Reporters' Notebook

As i read through the comments, I stopped to think about this topic on public libraries. My wife and I are retired and use our local public library branch to learn the internet, to get our health and other questions answered. We have always been supporters of the public library and think that a huge part of the reason our children now have post-graduate degrees is because we got them 'hooked' on public libraries and their resources from a very early age.
This is a provincial resource that deserves to be supported and above what it sounds like they're getting.

Question: what will the candidates do to ensure the public libraries have the operational funding they need to continue offering services of benefit to people like me and my family?

Posted February 21, 2008 06:29 PM

Health Professions Act in Alberta list currently 30 health professions, which all can effectively help patients without big investments into existing ineffective health care system, while easing pressure on MD’s. At the present time any patient visiting these health care practitioners is penalized by paying treatment fees on the top of health care premiums, which in fact is so much criticized private health care. What is each party planning to do about this, and when finally patients visiting chiropractors, acupuncturists, naturopaths or physical therapists, to name just few, will not have to pay from they own pocket, but these treatments will be covered by universal health care?

Posted February 21, 2008 03:07 PM

Hi Kim
A set of questions for all parties - these should not be tough for them as the Alberta Child Care Network Association sent them to all the parties Friday of the recent long weekend and they should have had ample time to give them some thought:

1. What SPECIFIC strategies will your party undertake to support and enhance child care in Alberta?
2. What policies will your party implement to support and enhance School Age Child Care in Alberta?
3. What particular measures will your party take to address the lack of day care, family child care, and school age care spaces and trained child care staff in Alberta?

Posted February 21, 2008 01:11 PM

Children and persons with disabilities are promoted as valued members of our society. Recognition of need to protect these groups carries a fundamental obligation as a basic human right to be upheld. Death amongst children under Ministry direction has been termed an "isolated event". Yet, poor decision-making led to the catastrophic outcome of an innocent who, due to disability, was erroneously grouped amongst individuals requiring protection in effort to receive service delivery for extraordinary needs. Amendment to the FSCD ACT (Family Services for Children with Disabilities) has been newly incorporated to define distinct separation. However, without government acknowledgment or acceptance of responsibility for existence of mismanagement that leads to serious outcome, is justice not negligible. How would each party respond to the given situation?

Posted February 21, 2008 11:43 AM

Health care system and government funding continues to primarily focus on illness care rather than disease and injury prevention. Costs continue to rise and people resources continue to dwindle. Alberta only provides about 3% funding to Public Health programs in RHA's and a much smaller percentage of that goes towards RHA health promotion programs. There has been lots of talk about prevention and health promotion but limited ongoing sustainable funding.

What sustainable health promotion actions is your Party prepared to commit to so we have the healthiest people in Alberta by 2020?

Posted February 21, 2008 11:28 AM

To all parties.
Current provincial policy on Aboriginal people does not mention Aboriginal Women, yet they are often the the most active 'agents' of change in their communities. What will your party do to invest in Aboriginal women in Alberta?

Posted February 21, 2008 10:46 AM

I am a 28 year old individual who works in the social services field and have been providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities for over 10 years. What has become very apparent is that drastic change needs to occur and it needs to happen NOW. I work for just one of the many Non-Profit agencies in Edmonton and like those other agencies we have run out of options in recruitment of new workers and educating individuals to be a part of this field. With programs like Grant Mcewan close to shutting down and the lack of being able to hire QUALIFIED individuals to help support and transition persons with disabilities into the community, we are letting those individuals down, their families down as well as all the communities.
What is needed is a drastic increase of funding, and wages. Many of the workers (including myself) cannot pay off student loans, provide for a family, and make ends meet, while working 50hrs/week in this field. It is also because of the low wages that we are unable to get people enrolled in post secondary institutions to make this a career of choice. The increase of wages CAN NOT be 3% or even 10% because as a bottom line it is not going to help the situation that we are in. Tell me why I make 60% less in wages compared to others who hold the same job title as me, (post secondary training, supervisory skills, experience). With the year after year surplus of money that Alberta continues to generate, the Huge increase in cost of living, why are people working in the social services field left behind.....all of the time.
I think it is only fair that we are able to continue to work in a field that we love and care about and one that provides so many positives to the community. SO tonight we will be watching to see WHAT YOU are going say that will make a change for us. It is time!!!!!

Posted February 21, 2008 10:33 AM

Last year the Conservative government ran around the province promising to match fundraising efforts of non-profit organizations. That was the last we heard of the plan. As many non-profits are now struggling to provide services that government used to provide before the 1993 budget cuts, what became of this promise? And just a reminder that Ed Stelmach was part of the government slash and burn in 1993.

Posted February 21, 2008 10:30 AM

If Health care premiums are eliminated, does that include premiums that are in arrears, and in collections?

Posted February 21, 2008 10:29 AM

There are many issues larger than AISH that affect persons with disabilities such as lack of accessible transportation, barriers in design and discrimination in hiring. What commitments will leaders make to work with the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities and the disability community to address these issues?

Posted February 21, 2008 10:23 AM

If all the parties are serious about environmental solutions and sustainability, what type of incentives or rebates are they promising to families building new homes or families renovating older homes who want to incorporate things such as geo-thermal heating/cooling systems, low-flush toilets, two-system septic systems, energy efficient windows, etc.?

Posted February 21, 2008 10:12 AM

The partys are falling over themselves promising free stuff to win votes - elimination of health care fees, subsidies to tuition, subsidies to day cares, the list is growing and growing. In the light of the provincial governement's latest financial report, it seems like the possibilities for buying votes is endless. My question is this - In the light of the most recent research which indicates that there is no cost to the governments for smoking, what party will consider lowering these taxes on tobaccos products which (I don't know but) could be the highest in the world? What does the provincial government need this money for? The party that indicates that it's got the political guts to do something about this has my votes. These taxes are very descrimanatory - they hurt low income people the most.

Posted February 21, 2008 10:05 AM

I know that the PC Party is committed to quality education in general, but there is an element of "lifelong learning" that has been neglected. Public libraries continue to receive the same per capita funding for operations that they received in the early 1990s. Residents ranging in age from infants to senior citizens use their libraries, but a dollar doesn't provide the same service level today as it did 15 years ago. Will the candidates commit to a funding increase large enough to deal with the shortfall that inflation has created over the years?

Posted February 21, 2008 09:35 AM

a question for Kevin Taft. He said that childcare workers would be paid more so that there would be more workers in that field. Who is going to pay them, would this be passed on to parents? Does this apply to seniors caregivers, group home workers? Where do you draw the line at which workers are "subsidized?"

Posted February 21, 2008 09:23 AM

Why with having a slate of 79 candidates and swelling public support is the Green Party not invited to be a part of the Debate...

"The Alberta Greens have been cut out of the TV Debate this Thursday by the MSM television people. That decision is presumably based on the fact they don’t have any seats. That is a bad and wrong-headed decision. Pam Barrett as NDP leader got to debate in the 1997 when they were shut out of seats. There is precedent. "

"Congrats Alberta Greens for nominating 79 candidates this election. That exceeds significantly the Wildrose Alliance Party 61 candidate nominations. The WAP would have had access to a larger and better oiled political machine, plus, I presume, assiatance from federal Conservatives who are sympathetic to them. Good for the Alberta Greens. Talk about grassroots."

Posted February 21, 2008 09:22 AM

We keep hearing about how great the Alberta economy is and maybe this is true if you happen to own an oil company. My rent and utilities have increased by 50% in the past three years, which means that I now have practically no disposable income. But, at least I have a place to live.

My question is: What is the plan to address homelessness in Edmonton and other cities in Alberta? We need affordable housing and we need it now; we don't need another "task force" to study the problem.

Posted February 21, 2008 09:17 AM

what do u feel shud be done with increasing obesity rates?

Posted February 21, 2008 09:06 AM

Who is the public in P3?, is it all the people of Alberta or an elite few?.

I have not seem any bond issue or a request for Albertans to participate in an issue that will garantee a return to the participants by the goverment of Alberta.

Please help me understand.
Thank you

Posted February 21, 2008 08:46 AM

Given concern about physical activity levels and obesity in children and youth, what is your party's commitment to providing sufficient funding for sport and recreation organizations through Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation?

Posted February 21, 2008 07:54 AM

My question is Ed first and then the rest can follow up: It appears the PC part has no vision for Alberta for the 21st century. Your party's platform for the election has been found to be lacking in thought and details and has been criticized in the media. How do you explain the lack of vision for Alberta?

Posted February 21, 2008 06:59 AM

To all parties in the recent weeks Marie lake users have found out about multiple extensions to the appeal on the cancelation of the Marie Lake lease. If you form a government how do you propose to protect ALberta's water resources for future generations? Both in quantity and quality. For example will you deny any new sale of mineral leases below water bodies? Set back distances? New water take guidelines?

