What’s on your mind – November 2011

Justice, health care and seniors were your paramount issues of concern for November.

Health continues to be your #1 issue, and I will deal with that when I do a year end review next month.  Many of you called about the closure of the Tom Baker Cancer Lab, and the bullying and intimidation of Dr. Tony Magliocco.  I find it disgraceful in this day and age to read the threatening e-mail Dr. Magliocco was sent.  When asking the Premier and Health Minister about it in Question Period, their answers were even more shocking, saying it was a “workplace issue”.  I guess the government forgot that one of the issues the Health Quality Council is investigating is intimidation, and Dr. John Cowell, their CEO, who’s investigating it, in his report in October indicated this is a serious issue. His report can be viewed at: http://www.hqca.ca/assets/files/HQCA_news%20release_FINAL.pdf

Wait times at Emergency and finding a family doctor still weigh on your minds, and I will continue to monitor both situations.

The legislation brought forward by the government on lowering the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) to .05 to .08 brought more calls and e-mails then I’ve had in a long time.  Honestly, I can’t remember an issue where we received so many calls, e-mails, and people stopping me to discuss it.  You were overwhelmingly opposed, and articulated many reasons why you were against it.  NO one was opposed to those driving impaired and you believed there should be stronger criminal action.  The majority of you felt the police should be focusing on repeat, chronic offenders.  You want police to spend their time on the 20% of the population that cause 80% of the problem.  You feel police should spend their time tackling organized crime, child pedophiles, pornography, and a host of other areas.  As your MLA I brought your concerns forward; the debate in the legislature will be posted on my webpage, under Bills.

Senior issues continue to be a problem.  I’ve heard too many heartfelt stories about trying to access Home Care and Long Term Care as well as low income seniors wondering how they will manage.  I will continue to advocate and ask government what they are doing and why they are not delivering on their promises.

Lastly I want to share with you a brief summary of the bills the government brought forward in a very short fall session:

Bill 21- Election Amendment Act, 2011 – will create, starting in 2012, a fixed three month period in which a general election would be held.  I did NOT support this legislation as a fixed election date is exactly what it says – a fixed date.  Premier Redford indicated she would, and I quote: “commit to calling an election in March 2012 and every four years from that date.”  Currently nine other jurisdictions, including the federal government, have fixed election dates.  It’s unfair to say to Albertans that it doesn’t matter what you think, I’m going to call an election when I feel it’s in my best interest.

Bill 24 – Health Quality Council of Alberta Act – the government wants you to believe this legislation will give greater independence to the Health Quality Council.  I did NOT support this legislation and feel government has let down our health care professionals in Alberta.

Bill 25 – Child and Youth Advocate Act – this legislation creates an independent office of the advocate who will now report to the Legislature rather than the Minister.  I supported this legislation, and believe it is a huge step toward protecting our most vulnerable children.

Bill 26 – Alberta Traffic Safety Amendment Act 2011 – this will lower the blood alcohol content (BAC) from .08 to .05.  Individuals blowing between those levels will lose their vehicle for three days (then seven, and 30 for repeat offences).  Well, constituents, you certainly let me know how you felt about this!  It’s been a long time since we’ve been so busy on one issue with calls, e-mails, etc.  We urged government to send this bill to committee to study this issue further, but government defeated it.

Bill 204 – Justice System Monitoring Act – court cases in Alberta take far too long to be resolved, and this is unfair to victims.  I presented a Private Bill this year calling for government to track how long trials are taking and report to the Legislature one a year on progress being made to reduce delays.  Government voted it down November 28/11, but I will keep pressing on this issue.

Thanks again for keeping me posted about what’s on your mind.  Your calls and e-mails are greatly appreciated.  It is truly an honour to work for you.