Trans-Mountain decision and the aspiring emperor's new clothes

Phil Burpee - Remember that kid in school with the part in his hair and his pants pulled up too high who could always be counted on to snitch to the teacher whenever anybody was having too much fun? Yeah – that one. Ever wonder what happened to him when he grew up? Well, wonder no more. Behold Jason Kenney of the UCP, pompous and tin-pot ridiculous, sidling up to the podium to make righteous pronouncements on affairs of the day which might as well be issuing from his nether-regions for all they are of any substance beyond gusts of overly-warmed air. It would actually be laughable were it not for the fact that he craves, or more accurately, lusts after leadership of this great province. Let the aspiring emperor’s new clothes be therefore studied carefully.

UCP congratulates Ontario Progressive Conservatives

United Conservative Party of Alberta - Jason Kenney, leader of Alberta’s United Conservatives, has released the following statement on the results of today’s provincial election in Ontario:

Letter: Regarding UCP condemnation of carbon tax

Phil Burpee - Carbon, shmarbon. Apparently some 98% of UCP delegates at the recent policy convention have come down enthusiastically on the side of repealing the current provincial Carbon Tax asap upon assuming the reins of power. This is an impressive display of group solidarity. It is also an impressive display of group miasma. Check out Doug Ford in Ontario and you’ll see what sort of intellectual power supports this kind of thinking. Maybe the sky is pink – and maybe the Earth is flat. Hey – it’s open to debate.

Alberta government: Trans Mountain Pipeline keeps Canada working

An example of a billboard supporting Trans Mountain Pipeline in Kelowna, B.C

Government of Alberta - Billboards are now on display across British Columbia as the Government of Alberta launches a nationwide campaign to highlight the economic, social and environmental benefits of the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion.

Alberta government proposes strengthening election spending cap adherence

Minister Gray introduces proposed legislation to increase fairness in Alberta’s electoral system

Government of Alberta - In 2016, the government increased fairness in Alberta’s electoral system by implementing a $2-million spending cap on election expenses for all registered political parties during an election period. Proposed changes would guarantee a level playing field by ensuring any associated parties adhere to the $2-million spending cap. Avoidance of the cap could result in significant penalties.

Pat Stier announces retirement

Pat Stier, MLA 2012-2019

To the residents of Livingstone-MacLeod and all Albertans.

Following the upcoming UCP Annual General Meeting in May, new local UCP constituency association boards will be formed and the business of organizing for the process of selecting candidates for the 2019 election will begin.

In that regard, by the time the election is called in 2019, I will have served seven years and completed two terms as the MLA for Livingstone-Macleod. Considering that fact and the enormous amounts of time spent away from home as an MLA, my age, health, future local business opportunities and retirement, I have decided NOT to allow my name to stand as a provincial nominee contestant for 2019.

Alberta government announces pipeline information and petition webpage

The Alberta government has created a webpage called Keep Canada Working (click here) for Canadians to "share their views about actions taken by the B.C. government to block the Trans Mountain Pipeline". The page also includes links to various related social media channels and email contact information for members of Parliament.  According to Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, “This fight, it isn’t something any one government can do alone. We need all of us working together to make sure the B.C. government fully understands why this pipeline matters, why good jobs matter and why the rules of our country matter.”

Jason Kenney acclaimed as UCP candidate for Calgary Lougheed

Jason Kenney speaking at Heritage Acres, September 2016 (T. Lucas photo)

Chris Davis - According to a UCP press released issued today, "United Conservative Party (UCP) Leader, Jason Kenney, was acclaimed as the party’s official candidate in the upcoming by-election for the riding of Calgary-Lougheed. UCP MLA Dave Rodney resigned from Alberta’s Legislative Assembly on Sunday, October 29th, 2017 to allow Kenney to contest the seat as soon as possible." Kenney has asked Premier Rachel Notley to immediately call a by-election for Calgary-Lougheed. The electoral district has consistently elected Progressive Conservative candidates since 1993, when it was created during a boundary redistribution. Kenney secured the leadership of the UCP on October 28 of this year.