Posted February 20, 2008 10:42 PM

Does the Premier of Alberta believe in open and accountable government? If he does he should instruct his Minister of Municipal Affairs, Ray Danyluk, to contact the Town Council and Town Manager in St. Paul and get them to release the complete and unedited details of a town organizational review that was done back in June 2006. The complete report has yet to be released (only a summary of 12 recommendations has been available). Ray Danyluk is the MLA for the Town of St. Paul and one of Ed Stelmach's earliest and strongest supporters. Consequently, if the Premier was to contact Ray Danyluk on this issue no doubt there would be swift action to get complete and unedited copies of the organizational review into the hands of local residents.

Posted February 20, 2008 10:38 PM

While the oil sands developments around Ft. McMurray are increasingly considered an environmental nightmare, the recovery of heavy oil and the development of new bitumen recovery wells, mines and shallow oil sands proposals in the Cold Lake region proceeds without much (if any) comment. In fact, the Cold Lake region is already saturated with petroleum recovery efforts. Moreover, the ecological damage ALREADY DONE to the Beaver River Drainage is now at a critical point. What are your views on the continued influx of projects into the Cold Lake region? Are you prepared to declare a moratorium on further petroleum developments and preserve what is left of the countryside around Cold Lake and Marie Lake?

Posted February 20, 2008 10:12 PM

I would ask all of the leaders participating in the leaders' debate to answer the following question:

What do you think of the Green Party of Alberta's leader being excluded from this leaders'debate?

Respectfully submitted,
Sheelagh Matthews

Posted February 20, 2008 09:56 PM

With the cancellation of the oil sands mine under
Marie Lake, due to public pressure, it appears that
the province is moving toward a more environmentally
balanced approach to development. But recent events
and decisions beg to differ:

The extension of the appeal time
for the Marie Lake lease,

The sale of two leases that go
under Cold Lake, after Marie Lake was cancelled,

The proposed destruction of the
McClelland Lake Fen,

Reports of arsenic plumbs off of
steam injection sites,

Reports of heavy metals and
hydrocarbon contamination downstream of Fort Mac
Murray,

Increasing cancer rates in Fort
Chipewyan

More water consumption than water
systems can support.

What is your party going to do to protect Alberta's
lakes, Albertans, Albertans quality of life and
prevent us from living in a toxic soup? Coming in at
the 11 hour is not a solution, because people got
vocal enough to be noticed. Brushing the damage under
the carpet is also not a solution. So how do you
propose to balance the pressures put on society and
the environment verses the money generated by
industry?

Posted February 20, 2008 09:56 PM

RE: Health Care.

Why is there a rumor circulating that Alberta Health Care premiums may be abolished when our provincial health care system is in such disarray? Don't we need to maintain this income stream to fund for much-needed service improvements?

Posted February 20, 2008 09:21 PM

There has been significant talk by some parties about diversifying the Alberta economy to reduce our dependence on the energy sector. Currently, Forestry is the third largest industry in Alberta contributing approximately $11 Billion to the provincial GDP and provides sustainable employment predominantly in rural communities. My question is, what do the parties propose to do to keep the forest sector in Alberta competitive in the face of high labour, energy and transportation costs?

Posted February 20, 2008 09:07 PM

Alberta could have the greatest post-secondary education system in the world. What has stopped us from getting there, despite the resources we have?

Posted February 20, 2008 07:54 PM

We have not heard the results of the land use framework or the wetlands framework. Considering that the environment is important and water resources are prized, if you are elected/reelected will you enact legislation to guarantee the protection of our lakes rivers and waterways? What will you do to minimize the risk of pollution from leases already sold under the McClelland Lake Fen, Cold, Frog, and Moore lakes? Will you ensure that the lease under Marie Lake stays in the governments hands and stop all future sale of mineral leases under water bodies? Will you define a setback distance for industrial activity (oil/gas/feedlots) from the waters edge?

Posted February 20, 2008 07:32 PM

Given the government's recent 'get tough on crime' policies (e.g. hiring more police, prosecutors, and judges), why is the Minister of Justice and Deputy Premier terminating almost 50 experienced Traffic Court and bail judges, and this week initiating a hiring campaign to replace them with new but inexperienced judges, at a substantial cost? Does it not make better sense to keep your experienced people and use extra money in actually trying to prevent, stop and fight crime?

Posted February 20, 2008 07:29 PM

What is your stance on library funding?

Libraries are asked continually to add more services by the provincial government and our patrons. We cannot continue to operate on a shoestring forever. Costs do not stand still. How are we expected to keep doing more with less?

Posted February 20, 2008 06:10 PM

What changes and amendments would you introduce to the Alberta Works and AISH programs? In particular, will the HEP (Homelessness and Eviction Prevention) initiative receive continued funding and proper policy development?

Posted February 20, 2008 05:59 PM

The Conservative government has been an incredibly poor manager of Alberta, and Albertans interests for years. But they have been great managers for Corporate America, giving them essentially free rein to take and do what they wish.
So before we can effectively change policies concerning - water management, the environment, health care, education, senior's plight, infrastructure and on and on....
we need to make sure every Albertan's voice is heard and counted - through proportional representation. If your party receives 25% of the vote, you get 25% of the seats in the Legislature. Simple democracy.
Our present outdated system had Klein in the last election receiving 47% of the vote and yet he received 77% of the seats. How is that effective democracy?
If we have a true representation of voter's ballot preferences, perhaps more people would feel their vote does matter, hopefully increasing voter turnout. Then with a representative Legislature, we can begin to work on having Albertan's issues dealt with honestly, fairly and transparently.
So my question is, does your party support proportional representation?
If so, will you legislate that now?
and if you do not support proportional representation, why not?

Posted February 20, 2008 04:55 PM

A question to pose to the Party leaders would be: As a means of reducing burgeoning healthcare costs and, enhancing the quality of life of Albertans there is growing recognition for the need to shift from a predominant healthcare model to more of a wellness model....Do you agree....and what would your Party propose in this regard....and how relevant, in all of this, are local community recreation and parks infrastructure and services?

Posted February 20, 2008 04:30 PM

Given that investment in sport and physical activity especially amongst school children saves about a tenth of the amount spent by the Government on health, justice and education, what investment will your party make in Alberta's amateur sport bodies, physical education in schools and in particular the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation?

Posted February 20, 2008 04:15 PM

Since most of the official announcements lately come from the premier's Calgary office, I was wondering if the capital has been moved from Edmonton, and no one has let me know?

Posted February 20, 2008 03:37 PM

The City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Public School Board and Edmonton Catholic School boards have offer after school access to community groups to utilize. However many schools are unable to offer community access as there is no funding to have the facilities monitored after hours. The monitoring is typically done by the evening custodial staff.

As these activities in the schools tend to be sports and recreation oriented and offer considerable health benefits how would the candidates in the election seek to ensure improved funding to increase the access to school facilities after hours?

Posted February 20, 2008 01:54 PM

Month after month, Albertans use their public libraries more and more -- gaining information, reading for pleasure, improving their skills, literacy and quality of life. Year after year, the Alberta government 'supports' public libraries with the same $4.29 per capita -- ever since 1992/93 to be precise.
When will you increase funding so libraries can ensure that Albertans continue to receive the library and information services they need and deserve in Alberta's 21st century information economy?

Posted February 20, 2008 01:34 PM

The waters in Fort Chipewan contain high levels of arsenic, the fish are contaminated with high levels of mercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - another pollutant - are higher than they should be. Recent reports show an increase in cancer rates in Fort Chipewan. What is your party going to do to protect our water sources and health? Bearing in mind that after Premier Stelmach cancelled the oil lease under Marie Lake due to public pressure (although he has extended the appeal process twice until after the election) SRD was quick to sell two more leases that go under Cold Lake, a town’s water source. We know that steam injection starts the movement of arsenic (rat poision) plumbs We know that McClelland Lake Fen (the largest in Alberta) a water storage and natural cleaning system is slated for damming and draining so the oil sands can be mined under it. Under pressure from cabinet Alberta Sustainable Development amends the Subregional IRP to allow a mine within the McClelland Lake Wetland Complex. So how is your party going to protect our water resources, are you going to implement legislation to protect our lakes, fens and rivers? This is not to mention the problems with feedlots, and water draw from southern rivers

Posted February 20, 2008 01:20 PM

Hi Kim,
18% of Alberta's 30,000 Registered Nurses are 56 years of age or older, and therefore able to retire at anytime. The government provided funding in December '07 to increase nursing education seats to 2000 by 2012. Clearly this will not be anywhere near enough. How do the PCs plan on meeting the acute need for Registered Nurses in this province?
I am looking forward to the debate,
Thanks,
Rob Hadley

Posted February 20, 2008 01:17 PM

HI, I'm in my mid twenties and a college graduate. I have a pretty cool job, but I am barely makeing ends meat. ALberta is supposed to be booming right now but prices keep going up but our wages do not keep up with inflation. i want to start saving up for retirment but unable to put any money away because i just can't afford too. when will the government step in and stop the greedy corporations from taking advantage of us in every possible situation? Example, low wages, higher food and gas prices and also inflation rate being higher than interest on a savings account.

