Alberta's Role in Confederation (click here for Word.doc version)
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Comment on the Final Report
done by the MLA Committee |
I was recently honoured to be sent a copy of this report by Premier Klein, and in the attached letter he remarked to leave my views on the committee's recommendations at Alberta Connects. Unfortunately the comment box on the government website is only viewable for about 5 lines so it would be difficult to give a detailed observation in such a space, hence the creation of this webpage.
The views and comments expressed below are solely mine, and may be used to help further these studies, but in no means are meant to attack or be used against anyone in leadership, in opposition, the MLA's in the committee, or used for financial gain by anyone.
Dear Mr. Klein:
Thank you for your letter and copy of the Final Report done by the MLA Committee on strengthening Alberta's Role in Confederation. I sincerely appreciate that you took the time to answer my email and concerns and wish to give those reading this a feel from a person considering himself to be an "average Joe Albertan" and honestly concerned about the future of this province.
#1: First Impressions of the Report.
Upon receiving the "Final Report done by the MLA Committee on strengthening Alberta's Role in Confederation", the look and feel of the report is very open and I believe the "What you said" in columnar formats on the sides of the pages were very well laid out and fitting to the subject. Good move.
I was interested in reading the report but the very first line took me back a bit in that we as Albertans are called mavericks. While it might be semantics and done in good faith, we have to realize not just Albertans may read this report and may come to different viewpoints of the meaning.
To me, a maverick is someone who is a free ranger, independent of anyone, almost a lawless and rugged drifter, such as a wild west cowboy stereotype. This does not conjure up warm thoughts for Alberta being a leader in Canada, but almost a direct statement of "we don't follow or work with the rest of Canada, we'll do it our way".
Another definition of maverick is "an unbranded range animal, like a stray calf", which paints a worse picture and could be used against us from eastern publications in criticism.
The pictures on Page 5 of the Committee members are too small, and for some reason the majority of photo's have a dark, square background while Mary Anne Jablonski doesn't have one and is larger than the rest. If one wanted to be nit-picky, everyone should be facing the same direction, instead there is a mix match of directions, giving it an amateurish look.
#2. Committee Process and Overview:
I am not a separatist and feel that Alberta indeed is an unique region, just like the Maritimes, Quebec, Yukon and other parts of Canada are. A "one plan fits all" does not necessarily work in this country. It is good that the Albertan government reaches out to find the opinion of the common person, thereby avoiding a "bunker house" mentality shown by Federal leaders. The voice of the people must be heard and addressed accordingly to remain a strong and democratic society.
Unfortunately due to mismanagement, greed, and outright lies to the Canadian public, the integrity of the Federal government has to be called into question. Alberta it seems is not exempt from this also. With the latest mess in Health Care and the distribution of funds for the Mad Cow crisis the integrity of this government has to be accountable.
Alberta I believe has the power to change Canada by example in leadership in confronting these issues and towards Ottawa on the imbalance of power wielded over the provinces. While I am not aware of the day to day, behind the doors discussions in politics, but as from one standing back from the forest and looking at the trees, Alberta, as well as Canada, has a tough road ahead if she wishes to remain strong and free.
I agree as one person from Granum stated: "I challenge you as legislators to show vision, and leadership, and re-affirm provincial jurisdiction...to build a legacy that will benefit all Albertans."
What you have Mr. Klein and MLA's involved, is the future of Alberta in your collective hands. Treat her with respect and care.
#3 Pension Plans
The pension plan is 20 years away for me, 10 if I take early retirement. Having been through the scare back in the early 90's that the pension plan might run out, I believe as Albertans we should have an option for a "made in Alberta" fully-funded self-directed retirement program on top of the existing CPP. Not to replace the CPP as the cost would be too much as well as duplication of services, but as an option for Albertans to invest in Alberta.
Why can't we use our Heritage Fund to create a retirement investment account for every Albertan? What about those through the past 10+ years who have seen cut back's and services decimated in the name of making Alberta Debt Free - when do they get to "cash in" on the suffering or benefits of being "debt free"?
A made-in-Alberta trust fund would be a great example of wise rewards towards her people.
#4 - Tax Collection
Definitely we do not need more tax forms, tax collectors, or tax laws heaped upon us that are already in existence. What we do need is accountability. Not only from the Alberta government, but the Federal government as to where our money is being spent.
For example while Arts and other such programs - who decided that my hard earned money went into paying $100,000 for some sculpture that looks like a reject from a welding shop scrap pile? Programs like these should be done as a business, left to the local communities or those concerned to raise the funding needed. Like PBS stations, donations can be tax deductible.
If I may interject, I feel if Alberta, or even the Federal government took a 50/50 approach to grants, one would see a dramatic decrease in unnecessary spending and wastage. Raise 50% and government will pitch in the remaining 50% and if anything will make the creator's feel more proud of their accomplishments.
#5 - Police Force
Alberta does not need its own police force like Ontario or Quebec, but what we do need is something that will address the needs of smaller townships. Having lived up in Grand Centre (now called Cold Lake South), it was good to see the RCMP stationed there, but smaller towns were always on the short end in receiving help due to logistics and funding.
What I suggest is use existing framework of authority in Alberta, but give more power and training to local bylaw officers to fill in the gaps. Almost like where you have local sheriffs who are responsible for their township/county, freeing the RCMP for bigger issues.
If Alberta continues to grow at its current pace, and if we hit the 10 million mark, then maybe we can justify a local police force, but at the present time the cost would be prohibitive.
