Alberta Politics & Government Thread 3.0

[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

I mean… I’ve also said kind things about Bernier and PP before the two put on their dunce caps, so you could argue I’m generous in giving the benefit of the doubt to politicians to a fault.

Which should also tell you something about exactly how bad Smith is.

You also need to understand that disqualifying the UCP for this election doesn’t mean nobody from the UCP ever gets an opportunity to earn my vote again. But as long as Smith is the leader, I will not vote for anyone that helps that person become the legitimately elected Premier.

It’s naive to believe that people shouldn’t think of the bigger picture when electing an MLA. If the MLA is fantastic but voting them in secures leadership for an incompetent, toxic loser, now is that a win for anyone?

Parties change from the inside when they lose elections, not when they win them. There’s no debate on that.

You don't have to convince me on Smith. I cannot stand her. She is unbelievably terrible at her job and I feel will cost the UCP this election. Which you are correct, should create some change!

I will be planning on voting UCP in this upcoming election for my region, simply because I believe my UCP MLA does work very hard for our region. Yep, he also votes on the party line as well and I have called him out on it for some abysmal decisions and he has no problem explaining why he did it and what it gained him to do it to accomplish what he needs for our region.

Sometimes they have to play the game, to get what they need. It's gross, but that's a game all parties play.

But that being said, if the NDP, Alberta Party or any other party's MLA wants to explain to me what they can do better for our region than the current MLA, I am all ears! My guess is they won't even bother coming here though. But I will listen and will change my vote if they can effectively lay out what they are willing to fight for, that our current MLA isn't doing.

The issue with swapping representation from a somewhat effective one, to a brand new party, is all the hard work and objectives the previous goverment lay out for a region typically get scrapped the second a new party is in power.

It throws everything into chaos.

So stability has a huge effect on my vote. And even if the NDP get a majority, I think it is important to have a strong presence from all partys in the Legislature to ensure balance across the province.

Personally, even though a complete rookie at the position, I feel Rebecca Schulz has been one of the best, most accessible and forward thinking Municipal Affairs Ministers in the last 10 years. And this has a huge affect on one of my two careers! So a changing of Ministers this spring would be annoying and I think set back Municipal Affairs at least 12-18 months at time when Rural and Urban municipalities need some stability.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

The vote for a backbencher is in the hopes that a) even if they don't break with their party on votes, they'll be pushing for your interests during the vast majority of the time they're working - voting in the leg or parliament is only a small part of what an MLA or MP does all day; and b) that this person who I am voting for because they seem to have a good head on their shoulders might rise in the ranks and might wield significant influence within their party one day, which will hopefully make that party better as a result.

Both of those are perfectly reasonable bases for ignoring the party affiliation and voting for the person in your riding.

Can you give examples of what they are doing locally that makes a difference outside of the party vote? Genuinely curious.

[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

Can you give examples of what they are doing locally that makes a difference outside of the party vote? Genuinely curious.

I can add to this.

Our region has need a new hospital for 20 years. We have been battling with every government in that time to get ANY kind of funding to get a new hospital. It is seriously embarrassing what is happening there.

Our back bench MLA was able to finally get millions in upgrades in the latest budget to renovate and upgrade the hospital.

This is very significant. Neither party has been willing to even listen in the past to our concerns over this hospital. Rural healthcare is floundering.

It's a huge win and had nothing to do with voting on the party line. Just a young MLA battling behind the scenes to get much needed funding for a delapidated and depressing hospital.

Does it completely solve the problem? No.

But its a step in the right direction. Doctors, Nurses and other healthcare practitioners actively avoid our region because of the state of the infrastructure.

This could go a long way in getting a few more quality practitioners here.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

You don't have to convince me on Smith. I cannot stand her. She is unbelievably terrible at her job and I feel will cost the UCP this election. Which you are correct, should create some change!

I will be planning on voting UCP in this upcoming election for my region, simply because I believe my UCP MLA does work very hard for our region. Yep, he also votes on the party line as well and I have called him out on it for some abysmal decisions and he has no problem explaining why he did it and what it gained him to do it to accomplish what he needs for our region.

Sometimes they have to play the game, to get what they need. It's gross, but that's a game all parties play.

But that being said, if the NDP, Alberta Party or any other party's MLA wants to explain to me what they can do better for our region than the current MLA, I am all ears! My guess is they won't even bother coming here though. But I will listen and will change my vote if they can effectively lay out what they are willing to fight for, that our current MLA isn't doing.

The issue with swapping representation from a somewhat effective one, to a brand new party, is all the hard work and objectives the previous goverment lay out for a region typically get scrapped the second a new party is in power.

It throws everything into chaos.

So stability has a huge effect on my vote. And even if the NDP get a majority, I think it is important to have a strong presence from all partys in the Legislature to ensure balance across the province.

Personally, even though a complete rookie at the position, I feel Rebecca Schulz has been one of the best, most accessible and forward thinking Municipal Affairs Ministers in the last 10 years. And this has a huge affect on one of my two careers! So a changing of Ministers this spring would be annoying and I think set back Municipal Affairs at least 12-18 months at time when Rural and Urban municipalities need some stability.

