawyer with deep experience working for the UN, including in Afghanistan and Africa.

The Secretary General of the United Nations Boutros Boutros-Ghali appointed and assigned Alison Redford to a post in the United Nations as a special legal adviser.
Throughout the 1990s, Redford worked as a technical advisor on constitutional and legal reform issues in various parts of Africa for the European Union, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Canadian Government and the Government of Australia. Her work in Africa focused on human rights litigation, developing education programs and policy reform with respect to gender issues.
In 1999, Redford was employed by the Government of Alberta as the communications officer on the committee for Justice Reform. The criminal Justice Reform Committee advised a program of reform in which the criminalization of mental health issues and the ongoing plea bargaining system was criticized by such organizations as the Elizabeth Fry Society, a national body representing women. convicted of crimes. Checks and balances within the Crown Prosecutors office were removed permitting each of the prosecutors to act independently and according to their own view. Several programs of advocacy were removed or absorbed into the Alberta Justice programs.
One of Redford's most notable appointments was by the Secretary-General of the United Nations as one of the four International Election Commissioners to administer Afghanistan's first parliamentary elections held in September 2005  Wikepedia