Posted February 20, 2008 12:02 PM

The tarsands have now been operating for forty years, but in that time not a single acre of land has been certified as reclaimed by Alberta Environment. Given that expansions continue to be approved on the condition that companies reclaim the land they use, will your party commit to halting new approvals until the companies involved can demonstrate an ability to reclaim our land? Will you require them to post a reclamation bond to ensure that our children and grandchildren will not be burdened with the consequences of the unprecedented environmental damage caused by these projects?

Posted February 20, 2008 12:01 PM

Question:

Why does the Alberta Government refuse to reimburse Albertans for critical, out-of-country, medical costs when a treatment recommended by the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN is not available in Canada, and the local alternative is a dreadful option?

(The Out-of-Country Health Services Committee turned down all but 5 claims in 2005! It turned my request down in 2006.)

Posted February 20, 2008 11:50 AM

1.st question:
Back in 90's, our PC government, in their privatization frenzy, blew up General Hospital and sold a modern Holy Cross Hospital to their buddies for the price of its parking lot. While driving hundreds of doctors and nurses out of the province.
(Money was not the primary issue, since for example while cutting back on public education, PC's increased its support for private schools.)
We are faced with the consequences now.
Are you willing to admitt, just like Jim Dinning had, that all this was a mistake (to be charitable, not to be repeated again)?
2.nd question:
Why are you pushing 3P on shools and cities,while the province is swimming in surpluses? This type of financing is much more expensive in the medium-long run; our schools & cities will be saddled with a substantially higher expenses for tens of years, perhaps long after our oil boom is over.
Are you willing to document that 3P's save us money (on a case-to-case basis), and if not, drop the idea?
3.rd question:
Our electricity rates used to be among the lowest in Canada. Now, thanks to privatization/deregulation, they are among the highest. Are you willing reverse the damage inflicted by your government?
Will you open the hitherto secred file on Enron's dealings with Alberta utilities & your government?

Posted February 20, 2008 11:13 AM

A question regarding the hazard caused by motorists using these extra driving lights which are like an extra set of high beams for the person looking into them could be asked of the all candidates at the debate. This is a serious hiway problem and has probably caused many accidents by blinding fatigued drivers who are forced to squint into these airplane landing lights.

The big rig professional drivers don,t seem to need these light sabres cutting into the night with no chance of someone dimming them for you. These lights go under the misnomer of fog lights also but, are used when there is no fog. Those phosphourus burning blue lights are also very hard on the oncoming drivers vision. How many will die before someone in motor vehicles unbusies themselves with checking their voicemails and takes some action.

Squint roaduser,

Posted February 20, 2008 10:50 AM

Pesticides have been shown to be particularly toxic to children. The province of Quebec has banned unnecessary use of pesticides on lawns, and now Ontario is creating a similar law. Over 130 cities and towns in Canada have bylaws that restrict pesticide use: Calgary and Edmonton are the only large cities without them.

Are you prepared to work towards a bylaw restricting pesticide use, to protect all Albertans ?

Posted February 20, 2008 10:40 AM

I would like to know what justification the leaders can have for the heinously high residential tax rates here in Grande Praire?

This should not be sluffed off as a municipal matter as much of the cities funding comes from the provincial coffers.

What with the 4.2 billion surplus, the GST cities rebate, Alberta Heritage Fund, a profitable landfill & utilities company, a previously budgeted unused 13 million and then get a 4% tax increase, someone needs to tax a standard three bedroom bungalow 3200.00 dollars. These people should not be running a lemonade stand let alone a city full of pot holes and heaves.

Posted February 20, 2008 10:39 AM

The private school system is doing very good work in developing excellent student which will be beneficial for the Country and Alberta. Where do you as a leader stand on increasing funding to this system to the same funding as the public and catholic system.

Posted February 20, 2008 10:32 AM

I would like to suggest the following question for tomorrow's debate: "The increasing pressures on our health care system mean that we cannot simply provide health services in the 21st century the way we did in the 20th. For example, a recent survey by the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta shows that, on average, registered nurses spend an average of 27 per cent of their work day performing non-nursing activities that could be handled by a support worker. Given the shortage of registered nurses and the difficulty Alberta has had in recruiting and retaining support service workers due to the highly competitive labour market, what is your party’s plan to create a sustainable health care system for Alberta?

Posted February 20, 2008 10:29 AM

I live in the riding of Calgary Lougheed and am finding it very difficult to decide who to vote for since this election seems to have no issues. I have been on the websites for the encumbant and the challengers and fail to see anything of substance which makes me feel as though this election is anything more than just a renewal of Alberta's acceptance of continued Conservative rule.

What do the leaders feel are the key issues that will make the voters feel as though there is something worth voting for in this election?

Posted February 20, 2008 10:23 AM

Question to Stelmach:
In 1995 the Conservatives blew up the General Hospital, sold Holy Cross and Grace Hospital for a lot less then it was worth to their friends and discouraged young people from going into Medicine and Nursing because, according to the government, they were not needed.

13 years later we still have not recovered from this destruction.

What was the reason for doing such damage to the Healthcare System in Alberta?

Posted February 20, 2008 10:16 AM

Climate scientists tell us that carbon emissions need to be cut 90% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, in order to avoid global catastrophes resulting from rising temperatures. The very ‘conservative’ goal of reducing green house gasses by 14% by 2050 compared to 2005 levels demonstrates how little the current Albertan government cares about climate change. Which party has the courage to address the implications of the latest scientific findings about climate change? Wouldn’t a moratorium on further tar sand developments be a good start for dealing with climate change?

Posted February 20, 2008 09:40 AM

Our area is battling back and forth the issue of the proposed nuclear plant to be built in the Grimshaw/Peace River region.I would like to know the candadites views on this issue. Do they feel that there are more benefits or downfalls to having such a plant in "our backyard"?

Posted February 20, 2008 09:26 AM

Question to all candidates:
If elected, what would your party do to encourage artists to live and work in Alberta?

Posted February 20, 2008 09:03 AM

I would like to know what did the Stelmach government do with almost $26 million that they received last year from federal government to create child care spaces? None were created, so I would like to know where are the money?

Also, why is funding Rimbey racetrack ($430,000 of pre-election spending) more of a priority than funding women's shelters ($0)?

Posted February 20, 2008 08:55 AM

To all the leaders:

Election promises have been made as to further investment in the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. What further investment will your party make in Alberta's other foundations and specifically the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation?

Posted February 20, 2008 08:47 AM

The forest industry in Alberta is one of the main economic drivers. Over the past year and as a direct result of the collapse of the housing market in the US, 4 of the 7 existing oriented strand board (OSB) mills have had to shut down indefinitely and 1 is operating on a reduced production schedule. Of the 2 new engineered wood product mills being built, 1 is on hold until market conditions improve and the other is scheduled to start within the next couple of weeks.

Estimated impact to the province of Alberta is approx 1500 jobs lost (manufacturing and service sector) and a $500,000,000 negative impact to the economy.

The Alberta Government commissioned a Forest Industry Competitiveness Study over a year ago, yet to date, we have seen no results. What plans do the parties have to assist the forest industry in the current market conditions in order to reduce the impact to the small rural towns and cities?

Posted February 20, 2008 08:47 AM

Will there be any attempt to overhaul the Workers Compensation Board so it actually represents the interests of the injured worker as opposed to the current system of stewarding to the needs of business and excluding workers from needed medical treatment.

Posted February 20, 2008 08:01 AM

To all parties: How does your party plan to meet the educational needs of northern Alberta residents in the area of special needs in OT, PT & mental health given the Ministry of Education recently received over 15,000 referrals for special education students. If our young people truly are our future, how is a rich province of Alberta going to meet their needs?

Posted February 20, 2008 07:44 AM

Services to People with Disabilities are in a total mess-worse than day care centers. What would the hopefuls do to try to correct this?

Posted February 20, 2008 06:32 AM

In this era of record budgetary surpluses, unprecedented over all provincial wealth, promises of 120 + billion in spending on essential services, why are severely disabled children and their families -- between Lethbridge and Fort MacMurray -- experiencing funding cut backs for therapeutic services from Alberta children' Services' FSCD Program?

Guy Emond
Calgary, AB.

P.S. As President of FEAT/AB, I'd love to get some press coverage on this item.

Posted February 19, 2008 11:24 PM

If elected, what would your party do to assist the forest sector in Alberta as it suffers through depressed markets, a high dollar and increased transportation and energy costs?

