Alberta Liberal Party

Volunteers out in full force for literature drop in Mill Woods

By Paula Stein

Newspaper articles, Rutherford Show exposure, phone calls, word-of-mouth, enlisting of friends and family....all of these contributed to a successful literature drop in Mill Woods on August 22. The object of this drop: exposing the broken election promises of Carl Benito the Progressive Conservative who, unfortunately, was elected in this constituency. But he won’t be again as the constituency will be back in the fold of the Alberta Liberal Party after the next election!

The success of the literature drop was made possible through the assistance of approximately 50 Liberal volunteers from across the city, as well as the combined efforts of Alberta Liberal Party (ALP) and the Edmonton Mill Woods Constituency Association. For their efforts on behalf of ALP, Erick Ambtman and Corey Hogan deserve lots of credit, and a huge vote of thanks. And volunteering their time on behalf of the Mill Woods Constituency Association were Judy Axelson, Joyce Assen, Neil Evans, Mel Regalbutto, Weslyn Mather and Paula Stein. To the volunteers who came from every corner of Edmonton – THANK YOU!

Volunteers gathered at the North Millbourne Community Hall at 1:30pm to meet and receive their bundle of brochures and a map. The organization and bundling of the brochures and the provision of the maps is a credit to the work, time and energy of Judy Axelson and Joyce Assen. What a great job they did! Once small groups were organized, off they went to deliver the information to households in the constituency.

While the volunteers were off doing their deliveries, other volunteers stayed behind to prepare the hot dogs and pop for the returning groups. After a couple of hours, as these groups returned, folks were invited to enjoy hot dogs and pop as a thank you for their efforts. Mel Elsalhy did a super job on the grill, assisted by Joyce Assen.

People were able to sit and mingle and chat as North Millbourne Hall has a great patio area, excellent for just such a gathering. In a matter of about three hours everything was done. What super organization yielding such an excellent result!!

View photos on our Flickr Photostream at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/albertaliberals/

Alberta Young Liberal elected Vice-President of international organization

The International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) wrapped up meetings today in St. Petersburg on Sunday by electing Mateusz Trybowski from the Alberta Young Liberals (AYL) as a new Bureau Vice-President.

“This event brought our Federation forward in two ways: we adopted our biannual plan of action and elected Mateusz to take part in achieving our goals as VP of the Bureau,” explained IFLRY President, Bart Woord. “I am sure Mateusz will be a great asset to our work in promoting freedom and democracy around the world.”

The International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) is the international liberal youth community’s most important forum for cooperation. It is composed of more than ninety liberal youth organizations from every continent in the world. IFLRY’s policies are based on the belief in the universality and indivisibility of human rights.

Trybowski, an outreach coordinator for the AYL, is the third Canadian to hold a post in the IFLRY Bureau since 2005. “This speaks volumes about the respect that liberal youth hold around the world for Canada.”

More than 38 member organizations participated in IFLRY’s General Assembly in St. Petersburg. It also coincided with a seminar on youth and minority group inclusion. These themes featured prominently in Trybowski’s plenary address and platform.

“As a Young Liberal from Canada, I have been fortunate enough to live in a society where everyone has equal rights and freedoms and opportunities to engage in all aspects of civic and political life. These principles will guide my efforts in creating new and more accessible opportunities for participation in IFLRY seminars and activities,” said Trybowski.

For more information, please visit the IFLRY website (http://iflry.org) / Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/iflry?ref=ts)

Election Readiness Constituency Reports: Edmonton-Millwoods

The Mill Woods Constituency Association is already gearing itself up for the next election. We have a number of projects on the go ourselves, and also in conjunction with ALP. In chronological order, we, along with ALP, are presently engaged in an effort to reveal to the public the duplicity practiced by the PC MLA Carl Benito. As a result of Maurice Tougas’s two explosive articles in SEE Magazine, followed by Trish Audette’s and Graham Thompson’s Journal articles, followed by two Rutherford Show discussions, Benito is under fire for broken promises...big ones. Members of our association have provided Maurice with information and correspondence revealing Benito’s intransigence. In addition, members in Mill Woods have written letters to the editor of the Journal and provided information to Rutherford in order to keep the issue bubbling.