#6 - Senate
The Senate was formed to counterbalance Parliament and protect regional interests from one group running away with everything. It has miserable failed in this respect.
How in a country such as ours, have such an imbalance of representatives? Prince Edward Island with less than 1% population of Canada - not even enough people to fill the city of Red Deer or Lethbridge, be allocated 4 seats?
How does Nova Scotia or New Brunswick, with a population less than Calgary or Edmonton be given 10 seats each? Same with Saskatchewan, a population that could easily fit inside of Calgary or Edmonton, but they are given the same amount of seats as Alberta with 6.
Alone, we can't do much with 6 seats as is. Alberta must pursue the other provinces to join us in this fight and not give up on it. But the problem still remains of Ontario and Quebec wielding the power to dictate to the rest of the country their aspirations.
We must have the Senate balanced by numbers and power. A true triple-E senate can be the only answer.
#7 - Health Care
Canada is blessed with a national/provincial health care plan. One just has to look to the States and see the suffering of those with little or no money to spare for medicine or operations. Yet, that nation still survives and continues to grow. Maybe the mindset of government not looking after you from cradle to grave does something positive.
As I understand it, Health Care is a provincial responsibility. So why then do we, Alberta being a prosperous province, need to "beg" for money? I agree that we should help other provinces who can't meet their financial obligations to maintain a health care, but at the same time what say does Alberta have in where the money goes?
One thing I constantly think of, when someone gives you something, you generally say thank you. Two things block this - one is no one knows where the money came from, and two the federal government looks like the Santa Claus, thereby forcing the poorer provinces to grovel at their feet. Alberta doesn't want this, but I would wager if other provinces knew directly that we are giving to them, there would be a major attitude change in this country towards us.
Alberta needs to stand up and be recognized as a giver and as well be in control of her destiny. One idea that might sound silly but by making rules for Ottawa in how it takes the money. Why does Alberta have to be accountable to the conditions set by Ottawa (CHA), when we are the ones giving the money?
Private and Public healthcare is around us, so Alberta should pursue the Private end of providing services, but ensure that the Public portion does not suffer. A good benchmark of any country or leader is how they treat their poor.
#8 - Gun Registry
Scrap it. If possible do an audit as to where the money has gone and charge those accountable. Two billion dollars would have put a lot of police on the streets. Think about it.
#9 - Canadian Wheat Board
Scrap it. Not only does this hinder Western provinces from determining its destiny's but shows a grave discrimination in Canadian politics. Ontario and Quebec farmers do not live under this burden, why just Alberta and the Western provinces?
#10 - Employment Insurance
Having once experience the horror of trying to make a UIC (EI) claim, after paying into it for 25+ years, I wonder what use is it? The EI costs should be relegated to Alberta, like Quebec, and set up again in a made for Alberta fund where one by law puts a percentage of money into an investment account or GIC that invests in Alberta. That money then is available to the person upon loss of work. The more one makes or the more one puts in, the more is available to them. If they run out, there are agencies to help, but the reality is one would be less inclined to abuse that system if they can see their money being used in a proper way.
#11 -Kyoto Protocol
Scrap it. This is another example of discrimination. Developing countries to my understanding like China and India do not have to adhere to the strict guidelines like Canada or the US do. It is ironic that those countries are currently more polluted than the US due to lax laws and different values of life. While Alberta must lead the way in maintaining cleaner vehicles and water, we cannot burden our economy to justify some ill thought of guideline. The Kyoto Protocol will mean another NEP for Alberta, and if we do not stand up against it, it will be another if not the final rape of Alberta's economy by Federal politics and greed. Like the battered housewife, will we sadly and quietly remain in a troubled home?
#12 - Federal Transfer Payments
While I agree Alberta must help other provinces, what I do not find happening is fair play. Quebec should be considered a "have province" and help others, instead I have for the past 25+ years have been seeing my money go into a black hole called "Bilingualism" and the recent AdScam proves this point.
What accountability has gone into where our money goes? Why does Alberta roll over and play dead when it comes to our hard earned money? Does it not mean anything to anyone?
Why does Alberta not ask for at least report or some sort to acknowledge the recognition or contribution given by Alberta to the "have not" provinces?
Alberta if possible must make conditions it sends its money to Ottawa. Big task, I know, but there has to be some checks and balances as to where the money goes. Alberta being Tory, giving money to Ottawa being Liberal, a contradiction of values, what is here to protect us?
#13 - Intergovernmental Relationships
One comparison is liken to a marriage. If the couple do not speak to each other, or don't feel open to share their ideas becomes a rocky relationship, if not a precursor to a divorce.
We as Albertans must show other provinces, nations we are fair and just people, as well as open minded, but not to every whim of doctrine or interest group.
Student exchanges, culture exchanges and even friendly games, like those comedy games that were on TV a few years ago where a town goes against town in tow rope pulling, pie throwing and other nonsense type of games. We have to relax and loosen up a bit.
I know this sounds childish, but sometimes the small things speak louder than the big ones.
#14 - The Future
Alberta must avoid the "politically correct" mentality and stand up for what is right. Canada is a country founded on God, and we are a province considered to be the "Bible belt". We are to be fair and strong in our dealings, so why should we shy or coward away from this proud heritage?
Yes there are fanatics, yes there are those who twist the truth, but just like in a wheat field, there will always be a mix of wheat and weeds. We must learn how to be balanced in life and remove the weeds - not be overrun by them.
Sincerely yours
Tom McLaughlin
223 Scenic Way NW
Calgary, AB, T3L 1B6
403.208.2176tom@tomax7.com