Posted February 19, 2008 11:02 PM

1. How will the parties address the Library funding issues. It has been mostly downloaded to individual municipalities.
2. MSI is not the be all and end all! A lot of municipalities just don't have enough to address the infrastructure needs. What can be done? Can ruling parties acknowledge and take over responsibilities on essential service delivery?

Posted February 19, 2008 10:31 PM

To Mr. Stelmach: As a Union construction worker I have worked in every major oil refinery in Alberta. In the past twenty years I have seen safety come a long way but very little change toward the environment. The amount of electricity, natural gas and water it takes to produce one barrel of oil is downright shameful. In your campain of change what can the PC government do to help control this waste.

Posted February 19, 2008 08:54 PM

Sunday's Journal featured a full page description of Alberta's Voluntary Sector. It was a wonderful overview of the size, complexity and accomplishment potential.

1. Why do politicians ignore the Voluntary Sector/Third Sector or Not for Profit Sector? Do they not understand that most of the social service agencies are not for profit organizations?
2. Which leader will accept the challenge to work with the Not for Profit Voluntary Sector to make it the best in the world by 2011?

Posted February 19, 2008 08:04 PM

1. To all candidates: Do you have a library card?

2. The Alberta Government has worked with partners to create the best public library system in North America. A shortage of funds is threatening the ability to sustain these initiatives. Failure to obtain additional funding will begin a steady drift toward mediocre services for Albertans. To all candidates: do you support additional provincial funding for public libraries and library systems?

Posted February 19, 2008 06:41 PM

The PC government has built one of the strongest and progressive library systems in the world - for which I am incredibly thankful. However, rural libraries, especially, operate incredible programs on shoe strings and are finding it more and more difficult to maintain services on 1992/93 funding levels.

Are the candidates committed to increasing library operating grants by 10 million dollars annually in the 2008 budget?

Library managers in rural Alberta are generally women. Perhaps this is why their wages are so pathetic? In addition to increasing library operating grants will the candidates commit to rectifying wage equality issues in our libraries?

Posted February 19, 2008 04:18 PM

Premier Stelmach has brought forth a Green plan that will do nothing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions until it is too late. Why is big oil money being allowed to buy our government when the destruction of our enviroment is the number 1 threat facing mankind?

Posted February 19, 2008 04:00 PM

In the final days of the election, party leaders could make a huge difference to their leading women candidates in an effort toward a more equitable and representative democracy.

Please ask them:
If as party leaders they are really committed to their pledges of increasing the number of women in the Legislature, will they be out campaigning hard with as many women candidates as they can in the final days of the election?
And, once elected, select a more gender-balanced cabinet?

Posted February 19, 2008 03:29 PM

Arts, culture, heritage and public libraries are essential to a high quality of life, and create vibrant and sustainable communities. Yet provincial funding for these invaluable services has either been frozen or only slightly increased since 1993, with little or no regard for inflation. My question to all party leaders is this: What will you do to ensure proper funding and priority for arts, culture, heritage and public libraries in Alberta?

Posted February 19, 2008 03:27 PM

Land-use conlficts are increasing as Albertans challenge industrial projects that will impact their lands and communities. In government, how would you ensure protection of land and the completion of Alberta's protected areas network in light of growth pressures?

Posted February 19, 2008 03:05 PM

P3’s: Why, in a province that is allegedly as rich as Alberta, is the Tory government pursuing this arrangement? It is nothing more than creating expensive debt because private companies borrow money at rates substantially higher than those available to the government of Alberta plus they have to build in a profit margin. Does the PC party have any intention of moving away from this costly practice or is this just another pork barrel for private companies with Tory ties?

Posted February 19, 2008 03:00 PM

Health Care Funding: The cutbacks instituted by your party in the early 1990’s, the closing of nursing schools and reduction in enrolment in medical schools, have resulted in a shortage of hospitals, nurses and doctors at a time when we have a burgeoning population. Under the politically appointed regional health boards, virtually every region now operates at a deficit and is failing meet the health care needs of the people of Alberta in a timely manner. This is unacceptable in a province that is supposed to be as rich as Alberta. What changes to health care policy is your party going to make to ensure that the citizens of Alberta get the care they are paying for in their taxes?

Posted February 19, 2008 02:55 PM

Given that this may be the last major oil boom in Alberta what policies would your government implement to ensure a lasting legacy in the province.

Posted February 19, 2008 02:54 PM

Heritage Fund: In comparing Norway’s Pension Fund, where they invest their petroleum revenue, to Alberta’s Heritage Fund there is an enormous discrepancy. Alberta and Norway produce approximately the same amount of petroleum – Alberta more gas and Norway more oil but when adjusted the production is roughly equivalent and we both sell oil and gas at world prices. At the end of 2006, Norway’s Pension Fund stood at $334 Billion CAD. By the end of September 2007, after 9 months it had increased $27.8 Billion CAD to $362 Billion CAD. Over the same time period, Alberta’s Heritage Savings Trust Fund went from $16.3 Billion to $16.1 billion, a loss of $200 million. Alberta began the Heritage Fund in 1976 and Norway began their fund 20 years later in 1996. Under the PC party’s management the Heritage fund has actually shrunk and even with the recent additions it still has less purchasing value than it had in 1986. Your party keeps telling us that the resources of this province belong to the people of Alberta yet your party has squandered, over just the last 11 years, an amount equivalent to providing a $350,000 house to every household in Alberta. This money is gone forever and will never provide a benefit to Albertans. My question is: “If the money we should have received from our resources is not in the Heritage Fund, where has it gone?”

Posted February 19, 2008 02:51 PM

Not many organizations/people have to get by on income that is the same as it was 15 years ago. Even MLA’s have seen increases in their salaries! And yet libraries are still trying to “make do” with a provincial operating grant that is the same as it was in 1993. The question: Will the leaders commit to increasing the provincial library operating grant? $10 million would be enough to allow libraries to continue offering great service. Without it, many library boards will experience problems maintaining current service levels.

Posted February 19, 2008 02:34 PM

9. The largest single factor in traffic accidents in tailgating. (Removes a collision avoidance method from the driver in front, eliminates ability to merge (or change lanes in an emergency), and precludes the driver behind from being able to react). Will you commit to substantially increase the penalty for tailgating, and seek an automated device similar to radar camera to catch and fine offenders?

10. With the public school system graduating students that can barely read and write, and setting standards such that a International Baccalaureate student (International standards) in Grade 10 has learned more than a conventional Grade 12 graduate, will you guarantee funding to schools that DO meet international standards, or, conversely, insist that ALL graduates meet those standards.

11. Will you guarantee funding to students where families do NOT want Secular Humanism force-fed to them (as is done in the Public system)

Posted February 19, 2008 01:56 PM

5. Since any other attempt to balance representation by area and representation by population is seen as favoritism, how about a dual-representative system? One representative per x thousand population, and 1 representative per x hundred square miles.

6. The cost of university tuition has NOT changed relative to inflation. That which is free, has no value. Substantial savings for students can be made by mandating that ALL textbooks past, say, a grade 6 level, be made available on CD. A $100 unit similar to a portable DVD player would be all that is required, and would be considerably cheaper (and more environmentally friendly.

7. Since the largest single contributor to our CO2 emissions is our increased population, should we now discourage immigration?

8. Will you support a policy that for any new sour gas wells built with 10 miles of a populated area, a senior company executive be required to move to within 5 miles of said well to demonstrate their belief in it’s safety?

Posted February 19, 2008 01:54 PM

Please ask the candidates their position on a desperately needed increase to the per capita provincial operating grant for Alberta libraries. This grant is currently at the 1992 level! Increasing the operating grant allows all regions to provide essential library services. Do they support an increase in the grant, yes or no?

Posted February 19, 2008 01:51 PM

According to the Calgary Herald (Mar9/07), there is an "Alberta carbon tax, imposed by an Alberta government on Alberta energy companies, with the companies quietly nodding acceptance.

[This] will force companies to reduce their CO2 emissions per barrel by 12 per cent starting July 1, or pay $15 per tonne into a technology fund... And the plan only covers the largest companies that produce 70 per cent of Alberta's emissions. This is a serious omission, because the smallest energy producers are often the most casual about emissions and pollution."
FYI: environmentalists feel this policy is a joke because it focuses on the carbon intensity (ie. carbon per barrel of oil produced --> more oil means more carbon) rather than an absolute carbon reduction

3 groups of questions:
1. (For the Conservatives) Why is it so hard to find any information about this on the government website? Who in the government is collecting on the carbon tax? Who does the 3rd party auditing (if there is any)? How much has been collected thus far?
2.(For the parties other than the Conservatives) Would your party support a carbon tax if it became the ruling party? Who should be charged? And at what rate?
3. (For all the parties) would your government be opposed to a carbon tax proposal from the federal government?

Posted February 19, 2008 01:50 PM

1. Most of the rent increases can be traced back to lack of increases through a15-year glut of rental supply during which landlords were giving away TVs, etc to attract tenants. If rent controls are imposed on landlords, will you also subsidize them during times of over-supply.