In terms of election preparation, we have our wonderful Deven Kumar who is helping with media projects. He is preparing a website that will feature articles of interest, interviews, blogs, and information. He is aiming for articles that will be current, and created in accordance with Canadian Press protocol so we can provide information to the media and assist them in giving us wider media exposure.
Mill Woods is also getting ready for a nomination meeting. Weslyn Mather, our former MLA, has expressed her interest in being the candidate. We could not do better than to have Weslyn run again in Mill Woods. She has been sorely missed. Weslyn and volunteers have already been out door knocking and they have been warmly received by constituents.
The Constituency Association will be enjoying a pot luck supper and meeting in September - a chance to socialize and enjoy a morale boost. Also in September, we are looking forward to the ALP Connections dinner and silent auction. Two of our members - Judith Axelson and Joyce Assen - are coordinating the auction efforts. Joyce has also taken the lead in organizing our November 10th fundraising dinner to be held at The Palace. Tickets are $50 and a tax receipt is available. The Palace is going to prepare a fantastic supper, David Swann will be our special guest, and we are still formulating other ideas to make November 10th a great evening.
We have been busy, and it feels great to prepare to take back our constituency.
Best regards,
Paula Stein
President, Edmonton-Mill Woods Constituency Association

Debbie Cavaliere chosen as ALP’s Interim President

The Alberta Liberal Party (ALP) executive has appointed Debbie Cavaliere as Interim President. Cavaliere was formerly the party’s Vice President, Policy and was a key figure in organizing the party’s recent policy convention in Edmonton.

She also served on the Edmonton Catholic School District board for six years, including as Chairman of the Board from 2005-2006. As an elected Trustee for Ward 4, Cavaliere represented the interests, concerns and issues of more than 30,000 voters for two three-year terms.

“I am delighted to see the ALP executive endorse Debbie and assume the responsibilities of Interim President,” says David Swann, Leader of the Alberta Liberal Party. “Her experience on the school board will be a definite benefit to the party as we work on some key fundraising and election readiness activities in the next few months.”

Cavaliere will assume the duties of the Interim President, effective immediately. The party is planning an annual general meeting in November where a formal election for the next president will be held.

“It’s an honour to be chosen to serve as President of the ALP over the next few months,” says Cavaliere. “I’m looking forward to working with the executive, the board and our leader at such an important transition period for the party.”

Business Engagement Committee steps up its efforts

By Harris Kirshenbaum

Your Alberta Liberal Party kicks off a new initiative this season: The Business Engagement Committee. This is a group of dedicated volunteers and professionals who use their energy as Alberta Liberals to engage business and common interest groups to increase political awareness and voter turnout.

The Committee’s goals are to engage businesses, raise policy awareness and raise money to run a successful campaign. The BEC works closely with the party executive and its links to the Liberal caucus to maximize timing of events coordinated with policy and platform announcements.

This is a highly determined group bringing a great deal of new energy into this much-needed party function. Newcomers are welcome at all levels, of course, as the BEC progresses from its initial planning activities into achieving its far-reaching objectives. If you’re interested in joining us, contact: tsansotta@albertaliberal.com.

David Swann on the Departure of Dave Taylor from the Alberta Liberal Caucus

As reported in the media this morning, Dave Taylor has decided to leave the Alberta Liberal Caucus and sit as an independent MLA.

The choice was his; it’s unfortunate that our caucus members learned of it through the media, and we regret that he chose this course of action without speaking to us first.

Dave has always done what he feels best to work toward better governance in Alberta. While I thoroughly reject his characterization of my leadership and the potential of the Alberta Liberals, I respect his right to make his opinion known. Freedom of speech is one of the great Liberal values.

We remain committed to our new oil and gas policy.

Philosophically and politically, we remain the same Liberals today that we were yesterday, and we hope that Dave continues to represent Calgary-Currie with the same Liberal values that allowed his election. The Official Opposition will continue to serve as a centrist, progressive alternative to the incompetence of the Stelmach Tories and the extreme views of other opposition parties.

Statement on Dave Taylor’s decision to leave the Alberta Liberal Caucus:

We regret that Dave Taylor has decided to leave the Alberta Liberal Caucus. We wish him good luck as an Independent MLA and will be consulting with the local Liberal constituency association in Calgary-Currie in the coming days as to next steps.

The Alberta Liberal Oil and Gas Policy introduced earlier this year has been welcomed by that sector and we have every intention of continuing with that policy. Our Leader, David Swann will announce the new Energy Critic in the coming days and we look forward to further consultation with industry on the policy.

