Alberta Liberals unveil Red Deer Agenda

The heart of Alberta deserves some heart from its government, Taft says

Rejuvenating the municipal airport and protecting the Red Deer water basin are two major priorities an Alberta Liberal government will address on behalf of Red Deer residents.

“Red Deer is the heart of Alberta. But the tired PC government has let this important city wither from neglect over the past decade,” said Alberta Liberal Leader Kevin Taft today when he unveiled his party’s Red Deer Agenda.

The Alberta Liberals’ Red Deer Agenda is focused on ensuring Red Deer stays a vital economic hub for the surrounding energy and agriculture sectors, protecting the area’s natural gifts, and keeping the government accountable and responsible to the people of this area.

The six-point Red Deer agenda includes:

• Rejuvenate the Red Deer airport – In comparison to other similar airports in the province, the Red Deer Airport is underfunded. An Alberta Liberal government will help upgrade the airport so it could become an important regional airport.
• Protecting the Red Deer water basin from diversion –An Alberta Liberal government will move to protect and enhance natural watersheds, and prevent inter-basin transfer.
• Boosting affordable housing and addressing homelessness – An Alberta Liberal government will implement the Affordable Housing Strategy to cap rent increases and encourage development of more affordable units.
• Help ensure public safety – An Alberta Liberal government will help Red Deer residents improve their safety and quality of life by revamping the police funding formula for smaller communities. Broader initiatives to improve affordable housing, education and addiction counseling will also make Red Deer safer.
• Keeping the Alberta Utilities Commission – the former Energy Utilities Board—responsible and accountable – An Alberta Liberal government would make sure the highest standards of public consultation are followed. Spying is not consultation.
• Regional planning that works for everybody – An Alberta Liberal government will implement growth plans so new developments are sustainable, well-designed and add value to the community.

“Kevin Taft and the Alberta Liberals get it. They understand the problems faced by citizens in Alberta’s other cities,” said Red Deer North candidate Richard Farrand.

“The Red Deer agenda provides the leadership this city so desperately needs to get itself back in the driver’s seat as a regional economic hub,” said Red Deer South candidate Diane Kubanek