2. BEFORE we bring more wind power on-line, what mitigation procedures will but put in place to prevent the massive down-wind soil sterilization caused by tip vortexes, as seen in every other large site that is over 20 years old.

3. Why the hurry to sell the oil? The longer we keep it, the higher the price, and the larger the dividend to Albertans.

4. What plans will you put in place to move to a public transit system that will allow a person in either Calgary or Edmonton to move by public transit from any location to any location (within their cities) in under 1 hour, 24/7. Such a public transit system would eliminate most commuting, and the related road system increases.

Posted February 19, 2008 01:33 PM

A recent health campaign called Health Vision 2020 was launched during the election, calling for support for a health promotion foundation aimed at chronic disease and injury prevention. I would like to know which leaders would fund this type of initiative in Alberta, seeing as disease prevention would greatly help relieve the pressure on the acute health care system.

Thank you,
Lorie

Posted February 19, 2008 01:32 PM

Do the leaders understand that the Tar Sands is no longer a provincial issue, no longer a national issue, but an international issue in which our short term profiteering is adversley affecting people all over the world as well as our backyard?

Posted February 19, 2008 01:07 PM

What qualifies you (what is your 'pedigree')to manage/lead a multi-billion dollar 'corporation' on behalf of your fellow citizens?

Posted February 19, 2008 12:58 PM

The Prime Minister, an Albertan himself, has promised to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 20% below 2006 levels by 2020. As Premier, would you pledge for Alberta to meet these targets?

(I think someone else mentioned this one above but it strikes me as a far more realistic and relevant question than all the "shut down the oilsands" and "lose 600,000 jobs" extremists we see on both sides of the issue. As of yet, I have not heard from any of the major parties as to whether or not they will meet the Harper targets).

Posted February 19, 2008 12:35 PM

1. If elected, how will you work to bring the population a more secure financial funding scheme for education, infrastructure, health care and social supports?

2. What separates your party platform from your competing candidates?

Posted February 19, 2008 12:02 PM

Do you agree that climate change must be addressed sooner than later, and that our priorities in this province are not looked after by putting the well-being of Albertans aside to acquire wealth from our expanding tar sands industry?

Do you agree that our economy and our energy sector needs to be diversified?

How do you plan to handle the social and environmental damage caused by the tar sands, and prevent it in the future?

Posted February 19, 2008 11:53 AM

How long will it take for the Tar Sands of Northern Alberta to be shut down and for the First Nations people of northern people be able to preserve their way of life, their water, and to have the boreal forests and animals protected and undisturbed, rather than having to go through reclamation?

Posted February 19, 2008 11:31 AM

The recent report title 'Toxic Tar Sands' put out by Environmental Defence highlights how present development within the oilsands is causing a 'giant slow motion oil spill' which has been polluting fresh water in the Athabasca river with mercury, arsenic and other harmful PAHs. Consequences of which include 'fish that smell like plastic when cooked' and high rates of uncommon cancers in surrounding community members. What practical changes would your government make to ensure that toxic run-off from tarsands development does not continue to pollute Alberta's fresh water resources and consequently destroy animal and human communities?

Posted February 19, 2008 11:20 AM

Alberta public libraries desperately need an increase in the provincial operating grants for public libraries and regional library systems to sustain quality services. Will you support an increase in operating grants for libraries?
A funding increase of $10 million annually will ensure Albertans continue to reap the benefits of a progressive library system, including: improved literacy and education, maximizing the value of the Supernet, improved access to information for everyone - anytime, anywhere.
Alberta public libraries desperately need an increase in the provincial operating grants for public libraries and regional library systems to sustain quality services. Operating grants for libraries are currently the same as they were 15 years ago in 1992 and 1993.

Posted February 19, 2008 10:46 AM

Will you sign a pledge supported by a majority of Albertans to stop new approvals on the Alberta tar sands?

Do you believe global warming is real? If so how serious an issue is it? and do you believe the economic impacts will be worse for alberta the longer we take to try and address it?

Do you consider the Energy Utilities Board approving over 97% of the 60,000 projects it saw last year operating in the public interest?

Posted February 19, 2008 10:33 AM

Why does your government charge such enormous fees for obtaining information which the public has a right to access?
And, then, when documents are given, most of the words are blacked out?
What justifies this policy? Thank you.

Posted February 19, 2008 10:32 AM

What will your party do to increase the "happiness" factor in Alberta? We live in a wealthy province at a great time and yet people see to be discontent. What will you do to make this a province where all can live together in respect- rich and poor, those from Alberta and those who come from all over the world, young and old, etc.

Posted February 19, 2008 08:56 AM

What was the purpose of delaying implementation of the new Lobbying regulations?

Posted February 19, 2008 12:09 AM

Question to the Leaders:

1. Mr Stelmach what representation did you give in cabinet when you were elected in 1993 when Ralph embarked on his program of cuts that went so deep that Alberta is still struggling with the consequences of those decision today i.e. infrastructure. Did you not know that the decision of Gov't then would lead to what we have now?

2. Mr Taft, without committing to naming your next cabinet tell me what is in your team's collective resume that could impress me as a voter and help me believe that your team could be ready to govern ?

3. In your own words tell me what your dream, your passion, is for Alberta?

4. What is your short and long term plan for Alberta and how was this plan developed?

5. Where do you get your inspiration that would make you suitable to be Premier?

6. What do you think is the role of the "little people" in Alberta? Are they just labour in your eyes ?

7. How do you plan to protect the vulnerable in Alberta today and how are you going to prevent more people from becoming vulnerable now due to illness, workplace accident, mental health , family breakdown, etc.

8. Mr Stelmach why are so many of your plans have such long time horizons and/or are conditional i.e. affordable housing, elimination of health care premiums? How come we were able to plan for massive oil sands projects but could not plan for our social infrastructure, roads, schools, etc.

9. Mr Stelmach, what mistakes are you willing to admit that your Government was involved in over the years and what are you going to do to correct these mistakes, or chart a new course.

10. Mr. Taft what does "Time for change" really mean ? Mr Stelmach what does "Change that works for Albertans" really mean ?

Posted February 18, 2008 09:09 PM

I have two questions:

1) Given the horrific and unjustified increases in the cost of electricity (specifically all of the 'add on' charges)as a direct consequence of de-regulation, would Mr. Stelmach and his government ever consider the re-regulation of the electricity industry, and if not - why not?

2) I am concerned that the arts (as a subset of culture in a large ministry in which 'culture' ranks fourth) have not received the attention and funding they should have over many years. Mr. Stelmach, is there a reason why horse racing continues to receive more money in Alberta than do the arts? What specific commitments are you proposing for arts funding in Alberta?

Thanks for this opportunity.

Posted February 18, 2008 07:53 PM

As a small landlord, I am concerned with the idea of rent controls. The government will not be limiting my costs, but will be limiting my income. I have NOT aggressively raised rents on my tenants, but if rent controls are enacted, I will effictively be penalized for not doing so.

I have spoken personally with Mr. Mason on the topic and he believes that landlords are entitled to a "resonable profit".

My question to the leaders proposing rent controls is: Are you prepared to guarantee a reasonable profit to all landlords through a system of regulation similar to the way utilities were regulated? Will the profit guarantee be funded through tax dollars, or by tenants?

Posted February 18, 2008 05:19 PM

Chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, lung disease, and mental illness are placing a tremendous strain on our healthcare system and our quality of life. These diseases are largely preventable.

To all candidates: Will you support the creation of a dedicated health promotion foundation that is funded with at least one percent of the global healthcare budget?

Posted February 18, 2008 02:52 PM

PDD (Persons with developental disabilites)community board is following their mandate too closely, so closely that many developly disabled Alberans are not getting the help they need that this program is supposed to give out. What would your party due to reform the PDD Mandate so that more Alberans that need help from this organization can get the help they need?

Posted February 18, 2008 02:44 PM

A person can't live on the amount given to the to AISH in this province, Rent in this province is about $1000 dollars alone, From my understanding this Government is asking Albertans who are disabled to live completly on $50 dollars per month when living expenses for the average albertan per month equal $500. What are you going to do iff you win this election to raise the AISH and improve the standred of living for disabled albertans?

Posted February 18, 2008 02:39 PM

The PC government has helped to build one of North America's most connected electronic library Systems but they have not increased their support to local public libraries beyond the levels of 1992/93.

What role do each of the Parties see public libraries playing in Alberta's future and would they address the funding of local libraries in the 2008 budget.

Posted February 18, 2008 02:02 PM

Edmonton and Calgary have two thirds of Alberta's population but only half of the seats in the Alberta legislature.

Is it fair that city dwellers votes count for less than rural Albertans

Will you commit to changing this imbalance?

