Packed house attends all candidates forum

(Continued from the April 10/19 Leader)
FULL STORY BELOW

It was a full house of more than 150 people that turned out to listen as the seven candidates running to become the next MLA in the Fort Saskatchewan Vegreville constituency made their pitches Apr. 3 in Fort Saskatchewan.

“This is a chance for the citizens to engage with the candidates and the candidate will have a chance to answer questions and state their desires to represent the Fort Saskatchewan Vegreville constituency,” said moderator Brent Kellington. The Fort Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and the Edmonton Real Estate Board hosted the evening.

From the Alberta Advantage Party, Ron Malowany spoke of being part of the Wildrose party that voted against the unification of the Wildrose and Progressive Conservative parties to form the United Conservative Party.

“Albertans are struggling and we want to be known as the only government willing to change this,” he said. “Do you run your house or farm showing disrespect for others. No because it’s not sustainable.”

He reported on the party policy saying he would represent the constituency rather than the party. Five party members could change party policy, he said.
Income splitting for seniors, tax credits for children, a flat tax at 10.5 per cent for individuals and corporations, getting Albertans to work immediately were all proposals Malowany espoused.

He said all levels of government were working against pipeline development adding, Jason Kenney had a chance to develop pipelines when he was in federal politics and didn’t; and that Rachael Notley has the chance to fight for pipelines but hasn’t.

Shane Ladouceur from the Alberta Independence Party took a very relaxed format to the microphone.
“Good evening guys,” he said. “I’m a good Fort Saskatchewan boy. What are we getting for the money we send to Ottawa? They bought a pipeline and we can’t use it.”

“Enough is enough,” he said. “We aren’t backed by big banks or corporations.”

“This is our money we’re sending to Ottawa and for what,” he added. “We want our money in Alberta. There’s $40 billion that can go back into Alberta right now.”

He went on to explain how that could stimulate small
business and thus create a more robust economy.
He mentioned that when his party formed an independent government, it could join the UN and use the landlocked tool that would grant a landlocked country access to tidewater so it can access markets.

“We can be independent – on our own,” he said. “We don’t need Canada.”

Incumbent MLA NDP candidate Jessica Littlewood explained her proposals.

“We were handed a mess when last elected,” she said. “We undid the old PC policy of freezing the numbers of teachers in classroom. We built new schools, two in Fort Saskatchewan, and we plan to twin the Highway 15 bridge.”

She stated there had been developments in the heartland through government incentives including the Inter Pipeline Polypropylene project.

She talked about protecting LGBTQ rights and allowing GSAs in schools.

“Rachel Notley and our government, made up of real people who know real challenges, have proven you can work on the economy and take care of one another at the same time.”

She then went on to criticize Jason Kenney and the UCP policy.

“If you trust me with your vote, I’ll keep fighting for the things our community needs,” she concluded.

Speaking for the Alberta Party Marvin Olsen spoke of his experiences growing up and working in the constituency.

“I believe I have invaluable real life experience and truly understand the challenges facing both the rural and urban sectors. I have gotten my hands dirty and run my company through two recessions in this province.”

He said he was running, in part to protect and provide for his children, and build for their future.

“This is a critical time for Alberta,” he said. “Make no mistake neither excessive spending or harsh cuts is the answer.”

He added he was the alternative between the main two parties in the election.

“I’m here to tell you there is an alternative,” he said.

“The Alberta Party has a transparent achievable balanced platform consisting of fiscal and social responsibility.”

He spoke of creating jobs and finding new ways to move oil to offshore markets.
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“We need to make sure Alberta is thriving at all times, not just when the oil prices are up.”

Malcolm Stinson spoke for the Freedom Conservative Party of Alberta.

“Four year ago the voters were angry,” he said. “The government of the day was tired and as a result we ended up with an accidental government.”

He added many of the problems faced by the NDP were results of the previous PC governments, but in trying to fix the problem the NDP “had failed badly.”

“When you’re trying to fix a hole,” he said “The first thing you do is stop digging. But the NDP brought in a back hoe.”

Debt and government interference have taken away such large parts of income that home ownership has become unaffordable.

He said government can only raise money in one of two ways ­ taxes or borrowing.

“Anything the government gives you is not free,” he said. “You pay for it.”

He argued against super majorities, suggesting a strong,
principled opposition is needed.

The Freedom Party stands for social and economic freedom,” he said.

The province, he said was being used like a colonial outpost supplying money and resources for nothing in return.

“The hard lessons of four years ago are being ignored,” he said. “Thus our party’s slogan ‘equality or independence.’ It’s time to take the kid gloves off.”
He wants similar rights as other provinces in areas of immigration, pension plans and employment insurance and justice.

If that weren’t to happen a referendum on independence would be held.

Rebecca Trotter, explained the Green Party she represents has it roots in Europe and is “a party more in tune with the current issues facing us.”

“The Green Party is not anti oil,” she said. “It’s pro diversity. We’re not going to leave natural resources in the ground and we’ll encourage new alternate energy choices.”

This election is about catching up with the times.

She explained the Green Party policy covering healthcare, education, seniors and support for municipalities.

She added she supported new advances in farming techniques and new crop ideas such as hemp production in the Bruderheim area. She said the party would have policies encouraging a buy local program.

“Consumers are demanding different products,” she said. “Let’s bring in eco tourism. I’m tired of being behind, and I’m with a party which will lead us into a brighter prosperous future.”

UCP candidate Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk told of growing up in the constituency.

“I know how challenging the current economic climate is,” she said. “But I’ve never seen this economy so distressed.”

Blaming both the local and federal government she said Alberta was “closed for business.”

She blamed the Federal and provincial government for 1,000s of job losses.

“We paying almost $2 billion a year in interest in loans,” she said. “That too much. It should be spent on hospitals, schools, extended care facilities, teachers and nurses.”

She said contrary to fear mongering the UCP would not be cutting health care or education funding.

“We’re committed to maintaining front line workers,” she said.

“I’m a straight from the hip type of person and I want to be your advocate in the next government.”

Questions from the audience varied from the fate of the Alberta Treasury Branches (none of the candidates would sell it) to use of cannabis revenue, RCMP funding, MSI funding, education, job creation, how will get pipelines built, sustainable funding for school boards, school student safety, commitment to quality health care, and ensuring the rights of parents in education.

The candidates then had the opportunities to give one last statement to encourage voters to vote for them April 16.

By John Mather