The Alberta Liberal Party achieved excellent fundraising results last year and we are planning for our best ever policy convention and AGM in May. That planning will continue and that is our focus right now.

The strength of the Alberta Liberal Party lies with its membership and the values it represents, not with any single member. We are preparing for the next election and assembling the best slate of candidates this province has ever seen. We are steadfast in our determination to provide a REAL alternative to the Tory government.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Tony Sansotta, President of the Alberta Liberal Party

Swann supporters gather for major donors’ event

by Harris Kirshenbaum

On the evening of March 31, supporters of David Swann in his Calgary-Mountainview riding gathered for their annual major donors’ reception to exchange ideas on the future of the province, the future of the Alberta Liberal Party, and to hear the plans for how their generous donations will support David in the next election.

David’s address covered the central points of the ongoing Liberal platform, with strong references to the ongoing failures of the fading Tory regime in health care, education and environment. In each case he outlined how things will be better handled under the next, Liberal government.

This year’s invitation-only event was held at Muse Restaurant in Kensington, and was, as always, well attended by those whose support makes it all possible. Calgary Mountainview is again well-positioned to put forward a strong showing in the next election.

The Board of the Calgary-Mountainview ALP constituency again thanks each of the major donors whose ongoing support is so important.

David Swann’s speech:

I want to thank my wonderful and faithful Calgary Mountainview Constituency Association, most with me the full five years that I’ve been elected to the Alberta Legislature. I am very grateful for the privilege to
serve this Calgary riding and now to lead the Alberta Liberals. What an experience! I love this place, Alberta, and I am more passionate than ever about achieving its potential; potential for excellence in business and innovation, potential for a cost-effective and accessible public health system; potential for preservation of our natural capital in our public lands and parks; potential for our children in a responsibly funded post-secondary education system; and potential for a more business-like approach to managing the public purse.

I believe we have an unparalleled opportunity to change government in 2012. An election could, in fact, be just 12 months away if Mr Stelmach and his tired Tories continue to lose ground to the WRA. We must be
ready; we must have our volunteers, finances and candidates ready in the next 6 months. Tony Sansotta, I and the Party are working tirelessly to achieve this and we’re on our way to eliminating our debt this
year- now a net debt of $90,000. You have given much already but I must ask you to consider a next step. Please help us bring in a few new members, volunteer in your constituency and consider being a candidate. The Party office can help focus your energies if you are willing. It’s a great experience - really!

Again my heartfelt thanks at this time of both opportunity and great challenge in Alberta’s political scene. We deserve better government and I want to lead it. Let’s go for an Alberta Liberal government by 2012. Alberta needs a doctor!

Letter to Constituency Presidents from the VP-Policy

As many of you are aware, the upcoming convention of the Alberta Liberal Party in Edmonton will be a policy convention. Members will be asked to debate and ratify policy positions of the party.

But, without your help, there will be nothing to debate. As a grassroots organization, policy is driven from the local associations and party commissions. To that end, I, and the rest of the ALP executive, are hoping that you can call a meeting of your association and submit up to two policy proposals to be considered at the convention. Your proposals may be submitted in the framework that has been attached and must be received before April 7th.

The process you choose is entirely up to your constituency association. It can be a meeting of the Board of Directors, an AGM, or a call to all members, asking them to attend a special meeting.

After the resolutions are received, they will be consolidated by the policy committee. This is a process that involves combining like resolutions and proofing them for format, etc., amending them rather than rejecting them where necessary and possible.

The complete package of policy proposals will then be sent out to your associations on or around April 21st. Your associations may want to meet again to discuss the full package of resolutions to be considered, ahead of the May convention.

Ultimately, these resolutions will be discussed in breakout sessions at the convention, where amendments may be proposed, before being presented to the Annual General Meeting.

At the General Meeting, resolutions will need a mover and a seconder on the convention floor, and the sponsoring Constituency Association will appoint a person to speak to the resolution.

The general assembly of the party will also be asked to consider a new policy framework, which I¹ve also attached for discussion.

Debbie Cavaliere, VP-Policy

Statement from David Swann on recent loss of lives in Afghanistan

The news yesterday of Calgary Herald reporter Michelle Lang and four Canadian soldiers’ death in Afghanistan has hit particularly close to home.