Posted February 18, 2008 01:25 PM

Further to my last entry, it must be pointed out that many landowners are outraged that the gov't is trying to determine who they choose as advisors or representatives in thier negotiations with resource companies over resource development on their lands. They feel that only they should choose who speaks for them. (See Regina v. Raymond Strom) This should be an election issue.

Posted February 18, 2008 12:18 PM

In the last legislature, the Stelmach gov't rammed through legislaton that attacks the rights of landowners and other stakeholders who wish to legitimately oppose resource development (Bill 46). This was done using very anti-democratic means. Also, the Stelmach government has been actively involved in prosecuting people who help landowners protect thier right to determine what happens on their land simply because they aren't licensed (Regina v. Raymond Strom).

If elected, what will your government do to restore landowner/stakeholder rights so that all Albertans have a serious opportunity to regulate development on lands they have an interest in.

Posted February 18, 2008 12:12 PM

The 'Alberta Advantage'doesn't apply to fish & wildlife. We have lost mountain caribou, grizzly, bull trout, west slope cutthroat trout and many other species due to the cumulated impacts of industry. Since 1980 caribou have been closed to hunting, chased off the highways, corralled for calving and wolves decimated. Bull trout have been closed to angling since 1996 and native cutthroat are proposed for protection under SARA's federal legislation.

Which political party will protect critical habitat, plan & limit industrial impacts or even monitor and honestly report the loss of renewable natural resources in Alberta?

Posted February 18, 2008 11:17 AM

Ask Mr. Stelmach why he supported locking away Klein's & Cabinet papers in May 2006 for 5 to 15 years. What things have been done by his party under Klein & himself that can't stand the light of day.

Posted February 18, 2008 10:55 AM

Hi Kim

This question is directed to all parties but I am most interseted in the Premiers answer. Why is it such a priority to get the oil and gas out of the ground right now? Are we not short on labour in this province right now? Are we not short on housing (affordable) right now? The oil and gas in the ground is not going anywhere or will it become obsolete. All it is going to do is become more valuable. Why do we blink whenever oil and gas company's stare us down. Our province could have the best health care and education in the world if the provincial government would stare them down and take the money that is owing to us,(albertans). I am a buisness owner and have no illusions of the benifits the oil and gas sector have brought to our province, but it will not go on forever. I have young children and I would like you to tell me what the benifits of your policies are going to be in 20 years.
Thanks
Jim Dalzell

Posted February 18, 2008 10:48 AM

Considering that $1 billion is a stack of newly-minted $100 bills 1.3 kilometres high, how can you so easily dismiss the Auditor General's finding that your government left that much or more in pre-review oil royalties uncollected, every year for years, and that you aren't going back on the oil companies for 'unpaid bills'? Is this another nudge-nudge-wink-wink kind of thing?

Posted February 18, 2008 10:34 AM

There is increasing pressure being placed on government to address what has been framed as the "out-of-control" growth of Alberta's oil sands. In absence of identified environmental thresholds, what will your government do to address the growing concerns around health and environment in light of the plans for rapid expansion in northern Alberta? In your answer, please outline your plans to immediately address the health concerns of residents of Fort Chipewyan.

Posted February 18, 2008 10:23 AM

Over the past 10 years Alberta Libraries worked together with the Alberta Government to create one of the most dynamic public library systems in North America. Patrons at even the smallest rural library like mine can offer access to more than 25 million resources and information can be had anytime, anywhere for literacy, education, business, industry and leisure. Libraries have truly maximized the value of the Supernet.

However: A shortage of funds is threatening the ability to sustain these initiatives. Operating grants for libraries are currently at the level set in 1992. Failure to obtain additional funding will begin a steady drift toward mediocre services for Albertans.

1. To ALL candidates: Do you have a Library Card? :)

2. To all candidates: Do you publicly support an increase in per capita operating grants for Public Libraries?
(No spin please. My question is not answered if you say that you support libraries but do not publicly say Yes or No to increased operating grants)

Thanks

Posted February 18, 2008 10:00 AM

Question for Ed Stelmach.
With the $4000.00 cap on soft tissue injuries being thrown out, now would be a perfect chance to institute public insurance as is done in many other provinces. This saves
consumers, as a whole, literally millions of dollars, yet your government chooses to fight for this cap in court. Correct me if I am mistaken, but I thought elected officials were supposed to represent the people who elected them.

Posted February 18, 2008 09:55 AM

Would you please ask all the hopefuls what their vision is for Alberta? I do not want to know how much money they plan on spending on this and that, rather I would to hear what type of society they hope to create.

Posted February 18, 2008 09:14 AM

In the 1990's, the war on poverty was quickly turned to the war on the poor. Ministers like Mike Cardinal, who believed that everyone would cheat the welfare system if possible, turned social programs into miserly efforts that became based on the view that poor people will cheat if they can, and cut rates to less than subsistance. Klein's disdain for the poor was never in question.

In 2008, we have social support programs that ensure that poor people remain locked in poverty, with little to no hope unless they have a personal connection that will offer them a hand up.Just the fack to being poor precludes those connections unless there is a blood relationship to someone in power.

Premier Stelmach has offered to 'allow' Albertans with SEVERE handicaps the ability to earn an additional $500. per month through employment, and approved a $38. per month increase in financial supports bringing the level of AISH monthly supports supports to less than the cost of normal one bedroom apartment in Calgary.

Do any of the candidates personally know any individuals trying to live on AISH or 'Alberta Works' and if so, what are your thoughts on their ability to participate in Alberta society?

If elected Premier, what immediate changes would you make to the embarrasing lack of social supports and to the institutional attitudes that guide those programs?

Posted February 18, 2008 08:29 AM

The provincial government has regiulations in place that determine a fixed date for municipal elections. It seems only reasonable that the provincial government would have to follow the same system. Comments please.

Posted February 17, 2008 10:20 PM

The cost of the Health authorities to the system is very high. has there been/ will there be an evaluation of their value, or is there a better way so that more of this funding can go directly into the front line care?

Posted February 17, 2008 10:18 PM

I would like to ask the leaders whether they would consider taking immediate and significant action on the environment, similar to what the State of California is doing.

Posted February 17, 2008 09:16 PM

Recently the auditor general indicated that Albertans have lost billions of dollars in potential oil revenues because of poor government book keeping. He went further by comparing your government's book keeping to that of third world countries. When you were asked to comment on this situation on CBC television news last December, you indicated that rather than looking backward, you wanted to look into the future. Given that this scandal is significantly larger than the federal Liberal adscam scandal, would you explain why a public and transparent investigation into the AG'S claim is not warranted?

Posted February 17, 2008 08:02 PM

I have four questions.

1) The "Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy" act is, at best, ironically named. It is used by the government to arbitrarily decide what information it will decide to release publicly and, if necessary, put the price of obtaining the information high enough to discourage citizens who want information about what their government is doing. What do you plan to change in order to make the government open and accountable?

2) What will you do to reform the Public Affairs Bureau from its present existence, as a PC cheerleading section that is paid from the government coffers, to a nonpartisan bureau accessible to all parties in the legislature?

3) Taxpayers in Alberta are paying for a slice of the elite educations of children in private charter schools. The money going to charter schools is being diverted from a public system that is struggling to survive with a crumbling, poorly maintained infrastructure. What is your plan to repair the public and separate school systems so that special needs children can be accommodated within them, and so that there is no further need for charter schools?

4) The history of Canada is littered with examples of environmental disasters that far outlasted the companies that created the disasters. When nobody else is around to clean up the mess, the government generally gets stuck with the cleanup job. (An example is the Giant Mine near Yellowknife.) How will you ensure that large enterprises such as tar sands oil producers do not abandon the lands they disturb, and leave them to the government to remediate at public cost?

Posted February 17, 2008 07:58 PM

The federal Liberals were in power for 12 years and there was a great deal of scandal. There was change federally! The provincial Tories have been in power for 37 years and there have been dozens of scandals that have lost Alberta taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. So why shouldn't there be a change in Alberta?

Posted February 17, 2008 07:05 PM

To the Premier: IN all of the years that you sat at the Cabinet and Caucus tables, your government handed over pubic dollars and public accountability to hundreds of boards, foundations, commissions and other groups that are funded by the public purse, yet not accountable to the public through our public auditor.
Can you tell Albertans why these recipients of public funds have been removed from public scrutiny, and can you tell us exactly how organizations like Climate Change Central can be held accountable for their spending of public dollars when the public has to submit a freedonm of access to information request to see financial statements?

Posted February 17, 2008 06:53 PM

My question to Ed Stelmach is:
He mentions the Federal Liberals NEP program, that has nothing to do with the Provincial Liberals, I would like to remind him of the Provincial Conservative Party in Sasketchwan & the scandel they created there & some of their ministers when to jail. How does he feel about that?

