The 2007 royalty report goes a long way to describing many Albertans’ feelings about the fair share we must demand for the great sacrifices we are making as citizens. Of course, not all Albertan’s are sacrificing. Not all Albertans work in oil and gas and still choose to live in Alberta. Some Albertans don’t choose to drive gas guzzling vehicles and still choose to live in Alberta. Some Albertans don’t benefit from tax cuts, health care premium cuts, bus fee cuts, school fee cuts, private school subsidies, municipal tax cuts, increases in cost of living, increases post-secondary education costs, and lousy transportation infrastructure. They don’t benefit from these things that would result in a fair share for all Albertans, because our government historically chooses oil companies as winners and chooses all others to be losers.

For those that work in oil and gas in Alberta and receive 100% of salary bonuses and stock options perhaps they don’t need lower health-care premiums, lower school fees, and so on. We know they are paying taxes at the same rate as those not earning 100% of salary bonuses so they might not need the help or feel the same way about education costs, the environment, and health care. Many Albertans are doing much worse over the past 5-years and they are in fact working very hard for this province. Working hard to diversify the economy, raise families, and contribute to a sustainable future for Albertans, Canadians, and around the world.

When do all Albertans get a real benefit. One that levels the playing field, diversifies this province, and gives people that want to live here, after the boom, a reason to stay. Of course during the boom many people are suffering. Of course the poor will get poorer and the middle-class, outside of the chosen industry, will suffer. Choose to lead. Choose to diversify. Choose to strive for more for all Albertans.

Choose to take a stand with the royalty report and then call an election and let Albertans choose their future.

“I do not want to do a meager job and risk losing the seat for Calgary West, when you have shown me such personal support and dedication, helped me put together an amazing team, and are building towards a fundraising campaign and major marketing drive,” says Virginia May. “Given the surgery, timing demands that I withdraw now, so that Calgary-West can immediately replace my candidacy and preserve the momentum that has been started.”

“Obviously, we are sorry that Virginia will not be our candidate in the next provincial election,” says Ted Dare, president of the Calgary-West Alberta Liberal Constituency Association.  The organization, energy and experience gained, will enable us to field another strong candidate.

Nominations for the Alberta Liberal Calgary-West riding are being accepted. Please contact Ted Dare for further information.

Ted Dare
President, Calgary-West Alberta Liberal Constituency
(403) 616-1252

In fact with over 1/4 million Albertan’s responding, tax cuts scored below affordable health care, outstanding education, protecting the environment, investing in Alberta’s infrastructure and making long-term investments in priority areas.  Remember this is the survey were Albertans were asked if they wanted a refund if there was a windfall and Albertan’s said so. The preferred long-term investments in priority areas.

This the survey that also demonstrated that Albertans don’t differ in their opinions very much. People in Edmonton agreed with people in Calgary. People in rural areas and other urban regions also agreed. Rural Albertans agreed with urban Albertans about health care and education being most important. They agreed that helping Albertans that need help and protecting the environment are more important than refunds or tax cuts.

Will Ed raise taxes?