Letter: Tory Blunder Bus rolls again

Phil Burpee - Look, I warned the Wildrose – I hate to say I told you so because it sounds snippy, but I told them this would happen. Climbing into bed with the Tories is about tantamount to having conjugal relations with a half-demented old Hereford bull – cranky, mean, stupid, smelly and just as likely to grind you into the dirt as look at you – after he has had his way with you, of course. And now it’s happened – they actually bought the bill of goods lock, stock and pork barrel. The poor, hapless Wildrose is to be seen now trying to straighten its torn clothes and comb its badly-tousled hair after the unceremonious encounter, and the old bull is through the gate and headed on down the road bellering and swaggering all the while. Goodness gracious golly-molly-blue, as my dear old Dad used to say. What were they thinking? And the rumpled bride is left standing at the altar - bleak, bewildered, and clutching miserably at the tattered remains of the wedding bonds. Oh dear.

Four candidates to vie for UCP leadership

According to a United Conservative Party (UCP) press released issued earlier today, the deadline to enter into the UCP leadership contest has now passed, and four candidates have officially applied. "Jeff Callaway, Brian Jean, Jason Kenney and Doug Schweitzer have all provided the required application information and financial deposits by the deadline of 5 PM today," according to Leadership Election Committee Chair Robyn Henwood. "The applications for all four will now be reviewed by the Leadership Contestant Nomination Committee. We we look forward to a productive and exciting contest." The new leader of the UCP will be chosen though a preferential ballot process conducted by online and phone voting ending at 5:00 pm on October 28, 2017. An official debate will be held in Calgary on September 20.

Southern Alberta UCP MLAs announce support for Brian Jean

MLA David Schneider, Brian Jean, MLA Pat Stier, MLA Wayne Anderson

Chris Davis - On August 22 three more UCP MLAs announced their endorsement of Brian Jean's bid for the leadership of the recently formed United Conservative Party (UCP), including Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier (Pincher Creek and area is part of his electoral district), Little Bow MLA David Schneider, and Highwood MLA Wayne Anderson.

Fildebrandt resigns from UCP

MLA Derek Fildebrandt (from his Facebook page)

United Conservative Party (UCP) Caucus Interim Leader Nathan Cooper released a statement today announcing Strathmore-Brooks MLA Derek Fildebrandt's resignation from the UCP. "Earlier this evening Derek Fildebrandt tendered his resignation from the UCP Caucus. I have accepted that resignation," said Cooper. "I’d like to thank Derek for his commitment to the creation of the United Conservative Party and to the people of Strathmore-Brooks. If Derek can live up to the expectations he has outlined in his statement, to the satisfaction of the UCP caucus and to Albertans there would be consideration for a future path for him back to the UCP caucus." Fildebrandt released a statement on Facebook announcing his resignation, saying in part "I’m a flawed man, and I can do better. If I have let anyone down, know that I have let myself down, and I will prove that that I am the man that I hold as the standard for trust and integrity."

Fildebrandt has been charged with failing to report an accident in Edmonton in 2016 and is expected to appear in court on September 6. Lst week it was revealed he had been renting out his taxpayer-subsidized apartment in Edmonton on Airbnb. It has also been alleged that he has submitted multiple expense account irregularities for reimbursement.

Alberta conservatives decide to unite

Wildrose leader Brian Jean celebrates successful unity vote (Wildrose photo)

Chris Davis - The members of Alberta's two conservative parties agreed to unite into one party today, July 22, 2017.  An overwhelming 95.4% majority of members from the Wildrose and Progressive Conservative parties voted in favour of the proposition to unite as the United Conservative Party.

Kenney in the Henhouse

Phil Burpee - Politics, which is the science and craft of people governing themselves, only has functional meaning when it is dynamic and subject to change within the general evolution of the society within which it occurs. This is why the political life of a liberal democracy is so compelling, because no politician ever really knows what’s coming around the next corner and players are forever foraging around in a flux of events and circumstance trying as best they can to read the various entrails and hopefully reap the reward of the votes of the masses. When a society is working well and to the benefit of the vast majority of its citizens, ever-watchful also for the displacement of marginalized folk outside the good life, then politics can and should be a joyous thing, drawing in the best and brightest minds whose sole intent is the betterment of all and the constant distancing from our infantile and brutish past – think Peter Lougheed, T.C. Douglas, Flora MacDonald. That’s the glass half full.

