Central Albertans voice concerns to Alberta NDP at ‘Better Together’ town hall

Following the event, Nenshi said in an interview with rdnewsNOW that his biggest takeaway is central Albertans are united in their love for Canada, but are also optimistic about the future.

“The premier has tried to scare Albertans; they’re not scared, but they’re angry with her. They know there’s a much better future coming forward. We very deliberately opened up the invitations to people who had all different points of view,” he pointed out. “Yet, we saw remarkable unanimity that here in central Alberta, we are proud Canadians.”

Before each topic, organizers allowed attendees to chat amongst themselves to hear different viewpoints before inviting a select few to share their opinions with the entire crowd.

Health care

A retired nurse who didn’t say her name mentioned her concerns with Bill 55, which was introduced in May, and is called The Health Statutes Amendment Act. More specifically, her fears are around health care being privatized by the provincial government.

Bill 55 is the government’s self-described plan to improve public health delivery and system oversight by refocusing public health care.

“Around page 220, I interpreted it to say the minister in charge of their pillar is allowed to appoint anyone they choose. I’m really afraid those pillars are going to be sold off,” she said.

Meantime, a resident named Shannon expressed concerns about wait times in hospital emergency rooms and about the possibility of having to pay for vaccinations.

Earlier this summer, the UCP announced the majority of Albertans would have to pay $100 to receive a COVID-19 vaccination this fall.

“You hear all the horror stories of places that aren’t open or are having long wait times that we have here. And one of our other concerns was around vaccinations and the horrendous idea of having to pay for public health care out of our pockets,” Shannon added.

Pension

Joanne explained her fears of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith having control of her pension after decades of hard work.

“I have been voting in Alberta since I was 18 and I’m now a senior citizen. I do not want her to be in charge of our pensions because I do not trust her,” she said.

Meanwhile, Cindy shared her thoughts about her future in the province if the government moves forward with an Alberta pension plan, which has been explored by the premier during the Alberta Next Panel town halls. If implemented, it would replace the Canada Pension Plan in Alberta.

Cindy explained she’s worked for Correctional Services Canada for 27 years and is close to receiving her pension.

“If it happened quickly, I would probably look at CSC and the Government of Canada to relocate me to a province where I can work,” Cindy said. “If not and I was already retired, I’d be leaving the province before the ink dried on the paper. There would be no reason for us to stay here.”

Economy

Phil shared his thoughts on the economy by saying the provincial government has no vision at all.

“When you look at diversification, you have to think about not just at the next election cycle, you have to think decades down the road. There’s been a moratorium on renewable development and promises made to billionaires. There’s other people who say it’s just a hole in the ground, it’s no big deal,” he stated.

“The reality is it is a big deal and it’s not acceptable to exploit our province for somebody else’s gain without considering the future of all Albertans.”

Richard, who’s worked in the oil and gas industry for many years, admitted it’s been very good to him and his family.

He said if Alberta becomes independent, the province would become what he described as a one-trick pony.

“We have oil and gas and we have coal. What happens when our resources are depleted? What diversification do we have the opportunity to go into when we’re independent? It just doesn’t work,” he said.

Risk of Separation

When it came to fears of separation from Canada, Carol raised the point that it would be very hard to pull off because of treaty land.

“It doesn’t matter what these people get in their vote because it’s in the hands of the Indigenous. This whole thing is for what purpose? Why are they doing this? Division and destruction,” she added.

Wendy said her main concerns on separation are around the costs to Albertans to implement not just a new pension plan, but the removal of the RCMP and creating a military.

“The costs are astronomical when you start adding all of these things up,” she said.

Closing comments

Nenshi addressed the crowd and said he’s pleased that they were able to have these conversations in a civil manner, adding he learned a lot from those in attendance.

He also thought there weren’t as many different viewpoints as expected, but loved that those in disagreement could still find common ground.

“Whether we agree or disagree, we’re a part of same community and we’re neighbours,” he said.

“Health care is always the first topic and what I was really interested about was the number of perspectives I heard here about the future of the economy, the future of the energy sector, and how important that is to jobs and keeping down the cost of living,” Nenshi said.

“I was really interested to hear that because it echoes what we hearing in a lot of the province.”

Future ‘Better Together’ town halls continue Aug. 28 in Edmonton, followed by six this September elsewhere around the province.

The series of town halls they are running counter to — the Alberta Next Panel — also ran Wednesday in Lloydminster. The UCP are hosting five more around the province next month.

by Ian Gustafson

Central Albertans voice concerns to Alberta NDP at ‘Better Together’ town hall

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