Posted February 17, 2008 06:30 PM

Mr Stelmach, as a member of the Deep Six in the early 90's who were intent on cutting government spending, and as a previous Minister of Infrastructure, how do you reconcile rampant government spending to play 'catch up' when you appeared to be against investing in a plan for gradual investment in infrastructure in the past?

Posted February 17, 2008 05:29 PM

Why the senior citizens have to pay 30% for their prescription drugs instead of 20% what the others pay and have no dental coverage, especially when their income is relatively lower then the younger people? Do you think that they have not paid enough for health care in their entire life ? I think it is a shame for the province that claims to be the richest in Canada.

Posted February 17, 2008 04:43 PM

When the world ceases its overreliance on oil, which has likely already begun, how will Alberta remain prosperous when so much of our economy relies on oil? Don't you think it would be prudent to put a cap on emissions and production in the oil sands and put oil royalties into developing the alternative energy industry in Alberta? Alberta could become a sustainable energy leader by investing in the future, and a slowdown in the oil sector could be a good thing.

Posted February 17, 2008 04:41 PM

The word "transparency" does not appear on your party web site, and is not mentioned on your platform page. Does this mean your government will continue the well-established PC practice of making secret deals with large corporations such as the Power Production Agreement modification made to benefit Enron, the creation of AltaLink, and the interjection of "marketers" between Alberta energy suppliers and we citizens, their customers?

Posted February 17, 2008 04:29 PM

Your predescessors' government used phony rotating brownouts to convince Albertans we did not have sufficient electrical capacity. Now your government proposes a huge power line into the United States, a line that will be paid for by Alberta electricity users in accordance with the Province's profitability guarantees to AltaLink, and an atomic power plant to feed electricity south yet the potential customer in the south, the Northwest Power and Conservation Commission have concluded the economics of atomic power render it unworthy even of consideration in the next 7 years. Furthermore you have no valid plan to deal with the waste products in a proven safe manner. Why do you and your Energy Minister insist Albertans should be saddled with an expensive, dangerous problem for the next several hundred years?

Posted February 17, 2008 04:20 PM

To all Party Leaders:

The most overwhelming issue for me is democracy and living in a city has not afforded me the same representation as my country cousins?

Every decade boundary changes in Alberta
use old stats and old rules to give rural Alberta the advantage.

When will my straw be the same length as Walter on the farm?

Posted February 17, 2008 04:12 PM

What will each Party do to slow down the mineral extraction in the FT.McMurray area so that we have some resemblance of planned development and environmental protection. Also what social/domestic programs will each party fund that may curb family break ups,suicides,juvenile delinquency and gang related activities that are directly related to the "ALBERTA ADVANTAGE"?

Posted February 17, 2008 03:42 PM

I want to know why you propose a nuclear power plant rather than increase wind power and solar energy?

Posted February 17, 2008 03:39 PM

North America is behind in the game for rapid intercity transit. The Calgary-Red Deer-Edmonton Corridor is one of the richest in the world right now with thousands of commuters.

Would it not be profitable for Canada's fastest growing province to make sure a rapid transit line happens, not only for convenience, but also as a way to help the environment.

Posted February 17, 2008 03:38 PM

What would your party do if elected government to address the doctors and nurses shortage in the Health Care System?

Posted February 17, 2008 03:02 PM

I hear politicians from Northern Alberta talking about Nuclear Energy as if it was a regional issue. I believe the idea of nuclear power in Alberta is an issue that will affect all Albertans everywhere. Do you agree with this assertion and if so how will you take this into account when provincial approval is needed for a potential nuclear power plant in Alberta. Would you consider an nuclear referendum for Alberta?

Posted February 17, 2008 02:34 PM

A significant portion of the "Alberta Advantage" was based on the concept that low taxes would attract investment. Other Provinces, such as B.C., have followed Alberta's lead, and have experienced the result that by lowering taxes they have actually increased tax revenue due to the increase in economic activity.

It seems all Alberta parties are now saying, we should tax through additional royalties, our most important industry-the oil and gas sector. Why should we move away from a proven economic model? Why should Albertans believe that an additional $2 billion dollars a year is better in Provincial coffers than in the hands of corporations with business activities in Alberta? How big an annual surplus do we really need to ensure a prosperous future?

Posted February 17, 2008 02:19 PM

Why is it appropriate to exempt your retiring cabinet colleagues from lobbying legislation that you deemed your highest priority upon assuming office?

Posted February 17, 2008 02:11 PM

Will you commit to Stephen Harper's national Green House Gas targets, of a 20% cut from 2006 levels by 2020?

Posted February 17, 2008 02:09 PM

2 questions;
1)Why should it take 4 years to get rid of health care premiums?

2)Why are such essential aids for DAILY LIVING such as sleep apnea machines (for those that have this lifelong serious medical condition NOT COVERED BY ALBERTA HEALTH CARE?Dont they know that those that cannot afford it (it is a mandatory aid for health)develop strokes,sudden death and heart ailments?Surely this government must realize the costs, let alone the life trauma this must cause.And with all their billions they can't even fund people with this affliction(in many cases this is heareditary)?Why not?

Posted February 17, 2008 02:08 PM

How will you build a "firewall" around the heritage fund to prevent politicians and those without a future from plundering it as has been done to now.

Posted February 17, 2008 07:50 AM

Question for Paul Hinman:

How are your plans for reclaiming provincial responsibilities from Ottawa, which include abdicating the RCMP from AB laws (by advocating for an APP) and separating the Alberta tax form from the federal one (which would have Albertans doing their taxes twice in a year), not indicative of fostering the notion of provincial separatism (as evolved in Québec)?

Posted February 17, 2008 12:46 AM

Regarding the new oil and gas royalty regime that won't take effect until January 2009, what will each party leader do to ensure that royalties owed to the government and people of Alberta under the old regime will be recovered?

Posted February 17, 2008 12:28 AM

Alberta's forest industry is in crisis - the high Canadian dollar, the crash in North American housing starts, the softwood lumber agreement, higher costs for energy, utilities, transportation, municipal property taxes on mills, and labour costs that competing jurisdictions... to name a few.

Some of our country's most efficient oriented strand board mills - High Level, High Prairie and Drayton Valley have already closed - putting hundreds out of work, and lumber mills throughout the province are slowing production, also reducing workforces in smaller, mostly norther communities (Whitecourt, Hinton, Edson, Grande Prairie, Slave Lake and others).

What are the party leaders going to do to show the people working in Alberta's third largest industry that they care...and what are they are going to do to help the industry keep afloat during these lean times?

Posted February 16, 2008 02:08 PM

Will each party drop the party whip, and allow free votes on all bills and motions and allow each MLA to represent their constituency's interests without being forced to tow the party line?

Posted February 16, 2008 09:09 AM

Prior to Mr. Klien's retirement, the "third way" health reform was hotly debated. Since then health reform has not returned to the agenda. I would like to know each parties plan for health reform. I would particularily like to know the prosed role of privated for profit medical care in each of the plans (if any).

Posted February 16, 2008 07:16 AM

Thanks Kim:

How will you contribute to Canadian unity...(to ask if chosen)....how will you let Quebecers understand Alberta's intereest and how will you communicate to Albertans Quebec's needs?

Posted February 16, 2008 03:07 AM

What steps will you take to ensure that in the future, lives are not lost or compromised as happened during the Klein years when the young, old, ill, and/or poor were nearly exterminated in order to balance the budget of this supposedly wealthy province?

Posted February 16, 2008 02:46 AM

There is a single lane deadly and over-used road to Alberta's booming city: Ft. McMurray. Why is it going to take SEVEN years for this government to complete the twinning of it when it took about the same amount of time to complete the CP Rail system from Manitoba to Vancouver?

Posted February 16, 2008 12:15 AM

We have and are seeing forestry mills shut down or limiting shifts and increasing down-time through-out the Province from the North to the south affecting thousands of jobs directly in the mills and indirectly by their service providers in the bush and suppliers. What will your party do to support the forestry industry?

Posted February 15, 2008 11:58 PM

What are the merits and detractions towards a Provincial Pension Plan? This was something, as was the Alberta Police Force, advocated by Ted Morten and Steven Harper.

Posted February 15, 2008 11:55 PM

Health Care cots are spiraling. One thing most medical experts recommend is preventative measures. How about making phys ed mandatory throughout high school? How about providing a $250 tax credit to ALL Albertans for qualified physical activities such as what the federal government grants for kids?

Posted February 15, 2008 11:54 PM

Increased governmental interference in the economy always proves to be an abject failure. Pure capitalism with no common rules also has its' dangers. Isn't the solution to the housing crisis to increase the amount of developable land in conjunction with planning for services rather than implementing rent controls? Perhaps the government should build and own apartment buildings as a temporary measure with a sunset clause leading to a sale?

Posted February 15, 2008 11:51 PM

If eliminating the Alberta Health Care premium seems to be agreed upon by all parties, why wasn't this done long ago?