Wildrose Leader Brian Jean visits Pincher Creek

(ad)

Livingstone - Macleod MLA Pat Stier and Wildrose Leader Brian Jean

Chris Davis - Wildrose leader Brian Jean spoke to a small crowd of 20 or so people in Pincher Creek on July 5, at the conclusion of a tour through Livingstone-Macleod to promote conservative unity and to boost his brand as potential leader of the United Conservative Party of Alberta. He took a few swipes at Alberta's NDP government along the way. Other stops earlier in the day included Nanton, Claresholm, and Fort Macleod.

MLA Pat Stier introduces Brian Jean

Introduced by Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier, Jean got straight to it with an audience mostly composed of die-hard Wildrose believers. Alberta's the best place in the world," he said before discussing briefly his Fort McMurray background, adding "Truly our best days are in front of us."

"I believe we can take this province back," he said.

"It's not just about the next election," said Jean, adding that he thought the Wildrose could win the next election "but it can't just be about the next election." 

Jean said oil, natural gas, tourism, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, geothermal and hydro project opportunities are just a few of Alberta's opportunities.

"Wildrose right now is the beating heart of the conservative movement in Alberta."

"How do we make sure one leader, one executive and one group of members controls the PC brand, the Wildrose brand, and the Conservative brand in Alberta?"

"We need a Premier and a government that will come in here, and manage our resources properly."

"It means making practical, common sense decisions, in the best interest of the people you serve."

Wildrose Leader Brian Jean

Jean explained the different foundations underpinning the Progressive Conservative and Wildrose parties. The Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta is an Unincorporated Association and "Their board of directors controls everything they do." The Wildrose Party was incorporated under the Societies Act. "It means that the members are in charge, and it takes 75% of our membership to change anything. To change any major constitutional decision, such as unity." The Wildrose needs 75% of the membership to vote and to agree on unity to proceed with it as a political party. "The PC party doesn't need to do that." Jean said the PC party will have their first referendum ever, and their goal is 50% plus 1 vote to decide on unity. He explained that if unity goes through, the plan at this time is for the newly formed party is to be ruled under the Societies Act so the individual membership has more control than in the PC's model.

Jean said he was opposed to the debt that has accumulated in the name of the province of Alberta.

"That debt means we can not fund our schools, can not fund our health care, and frankly wont be able to pay for infrastructure like roads and bridges."

"We don't need to change our education system to every new fad that teachers want to implement. We frankly need to do the opposite. We need to get back to basics in math, and writing. Making sure our kids have the education that makes them competitive with the world."

"I watched for four months as my son died in the heath care system here. And I will tell you that what I learned from that, is our system's not working."

He said Alberta ranks 28th out of 30 for health outcomes according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) statistics, "...and we are the second most expensive." He added Saskatchewan and BC have less drastic wait times. "It's not health care spending, it's health care management."

Jean said he was a proponent of fiscal conservatism, personal freedoms, religious liberty, democracy, "...and a belief and confidence that Alberta is the best place in the world, not just to work, but to play, to live, and to raise a family."

He was very critical of the equalization program across Canada. including the unemployment insurance program. "At least we should be treated fairly, and that's what I want to see." Day care subsidies and secondary schooling costs not being dealt with equivocally nation-wide was another concern. "That's why I promise that in one year of being elected as premier, I will have a referendum that forces Ottawa to re-negotiate equalization."

Health care, education, and citizen safety are also cited as concerns for Jean. "That's why I am here today. Because I watched my son die, and I don't want that to happen to any of you. It truly is a situation where it could, and you shouldn't let it happen to you."

"It's not just equalization we have to re-negotiate, there is no question we have to do that. We also have to look for opportunities for Alberta to be treated the same as other provinces."

Speaking of a recent trip to New York and Washington, Jean said many of the potential investors and investment firms with a worldwide impact are very leery of the current NDP government in Alberta. "They looked at me and said, 'Change your government.' They knew our Premier by name, and called them socialists."

Jean is not a fan of Canadian Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "Personally, I believe that there's nobody more unqualified for that job than him in Ottawa, right now."

At the end of his speech Jean told the audience that Wildrose memberships had to be purchased by the end of day July 8 to vote in the unity vote on July 22. A leadership vote is expected October 28 if unity is approved by both parties.

A question and answer period followed, much of which is included in the accompanying video.

