Representation | Foreign Policy |Energy | Business | Health Care | Food Security | Immigration | Municipal Infrastructure | Democracy | Crime | Canada's First Nations | Environment | National Defence | Corruption | Canadian Unity | Human Development
- Representation
Citizens in Calgary West are dynamic, well educated and open-minded. Calgary West needs an advocate and representative who will be an effective communicator and parliamentarian. The reputation of Calgary West has been tarnished by the incumbent MP's style and attitudes.
- Energy
Calgary West and Alberta expects input and fairness whenever the federal government is considering decisions that would effect the energy industry. The decision to implement the NEP broke the trust Calgarians had placed in the governing Liberals. This trust must be rebuilt through improved communication by electing Calgarians to sit at Liberal governance table.
As the country transitions to sustainable energy sources, Alberta is a natural location for the research, leadership and development of the sustainable energy sector of the economy.
- Foreign Policy
Foreign policy is about building relationships. Through trade, education, the arts, and international organizations like the UN, NATO, and OAS, Canada can build the relationships necessary to ensure success in the 21st century. Since Canada's inception, our foreign policy successes have hinged on our strong and respected reputation abroad. Through his speeches, budget cuts, and actions, Prime Minister Harper has damaged our strong standing.
The world's image of Canada should reflect our values. Because of Harper's actions, the global community is questioning whether they can trust Canada to live up to the high standard that we have in the past. It is integral that our government reflects Canadians? values and priorities. Canada should be seen as a desirable partner in matters of business, health, education, environment, justice, security, and peace.
An important part our foreign relations depends both on our conduct at home and abroad, and Canada should project democracy, justice, humanity, and strength within and outside our borders.
- Business
Businesses large and small have a right to expect equal access to government support within predicable rules. The federal government should not interfere in the private marketplace resulting in unfair competitive advantages for some Canadian companies over others, for example, Air Canada's support impacts West Jet.
- Health Care
Public health care is a cost-effective method of delivering services. The Health Insurance system should be blind to a person's wealth and medical history. Flexibility is needed to accommodate patients, but these changes to the health care system should not detract from the effectiveness, quality and universal access of the public system.
National initiatives are needed to coordinate preparation for possible pandemics. Drugs are increasingly the preferred method of medical treatment and disease prevention. Options to minimize costs for the public, including pharmacare, should be a critical component of an integrated public health care plan.
- Food Security
The ownership of farmland has grown increasingly expensive and difficult to maintain a farmer's income. A plan for sustaining Canada's autonomy over food production and farmlands must be developed.
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- Immigration
With the exception of Canada's First Nations, Canada is a country of immigrants. This forms part of our Canadian identity and reputation as a land of opportunity. The Canadian government should better fund and support immigrants, young and old, as they learn English. Currently, school boards, charities and municipalities are bearing a disproportionate portion of this burden. Language barriers lead to isolation, marginalization, and, in the worst case, exploitation of those who cannot speak English.
- Municipal Infrastructure
Calgary's infrastructure is aging and requires an infusion of funds. Big Cities' health and success is a part of Canada's international reputation. These funds must be provided, if necessary, through the Federal Budget.
- Democracy
Public discussion of politics and government is vital to a strong democracy. In Canada, dialogue has been shut down because of the increasing intolerance and disrespect shown to those with divergent views. Elected politicians must not avoid discussing the important issues of the day. The health and stability of our political system will influence investors' and immigrants' decisions.
In the last year, respect for the office and the role of responsible government has been eroded by the report from the Auditor General relating to the sponsorship scandal and the non-productive conduct of the members of parliament during this minority government. In 2005, a country needs a working government to make intelligent and timely decisions. A reform of the political decision-making processes is needed.
- Crime
The Criminal Code is federal legislation. The increasing sophistication of organized crime in Canada and the world is just one issue that requires federal initiatives and leadership.
- Canada's First Nations
Negotiations are expected to continue with First Nations leaders to develop a model of self-determination for persons on and off reserves. Currently, the plan to address the impact of residential schools is being developed and should continue with the support of the government until completion.
- Environment
Canadians' health, safety, human potential and economic prosperity are all dependant on the environment. As the issues are both local and global the federal government must demonstrate leadership and courage. At this point, actions must be taken, and resources allocated to address the problems that already exist and, at the same time, proactive steps are needed to preserve ecosystems and prevent irreversible damage from occurring. Water will be a battle ground for those with health, environmental and economic interests. Canada should not solve the water dilemma treating it solely as a commercial commodity.
- National Defense
Canada's Armed Forces should receive priority allocations in upcoming budgets to enable them to fulfill their obligations at home and abroad.
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- Corruption
Canadians, including Liberals, were shocked to discover the extent of the corruption involved in the sponsorship scandal. Although courts have not yet deliberated on the facts, it is clear that criminal activities took place. The Gomery inquiry has not found the Prime Minister complicit in these activities.
Canada has a reputation for bringing its skeletons out of the closet. With respect to athletes and doping, Canada has led the way in discussing the problem openly. Likewise, we are now engaged in a very public discussion of corruption in government. Canadians should not accept corruption, kick-backs, or abuse of funds by public or private directors and leaders in business and government. At the same time, it is important to ensure that only those who were responsible are held accountable. The manner in which we deal with this as a country will either encourage disclosure or drive discussion underground.
The Auditor General has recommendations, as will Justice Gomery, regarding actions and procedures that will prevent similar crimes in the future. MPs should not permit an election to circumvent the implementation of Justice Gomery's recommendations.
Hopefully the Canadian public will evaluate the performance of Prime Minister Martin based on his record including his decision to initiate an inquiry into corruption immediately upon taking office.
- Canadian Unity
The province of Quebec is poised to vote on independence. Alberta too, has leaders that promote greater powers for the provinces. "Canada should be greater than the sum of its parts" Michael Ignatieff stated on his recent visit to Calgary. I believe the Canadian government has an important role to play in building Canada's reputation, nurturing the arts and culture, stimulating the economy, protecting the health and education of its citizens, preserving and repairing the environment, and providing security its own people and other vulnerable people of the world. The Federal government must demonstrate leadership by focusing on these important roles and encourage the provinces to focus on theirs.
My Canada includes Quebec. My Canada celebrates the success of the province of Alberta. MPs from Alberta should promote Canadian Unity regardless of their political party or the election of a minority government. It is ironic that in times of great wealth and prosperity, we are proposing to dismantle our wonderful country.
- Human Development
Canada's greatest resource is its people. The people, not the government, stimulate the economy. It is the peoples' ideas, creations, inventions, and hard work that Canada will rely on for future prosperity.
The Federal government should continue to invest in early childhood development, post-secondary education, research, and the arts.