Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan issues the following release on today’s federal government announcement on the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion project:

Alberta Liberals are pleased there is now some progress to move the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion project forward. But we are also putting the Federal Government and the Alberta Government on notice. “You had better get it right this time”.  

Khan stated, “Albertans—and Canadians—need the jobs. We need the higher revenue from selling our energy to world markets to pay for healthcare and schools in our Province and in our Country. The Trans Mountain Pipeline project is essential for a growing Alberta economy and for Canada.

“The world is watching. Energy project investment across the board is waiting for a resolution. We cannot fumble the ball a second time or third time.

“We urge careful and meaningful consideration of the marine environmental impact and not just a token review of this essential issue. We strongly support safeguards to protect coastal waters, marine creatures and vegetation in the area of the Burrard Inlet and the Salish Sea.

Alberta Liberals issue the following release on Canada’s Privacy and Information Commissioners call for legislation on use of personal information by political parties

Federal and Provincial Privacy Commissioners are urging all levels of governments to enact laws that provide meaningful privacy obligations for political parties.

The Alberta Liberals strongly support this position.

Khan stated, “Albertans and Canadians must be protected. The sheer amount of personal data collected and used by political parties can lead to potential abuse. The danger is real.

Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan issues the following release on the NDP’s education record.

Going back to school should be a time of joy and hope for students, parents and educators. But, they are telling us a different story and it’s not pretty.

Khan stated, “Education should work for all students. Minister Eggen and the NDP are not delivering on that.

“Children in Alberta continue to be stuffed into overcrowded classrooms. Alberta is not meeting its recommended classroom size goals. Some classes have 45 even 60 students in the room.”

The NDP increased operational spending on education by only 1.8% in the 2018 budget. That falls far short of the 3.5% projected increase in population growth plus inflation. The bottom line, this is an effective cut in operational education spending by this Government.

Khan stated, “Many teachers and parents are also concerned about the poor supports for vulnerable students. Students with disabilities, students requiring ESL courses and students facing mental health challenges are struggling in Alberta’s education system.

“Alberta Liberals support increasing education funding to address these issues. We need to implement region-specific and grade-specific class size caps. We must hire more teachers and expand the supports available for students with unique challenges. We should put an end to classroom segregation that alienates and isolates those children.

“Alberta Liberals believe spending needs to be accountable. We are demanding the NDP implement the recommendations from Alberta’s former auditor general to better track how school boards are spending money.

“Our children should have the best education. Albertans deserve it.”