In an interview after the meet and greet that followed his speech, Jean said "Right now, I am focused on Unity. I am not focused on leadership. I am just trying to get the message out there to people."

"I believe in democracy, so it's going to be up to the local constituency associations to appoint their member to represent them as the candidate in the next election, and hopefully, as the MLA."

"I think it is very important to make sure that we always have democracy at the forefront. So members are always the deciders on policy, and any constitutional changes."  He further explained, "I think the members of both parties, if they truly are conservatives, will come together and will support the single consolidated voice moving forward."

 "These parties moving forward into one united voice obviously it removes some of the competitive element where people will vote, and split their vote, between two different parties."

"I think it's true that most Albertans have clearly indicated that they are unhappy with the Progressive Conservative Party." He said he sees this as a way of moving forward with a stronger united party incorporating Wildrose ideals. "Frankly I think 44 years of any government sort of runs long and I think that people finally had enough reasons not to vote for PC's last time."

Jean said unity was different from what occurred when former Wildrose leader Danielle Smith led a total of 9 Wildrose members across the floor to the PCs in December of 2014, leaving 5 behind still carrying the Wildrose torch. "Whereas last time, it was self serving politicians that crossed the floor and did things on their own, for themselves. This time, it's a little bit different."

He thinks this change in attitude is about listening to the people is a huge change from the floor crossing. "I do think they will accept it this time, and they will be very satisfied, and very happy."

"Buy a membership and get involved in policy. Because policy is decided by our membership."

Wildrose and AAMDC: Electoral Boundaries Commission should protect rural Albertans

Proposed Alberta electoral divisions - AEBC map

Chris Davis - The Alberta Association of Municipal District and Counties (AAMDC) and the Wildrose Party expressed their concerns this week about proposed Alberta provincial electoral boundary changes the would see some rural electoral division shrink and/or be rearranged to allow for three new electoral divisions, one in Calgary, one in Edmonton, and one in the north-eastern portion of metro Calgary.

Women encouraged to run in municipal election

Front R-L: Marina Banister (University of Alberta Student Union President), Mayor Lisa Holmes (Morinville, and President of Alberta Urban Municipalities Association), Minister Stephanie McLean, Lauren Pue (data analyst) and Lana Cuthbertson (chair, Equal Voice Alberta North)

Back R-L: Shane Scott, vice-president academic (University of Alberta Students’ Union); Adam Gordon and Weilun Guo (data analysts)

Government of Alberta - With three months left to run for the 2017 Alberta municipal elections, Status of Women is encouraging more women to submit their nomination forms.  Status of Women has been working across Alberta to increase the number of women running for office in the October 16 municipal elections. The deadline for people to declare their candidacy is September 18.

Wildrose MLA Pat Stier on conservative unity, proposed new constituency boundaries

I joined Wildrose many years ago because it was a party that respected its members. This is as true today as it was then. The members of our party will be the ultimate decider on conservative unity, and I trust in whatever decision they make. This will be one of the greatest exercises in grassroots democracy Alberta has ever seen. - Livingstone Macleod MLA Pat Stier

Chris Davis -  Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier (Wildrose) has a lot on his mind lately, as evidenced by an interview I conducted with him on June 9.  His party and the Progressive Conservatives recently announced the formation of a new party, the United Conservative Party, which is anticipated to make a big difference in conservative representation in the Alberta legislature, for one thing.  For another, there will be some significant boundary map changes to Stier's constituency during and after the next provincial election.  Alberta's 30th general election will take place on or before May 31, 2019.

Premier Notley issues statement on British Columbia election

Government of Alberta - Premier Rachel Notley has issued the following statement about developments following the British Columbia election:

“As political events unfold in British Columbia, the Alberta government remains committed to working with our B.C. neighbours to advance our shared interests.

Jean and Kenney set out process to form united conservative party

Press release -  Today, Wildrose Leader, Brian Jean, and PC Leader, Jason Kenney, signed a historic agreement in principle (AIP) that establishes the process to unify both parties into the United Conservative Party.

The AIP sets out how the parties will wind down their respective operations once the membership of each party has ratified the unity agreement. Ratification votes will be determined by each party in the coming weeks. Should the memberships of both parties ratify the unity agreement, the new party will immediately set out to elect a new leader.