Municipal candidates (which at least here aren't party affiliated) should definitely be chosen based on the best candidate. But ignoring party because someone comes to your door and is a good guy/girl - doesn't make sense to me.

[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

Municipal candidates (which at least here aren't party affiliated) should definitely be chosen based on the best candidate. But ignoring party because someone comes to your door and is a good guy/girl - doesn't make sense to me.

Where did I say "because they are a good guy/girl"?

Choosing the best candidate isn't based on personality. Ask questions, see if they even know their #### or have a plan or just there glad handing knowing you will or wont vote because of party affiliation.

Blindly voting based on party affiliation is the laziest form of civic responsibility, in my opinion!

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

wait fotze2....

is this a return?

When is 4x4 coming back, and will they be 4x5 or 4x4x2?

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

I can add to this.

Our region has need a new hospital for 20 years. We have been battling with every government in that time to get ANY kind of funding to get a new hospital. It is seriously embarrassing what is happening there.

Our back bench MLA was able to finally get millions in upgrades in the latest budget to renovate and upgrade the hospital.

This is very significant. Neither party has been willing to even listen in the past to our concerns over this hospital. Rural healthcare is floundering.

It's a huge win and had nothing to do with voting on the party line. Just a young MLA battling behind the scenes to get much needed funding for a delapidated and depressing hospital.

Does it completely solve the problem? No.

But its a step in the right direction. Doctors, Nurses and other healthcare practitioners actively avoid our region because of the state of the infrastructure.

This could go a long way in getting a few more quality practitioners here.

What district are you in/who is your MLA?

And considering the UCP’s overall devaluing of healthcare vs the NDP’s more prominent support of it, have you considered that the NDP MLA may go further in enabling and encouraging practitioners to your region?

[Fuzz]

It does seem baffling if you are in a rural riding, guaranteed UCP win, that you wouldn't send a message to your MLA by voting for the NDP, and telling them that. The reason being you need a new leader before you consider supporting the party. It won't change the outcome in your riding, but will send a message not to take you for granted. Voting for your UCP candidate means you endorse Danielle Smith's leadership, which is, frankly, insane.

[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

What district are you in/who is your MLA?

And considering the UCP’s overall devaluing of healthcare vs the NDP’s more prominent support of it, have you considered that the NDP MLA may go further in enabling and encouraging practitioners to your region?

The NDP, in their last majority, cut funding to rural healthcare. They do not have much of a prominent support of it outside of urban areas.

[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

It does seem baffling if you are in a rural riding, guaranteed UCP win, that you wouldn't send a message to your MLA by voting for the NDP, and telling them that. The reason being you need a new leader before you consider supporting the party. It won't change the outcome in your riding, but will send a message not to take you for granted. Voting for your UCP candidate means you endorse Danielle Smith's leadership, which is, frankly, insane.

I think I was pretty clear that I am willing to vote for the candidate, not the party.

It is NOT tacit approval of her leadership. And I am very vocal with him on my distaste for her.

I am willing to discuss with the other Candidates what they may bring to the region, I've also said that.

I am being pragmatic here though. Stability and a known commitment to working for finding funding and opportunities for our region, outweigh the rest. Till it doesn't.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

It's all relevant because no one is buying any when there's Tylenol on the shelf anyways! Why ask the Pharmacist for the weird Turkish stuff with complicated directions when you have to walk past the normal stuff?

If the UCP lose this next election, I'd buy one with the sole purpose of framing it and hanging it as a reminder of the dark times.

[Ozy_Flame]

I applaud someone who is voting for their candidate based on the individual. I may not agree with the candidate being supported, but someone who can look at the person over party - especially in Alberta - gets my kudos. That's not often the case. Blind party voting does frustrate me way more since it creates far more partisan behaviors en masse and overlooks a lot of issues.

That said, please press your supported candidate on the deficiencies of the party and ask for a game plan on how your candidate plans to rectify those deficiencies. And hold them to account.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

I think I was pretty clear that I am willing to vote for the candidate, not the party.

It is NOT tacit approval of her leadership. And I am very vocal with him on my distaste for her.

I am willing to discuss with the other Candidates what they may bring to the region, I've also said that.

I am being pragmatic here though. Stability and a known commitment to working for finding funding and opportunities for our region, outweigh the rest. Till it doesn't.

Why do you need the personal touch? It's not realistic to expect a one-on-one visit from every political candidate...that's the opposite of pragmatic. Can't you just look at their platforms online and decide based on that? I don't get the need/desire for hand holding here. It sounds like you're happy to be swayed by a slick-talker or maybe you want to be courted? Eww, just vote for what's best for the province, please. That's the job. You're over-complicating it.

If you think the NDP has better leadership, why wouldn't you vote for them lol?

And stability? You can't have stability with a party led by somebody who doesn't follow truth, reason, accountability, logic and science. That's inherently unstable.

And glad to hear you're vocal with your UCP party rep about your distaste for Smith. Been doing a lot of good, I see, as you even say he just votes the party line, anyway.

