January 2011
January 2011
Once again constituents, health care was your number one issue for the new year — trying to find an appropriate place for your loved one in a long term care facility, trying to find a family doctor, and trying to find a place for your mentally handicapped relative. I continue to share your frustration. You shared with me your struggles in a health care system that is notmeeting the demands of an aging, growing population, or meeting the demands of those dealing with mental illness or a drug and alcohol dependence.
Every day we hear from constituents about the challenges they face with the health care system and you wonder when government is going to realize we have serious flaws that need to be addressed immediately. While you and I understand the urgent need for more long term care beds, the government continues to talk about more assisted living facilities. I have tried, over the past several weeks, to help a mom find the appropriate place for her mentally ill son and have hit roadblock after roadblock. Several times this month I have tried to find a family physician for constituents, to no avail.
Your second priority, believe it or not, was power lines, utility corridors, and property rights. While this is a very contentious issue in rural Alberta, it seemed to arouse your concerns and questions. You asked why there is a unique provision that “concentrates and centralizes power in the hands of the provincial government cabinet with legislation giving the authority to extinguish your property rights as a landlord.”
Thirdly, education brought many questions, comments and concerns. Mostly the government’s musing about not honoring the agreement with teachers on their raises and discussions about teachers teaching less time in their classrooms.
Lastly, I want to update you on my responsibilities as we head back into the legislature so you have some idea of what I’m doing on your behalf in Edmonton. I am a member of the following Standing Committees: Alberta Heritage Savings & Trust Fund, Privileges & Elections, Standing Orders & Printing Committee, Health, and Public Safety & Services.
Also I want to make you aware of my critic positions: Health & Wellness, Seniors & Community Supports, Solicitor General &Public Security, Service Alberta and Employment & Immigration.
As many of you know, Premier Stelmach announced he will be stepping down as Premier after the spring session which should adjourn in early June. He has indicated after this session he will tender his resignation and call for a leadership. I want to make it very clear at NO time will this disrupt the work I do on your behalf. I want to thank the Premier for his 25 years in public service and wish him well in his new endeavours.
Thank you, also, to the Community Association Presidents that took time to meet with me. I know personally how busy you are, and how lucky our communities are to have you! We had a great discussion about the issues you foresee in the near future. It was refreshing to have frank talks. As your provincial representative, I appreciate such candid conversation!
I look forward to continuing to serve you as the representative for Fish Creek and will always remember ‘I answer to you.’