What’s On Your Mind – September 2010
Well, constituents of Calgary Fish Creek, September was an interesting month to say the least!
Health care was again your number one priority, followed by several other concerns on various issues.
The Government released the report “Putting People First – Recommendations for an Alberta Health Act” and that title alone got under your skin. Many called and wondered why, after all the months of deliberations, the government came to the brilliant conclusion that people should be first; where were they before? The report goes on about establishing an Act that any feedback received in the engagement process must be considered by the Minister prior to proposed regulations. Again, you question if the Minister didn’t consider feedback from health professionals before making changes to the regulations.
Seniors and those reaching the age of becoming a senior asked “did the government just wake up on the changing needs of Alberta’s aging population?” You did indicate you liked the idea of a Health Advocate but wanted to ensure the Advocate was independent, and wanted more clarification on the role of the Advocate. As the Act proceeds through the Legislature I will be asking the Minister your questions.
The grant from the government to do a documentary on the Oil Sands generated a great deal of anger from you. As well, community leagues calling about being turned down on their Community Facility Enhancement Program requests and questioning why they were denied funding to keep their communities safe and their children active.
The visit by James Cameron to Edmonton on September 29th also raised some questions and concerns, but more comments than anything. A high percentage of you did not appreciate his meddling in what you considered ‘our’ business – not his so-called ‘expertise’ on the oil sands. You felt we have to take the opportunity to tell our story – “the good, the bad and the ugly” and to focus on the real growth of the oil sands and alternative energy.
The funding, or should I say the delay of funding, to students at Bow Valley College had you question the priority of government. Your calls to the constituency office regarding concern for the students and how or what you needed to do in order to help was deeply appreciated.
I want to end by thanking all of you for voicing your concerns and questions and for visiting my website. I’m currently looking at making the site more “inter-active”. I’m hoping to post a question once each month and getting your response. I’ll keep you posted.
Heather