Posted February 15, 2008 11:45 PM

The Tories topped up the Teachers pension plan by $2.1 billion in exchange for them not striking over the next 5 years. On the other hand, many people in small business and their employees have no such pension. As taxpayers are paying for this, what do you say to the tax hike the Tories just placed on the common Albertan? After all, 15 years ago when the CPP was in desparate straights everyone had to increase their contributions, shouldn't the teachers be responsible for their pension deficit, not the average taxpayer, rich and poor?

Posted February 15, 2008 11:44 PM

Given internal budgeting by the government showing a budget deficit since last September, natural gas production falling by 10%/year affecting resource royalty revenues and land sale revenues down by several hundred million dollars already year over year, why is there no Budget to run on, and yet there are billions in spending promises by the Tories, Liberals, and PC's? How does this reconcile?

Posted February 15, 2008 11:39 PM

Kim, I hope you see the value of this question because no one else seems to be raising issues such as help for new immigrants in language, job training/equivalency and housing (they can't afford housing if they only work for Tim Horton's and especially if they get jobs in Canada through job hunters in their own country who charge them exorbitant amounts).

"Alberta needs new immigrants to keep the province working. Many of the newest immigrants come from all over the world and face new challenges in this province both as new citizens and as visible minorities in a new country.

How important are the concerns and issues facing new immigrants and visible minorities to your party? Unlike the current cabinet which has no visible minorities, are you willing to commit to have visible minorities in your cabinet who will represent those concerns to the highest levels of government?"

Posted February 15, 2008 11:16 PM

I would also like to know why the Green Party has been excluded. The Green Party has a full slate of candidates and should be included in this debate.

I'll assume the CBC will do the right thing and include them. The questions I would then like to have posed are as follows:

-What steps will your party take to move Alberta towards developing sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind power and move away from fossil fuel usage?

-What is your party's position on building a nuclear power plant in Alberta?

-How will you ensure that public primary and secondary education is actually free and that the numerous and burdensome extra school fees are removed?

Posted February 15, 2008 11:03 PM

A hypothetical question to all the leaders.

It is 2009 and the Federal Government of the day enacts legislation that penalizes the companies developing the oilsands. The net impact of their legislation means that penalties of several hundred million dollars are levied against any company that does not minimize or eliminate the carbon footprint left by their development of the oilsands starting in 2012. What would your Government do in response to this action by the Government of Canada?

Posted February 15, 2008 09:48 PM

I used to live in Sask.under the NDP and Conservatives. I remember when Public Auto Insurance was brought in. My friends in Sask.say that the Sask Party is refunding auto insurance premiums back to those insured by SGI. If it can work in Sask it can also work in Alberta. Their is NO excuse. Premier Stelmach you have not been honest with the voters of Alberta saying "it doesn't work". I cannot vote PC because of this one issue.

Posted February 15, 2008 08:20 PM

What, if anything do each of the political parties propose to do to assist the beleaguered forest sector in Alberta in order to prevent further mill closures and related job losses in our norther rural communities?

Posted February 15, 2008 08:02 PM

My questions are these:
1) Why Should the Conservative government stay in power, As well as why would they change there policies now on various issues like Affordable Housing and the Alberta Health care Premiums when their party has never cared before about either issue?
and
2) would it not be wise to let another party take over running Alberta, even for just 1 Term, so the people of Alberta have a fair and equal Political system, As well as have some choice in what happens to their province?

Posted February 15, 2008 08:02 PM

In looking at the West Central Caribou herd why is that government wants to increase the herd size by shooting the wolves for the third year in a row and increase the moose hunting tags to further keep the wolves down when the main issue here is the development of industry and the destruction of intact areas for the caribou survive. It does not take a genius to figure out that if the population increases and the land base shrinks you will face another detriment to their survival.

Posted February 15, 2008 07:33 PM

So considering the bulk of money derived from industry in this province why is it after 20 years we still do not have solid plans and legislation on how to protect watersheds; Caribou, Grizzly Bear etc. The department ASRD works under policies and directives which are not tied to any legislation therefore how do you expect the regulatory body to enforce and conserve these issues. Companies want black and white, public want black and white and the enforcing bodies want black and white.

Posted February 15, 2008 07:27 PM

Why does it take a year to pass regulations to make the Lobbyist Act effective. What is the reason for the delay and what would they do to speed up the process.

Posted February 15, 2008 04:13 PM

I'd like to know why the Green Party has been excluded from the debates.

Posted February 15, 2008 04:04 PM

Kim:

Response to your request for debate questions. A theme for this election is change and I would like to know how each party would bring about change.

To Stelmach: Change you can trust is your slogan, but you were at the cabinet table in key portfolios during the Klein years. How can we trust your change when you were part of the Klein decisions - No plan, the circumstances that gave rise to bill 46, maintaining health premiums, insurance reform, education, health and infrastructure cutbacks, etc. If you do keep your promise to effect change, how can your record demonstrate we can trust you to change the situation you supported?

To Taft: You have been Official Opposition leader for years. How have you, being the alternative voice in the Legislature, effected change? How are the Liberals different from the Tories when many of your policies are so similar?

To Mason: You are campaigning primarily in Edmonton and only have seats in Edmonton with little opportunity to gain seats outside of Edmonton's core. (See Scott Dippel's recent contribution). How can you effect change, when your demonstrated strategy is not to gain power, but to supplant the Liberals as the Official Opposition?
Note: On the NDP website, it lists Top 10 Reasons to Vote NDP. However reason 10 is the same as reason 4 and reason 9 is the same as reason 1. If the NDP can only come up with only 8 top 10 reasons to vote for the NDP, why should anyone vote for them?

Posted February 15, 2008 03:56 PM

What is each parties view on the APP, and an Alberta Police Force?

Thanks.

Posted February 15, 2008 03:47 PM

The returning officer scandal has been getting a lot of media but I'd also like to hear more in general about democratic reform, openess, and transparency. Albertans have fought hard for these things at the federal level for years yet I get the sense that, provincially, we're still behind the times.

Posted February 15, 2008 02:27 PM

I would ask the leaders how they plan to deal with the oil sands in the north seeing as how they are the MAIN source of revenue for the province and the MAIN reason we in Alberta are debt-free. Won't taxing these companies that operate in the oil sands too much just cause them to slow down production on the oil sands and maybe even move out of Alberta and if that happens how will the government handle the dramatic loss on income from the loss of the oil sands?

Posted February 15, 2008 02:21 PM

One piece of the social infrastructure remains in jeopardy -- Accessible transportation. While housing, AISH, healthcare, services for disability appear to be getting support -- specialized transportation hasn't recieved any attention since Alberta chopped the funding in 1994.

Alberta embraces a "care in the community" model. short hospital stays, community living with local work environemsupports (work, etc), seniors living in their homes as long as possible. Yet the infrastructure between living at home and these local community services is missing in the Alberta "plan."

Instead of supporting the operation of DATS, Handi-van etc, Alberta has downloaded the transportation (that supports their care in the community effort) onto local municipalities and non-profit groups. Some 100 communities across Alberta have a special needs transportation program. The alberta government benefits some $50-75 million/ year from these groups, yet doesn't facilitate transit operations.

question: what will your party do to facilitate the community transportation require for Alberta's "care in the Community" effort?

(once upon a time, Transportation Minister Stelmach promised such a funding review. Municipal Affairs Minister Danalyck recently informed us that such a review will not happen).

Posted February 15, 2008 01:53 PM

In light of the recent returning officer scandal in which Tory insiders were appointed to run the election in many ridings and were selected by party officials, what will you do to make sure that future elections are not only fair, but appear to be fair?

Posted February 15, 2008 01:51 PM

My question is about something that is getting overshadowed by candidates in this election but it should be brought up:

What would you do if elected to ensure that people with disabilities such as myself are given adequate employment opportunities in our communities. We live in a province that is booming, so why can't people like myself get a piece of the action so to speak?

Posted February 15, 2008 01:12 PM

The Adult Beverage Industry in Alberta has created a model by which equality in pricing, warehousing and delivery is the same for all stores and owners involved. Do you have any plans for this industry and if so what? The Alberta Model Adult Beverage Industry is a key employer to hundreds of Albertans in it's current capacity.

Posted February 15, 2008 01:08 PM

Kim, What an opportunity to pose important questions to the party leaders. If I was given this opportunity, I would ask;
"How do we encourage intellectual flexibility, nonpartisan debate and an environment that fosters common good discussions in our political processes?"

Posted February 15, 2008 12:25 PM

Ask them:

Much was made of the changes to the royalty regime that take effect in 2009. Despite early opposition, multi-billion dollar projects have been recently announced for the oilsands. Do you feel that a further change in the royalty regime, precipitated by a change in government, would threaten to destabilize and stall the economic engine that pays for the province's social programs?

Posted February 15, 2008 12:19 PM