I am glad you've been open about this, though, so that's appreciated. I think we're all getting insight into a very typical UCP voter here.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

I applaud someone who is voting for their candidate based on the individual. I may not agree with the candidate being supported, but someone who can look at the person over party - especially in Alberta - gets my kudos. That's not often the case. Blind party voting does frustrate me way more since it creates far more partisan behaviors en masse and overlooks a lot of issues.

That said, please press your supported candidate on the deficiencies of the party and ask for a game plan on how your candidate plans to rectify those deficiencies. And hold them to account.

#### that. It's nothing to be lauded; it's really stupid. We are voting for the leaders of the province, not who is the better schmoozer. This is ridiculous. Who cares if you like the individual more...look at the platform of the party.

[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Why do you need the personal touch? It's not realistic to expect a one-on-one visit from every political candidate...that's the opposite of pragmatic. Can't you just look at their platforms online and decide based on that? I don't get the need/desire for hand holding here. It sounds like you're happy to be swayed by a slick-talker or maybe you want to be courted? Eww, just vote for what's best for the province, please. That's the job. You're over-complicating it.

If you think the NDP has better leadership, why wouldn't you vote for them lol?

And stability? You can't have stability with a party led by somebody who doesn't follow truth, reason, accountability, logic and science. That's inherently unstable.

And glad to hear you're vocal with your UCP party rep about your distaste for Smith. Been doing a lot of good, I see, as you even say he just votes the party line, anyway.

I am glad you've been open about this, though, so that's appreciated. I think we're all getting insight into a very typical UCP voter here.

I have never voted UCP, by the way. Last election I voted for the Green Party in my region because of my distaste for all parties candidates at the time.

But your contempt is acknowledged. Also apparently a complete lack of reading comprehension of my posts.

[surferguy]

Originally Posted by Wormius

When is 4x4 coming back, and will they be 4x5 or 4x4x2?

2x6

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by Sliver

#### that. It's nothing to be lauded; it's really stupid. We are voting for the leaders of the province, not who is the better schmoozer. This is ridiculous. Who cares if you like the individual more...look at the platform of the party.

I hear you, but if I know someone who wants to represent me is truly genuine, has a good track record, and will hear my concerns and take them to the floor, that does go a long way.

Remember, the leader is the public face, but the Cabinet are the decision makers.

I want to fire Danielle Smith into the sun more than most (and I don't even live there anymore), but I will also be the first to say there are relative moderates of the old school PC vein who are still in that party that want to steer the ship in the right direction. I think those voices are important inside the UCP caucus - if Alberta is indeed horny to have a UCP government again.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

The NDP, in their last majority, cut funding to rural healthcare. They do not have much of a prominent support of it outside of urban areas.

I think you’re going to need to provide a source for that.

[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

I think you’re going to need to provide a source for that.

You bet. You'll have to give me some time to find it.

[powderjunkie]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

I can add to this.

Our region has need a new hospital for 20 years. We have been battling with every government in that time to get ANY kind of funding to get a new hospital. It is seriously embarrassing what is happening there.

Our back bench MLA was able to finally get millions in upgrades in the latest budget to renovate and upgrade the hospital.

This is very significant. Neither party has been willing to even listen in the past to our concerns over this hospital. Rural healthcare is floundering.

It's a huge win and had nothing to do with voting on the party line. Just a young MLA battling behind the scenes to get much needed funding for a delapidated and depressing hospital.

Does it completely solve the problem? No.

But its a step in the right direction. Doctors, Nurses and other healthcare practitioners actively avoid our region because of the state of the infrastructure.

This could go a long way in getting a few more quality practitioners here.

Quality of infrastructure is pretty far down the list of reasons for a healthcare practitioner to decide where to practice. Regardless of the quality of the facilities and supplies, rural practitioners are always going to be limited in what they can do.

The UCP made it less feasible for rural docs to spend any time in their local hospitals, so infrastructure upgrades are kinda pointless without addressing those systemic problems.

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

I think you’re going to need to provide a source for that.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calga...ices-1.5538934

Doctors have said for weeks that the billing changes would force hundreds of clinics across the province, particularly in rural areas, to reduce staff or close their doors.

On April 10, a Bragg Creek doctor informed patients she would be closing her practice in July due to the billing changes introduced by the [UCP] government.

"I am very worried about the future of health-care in this province," Dr. Annelies Noordman wrote in a letter, adding that she has been unable to find a doctor to take over her practice.

https://www.discoverairdrie.com/arti...inic-s-closure

Dr. Patrick Bailey of Crossfield Family Practice posted on their website this week that on September 1st the practice would close its doors. Bailey wrote, "The practice is no longer financially viable as a result of the [UCP] Alberta Government cuts to Rural Family Practice and the associated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic."

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmon...tion-1.3118783

The Alberta NDP government is planning to spend $624 million to reverse cuts to health care, education and human services proposed by the previous PC regime.

If passed, Bill 3, the interim supply bill, will fund the 12,000 new students expected to enroll in Alberta schools this fall, freeze tuition at post-secondary institutions for two years and add $500 million to the health care budget.


The funding would prevent the loss of 1,500 health care workers, according to Health Minister Sarah Hoffman.

Oh wait...