I’ve had the good fortune to talk and work with Michelle many times as she covered health issues in Alberta and experience her determination to get at the facts of each and every story. She asked all the right questions, sifted through the information with a commitment to the truth in complex situations of controversy. It stands to reason that she would take that same journalistic integrity with her to Afghanistan and find herself in harm’s way to get at the truth. Michelle was a wonderful and courageous woman and I, and my Caucus colleagues, will miss her greatly, as will all citizens who value journalistic integrity.

My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends, and also with the families of the as yet unnamed Canadian soldiers who were also killed. I extend my personal, heartfelt wishes of hope and healing to all.

David Swann, MD

Bloggers invited to attend Alberta Liberal Leader’s Dinner

Edmonton – Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann invites all bloggers to attend his Edmonton Leader’s Dinner and hear his full speech on November 23. This is a $250/plate fundraiser but will be available to bloggers who register with the party at a reduced rate of $100.

This exclusive insider view is available by registering your blog’s URL address with the party’s VP, Communications in advance (send email to jmacpherson@albertaliberal.com) or at the door.

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For more information, please contact:

Jody MacPherson
403-560-9369
VP, Communications
Alberta Liberal Party

Calgary Leader’s Dinner is building momentum

Organizers of the Calgary Leader’s Dinner on November 6 are promising an outstanding meal, some hilarious comedic commentary and an “up close and personal” speech from Leader Dr. David Swann.

The dinner is being held at the Thorncliffe-Greenview Community Association (5600 Centre Street NE) and gets underway at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception. Swann will bring observations from the first few weeks of this sitting of the Legislature, as well as a more long-term view of where we need to go. You’ll have an opportunity to get to know him a little better and perhaps learn a few things you didn’t know about his political and life experiences up to this point.

After dinner, things will lighten up significantly with the raucous rants of our guest entertainer, known to most as Charlie Farquharson, the unruly rural farmer with an opinion on everything. We’re delighted to have Don Harron join us in Calgary for Swann’s first ever Leader’s Dinner in Calgary.

Ticket sales are going well, with volunteers phoning members in the evenings over the last two weeks to give them a little extra encouragement to purchase a ticket. Many thanks to these dedicated party members for the hours spent selling tickets.

There is still time to purchase your ticket for the dinner. The cost is $250 and you will receive a receipt for $225.

Swann congratulates Smith on Wildrose Alliance leadership victory

Calgary – Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann is offering his congratulations to new Wildrose Alliance Leader Danielle Smith for her win over rival candidate Mark Dyrholm.

Now that the Wildrose Alliance has chosen a leader, Swann encourages Albertans to take a closer look at the party’s policies and values.

“I applaud Danielle Smith on her victory, but encourage her to be more forthright with Albertans about her party’s stance on the environment, fiscal policy, private education, and health care,” says Swann.

“Once Albertans get to know the rather extreme, socially conservative, economically irresponsible vision of the party, they will be uneasy.”

He says the majority of Albertans are not on the far right, but live their lives somewhere in the political middle.

“This is where the Alberta Liberal Party will continue to position itself and gain ground.”

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For more information, please contact:
Jody MacPherson
403-560-9369
VP, Communications
Alberta Liberal Party

Volunteers deliver Liberal by-election materials to entire riding in just one day

By Brendan Dunphy and Donn Lovett

More than 200 volunteers turned out on Saturday morning, August 8, to assist Avalon Roberts kick-off her Glenmore By-Election campaign.

They arrived at the Haysboro Community Association Hall in droves and by early afternoon had distributed an introductory brochure to 62 of the 63 polls within the Glenmore constituency. (One poll consists of totally “secured” buildings so access was not possible on Saturday). It was indeed a superb effort! After the work (the walking), volunteers were treated to a variety of refreshments, good food and crowd-pleasing background music. Beautiful weather capped a fun-filled day.

Liberal Leader, Dr. David Swann rushed back from Grand Prairie to be present. He and Avalon addressed the crowd and excellent media coverage followed later that evening and into Sunday morning.

The event was planned as a “test drive” for the campaign to see how a well-organized event, with lots of volunteers would work out. The campaign team was smiling from ear to ear after the event had concluded! Thanks to all who helped organize and who came out to help Avalon.

Brendan Dunphy and Donn Lovett are the campaign co-chairs for Dr. Avalon Roberts’ campaign in the Calgary-Glenmore by-election, which has yet to be called.

Alberta Liberal Weekly News

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