Town of Killam Mayor’s Message for Christmas Newsletter 2011

The Town of Killam Christmas Newsletter is out, but in case you do not receive a copy, I have published my message here.  

We have a great community & I am proud of the people in it & their desire to make it a better place.

Here it is -

This last newsletter of the year is my opportunity to update you on what’s been happening in and around Killam.

We were very pleased to celebrate the grand opening of the Flagstaff Regional Aquatic Centre at the Killam Agriplex in February.  This was a major project with several challenges and delays, and to have it open and seeing large numbers of users was gratifying.  Our community has told us that recreation is important to them, and it was nice to see this pool renovation complete.  Work continues on other smaller renovation projects with assistance from Killam Recreation Board and the Killam & District Agricultural Society.

On the subject of recreation, Flagstaff County will be sharing the cost of recreation in a new way for 2012.  While this means some uncertainty from the Town of Killam perspective, we know that the old formula was not working well, and we know Flagstaff has increased their available funds.  We appreciate Flagstaff’s desire to create a better system of funding recreation for the region.

As well the Flagstaff communities are in the process of creating a model to deliver fire services to the region.  We don’t know exactly what this will look like yet, but we do know it will recognize the realities of using volunteers to deliver this service in a professional manner.  Fortunately, in Killam we are well served by a Fire Department that is committed, active and engaged.

This spring Killam inducted four past & present citizens into the Hall of Fame under a new format.  Evelyn Kueber, Allan Wallace, the late William Halsall and the late Moon Get were honored at an evening event that was well attended.  This new format allows the committee to induct citizens who are still active in our community, as well as celebrate Killam’s pioneers and their contributions.  This was an excellent event and I am very interested to see who will be inducted in 2012.

Another major project in town – the redevelopment of Main (50^th) Street and our retail shopping area –was started this summer.  This was very challenging for our retail business community and their customers, and Council appreciates everyone’s patience while construction was underway.  Cold weather has brought this project to a halt until spring, but I am excited about what has been done to date and I hope you are too.

Speaking of development, you will be interested to know that development permits for the Town of Killam in 2011, for residential and commercial projects, were over $5,000,000.  This is significant, and it is good to know that this level of confidence exists in the future of our community. 

A change in our Premier and her cabinet this fall means a bit of uncertainty, as Alberta’s municipalities rely heavily on a provincial contribution to balance their budgets.  However, indications are that the Province of Alberta will be looking to commit to a new relationship with municipal governments and a long term funding solution that will continue beyond the expiration of the current Municipal Sustainability Initiative.  We are encouraged as well with the message that regional economic development is important to the provincial government, a view shared by the Town of Killam.

Our ACE committee organized Killam’s Arts Days event this fall, supported by the Province of Alberta.  While attendance was mixed, this was a great event and a great opportunity for us to see what our local artists & talent have to offer.  Hopefully we will see this project continue in 2012.

The Designated Supportive Living project to be undertaken by Killam Health Care Centre and Covenant Health continues to move forward.  There are several hurdles to clear, but it is expected that construction will start in 2012.  What is really exciting about this project is that it redefines how care is delivered in rural Alberta to those who need it, and I commend those who are guiding the project through the process.

Your town Council was elected in October 2010 and has spent the first several months of their mandate getting up to speed on the many issues & projects that occupy the Agenda.  Early 2011 was an opportunity to have discussions and to engage you in making our Municipal Sustainability Plan current.  This document defines where Killam is going and we revisit it from time to time to make sure we are on the right track.  You can view this document at www.town.killam.ab.ca or stop at the Town office to pick up a copy.

We are trying to share information with you in a variety of ways.  Our website contains planning documents, bylaws, meeting minutes, and other information and is a useful tool to keep up to date on what’s happening.  The website will undergo a renovation shortly, so check back often.  Our Facebook page contains lots of current information as well – “friend” us if you like.  Additionally you can follow me on Twitter at @MayorBudJames or follow my blog at http://townofkillammayorsblog.blogspot.com/ where I share my thoughts on issues that affect our community and region.

Thank you to our Town of Killam employees – Administration, Public Works, and Community Services staff - who deliver the goods on a daily basis.  Much of what these folks do is not in the public eye, but I can assure you that they work hard to make sure we get the most out of our tax dollars.

I have always believed that our greatest asset is the people that live in our community – it is your contribution that makes Killam a great place to call home.  Thank you for all you do in support of Killam.  We need you to continue your good work – if we are all pulling in the same direction together as a community, great things are possible!

As we head into the last few days of 2011 I hope you have an opportunity take a break and to enjoy the company of family & friends. 

On behalf of my Council Colleagues I wish you all a Merry Christmas and the very best for 2012.

Sincerely,

Bud James

Mayor 

The Battle River Alliance for Economic Development (BRAED) - A Year - To - Date Perspective

On November 10 the Battle River Alliance for Economic Development held their Annual Meet & Greet Social evening in Daysland.

This is always a great opportunity to meet with our friends & neighbors around east central Alberta without having a meeting Agenda to follow & decisions to be made.   

We were pleased to have Jeff Schnieder from Marketing Ninjas as our Key Note Speaker, talking about Social Media & It’s Importance.  He was both entertaining & informative, and opened some eyes to a new form of communication. 

As well I had the opportunity to provide those in attendance with a synopsis of BRAED's activities over the past several months.  For 2011 it has been interesting to say the least, but our organization continues to deliver good value to the region.  I am constantly amazed at what is being accomplished.

I have included my remarks here, so you can get a sense of what BRAED has been up to recently.  I know it's a bit long, but it gives you an understanding of the commitment of our members & of the good work being done.

Cheers,

Bud James

A Year – To – Date Perspective

BRAED November 10^th, 2011

If you have been following the story of BRAED over the past year you know we have been going through some interesting times to say the least.

In February of this year BRAED and her sister alliances were told of a significant funding cut by AB Finance & Enterprise, our main funder, along with the loss of 2/3 of our staff.  As well the Camrose AF&E office closed. 

While this was very challenging for our organization, the timing worked in our favour as we were in the final stages of organizing our BRAED Symposium, held in March, where we invited municipal leaders, business leaders, and youth from our region to Killam, had a few topical presentations, then asked our audience where BRAED should be going.  This was followed by a Strategic Planning event later in spring in Sedgewick attended by our members.  We recognized this was going to be a transition year and were in a position to re examine our priorities and react fairly quickly.

The result –

Today BRAED is a leaner organization.  We have made moves organizationally to tighten our belts and continue to look for ways to be efficient.

Today BRAED is well positioned in terms of management & support.  We have engaged Siddle & Associates under contract to provide this service and they have done a fantastic job for us.

Today BRAED’s every move is working toward having a positive impact on the economic sustainability of our member communities.

What Have We Done To Impact the BRAED Region?

Four Task Teams have been established, each focusing on a specific area that was 

identified as important during the consultation process. They include:

1. ·        Youth Entrepreneurship and Engagement
2. ·        Business and Investment Attraction
3. ·        Trade Corridor Development
4. ·        Communications and Marketing

It is important to recognize that these task teams have proven to be very valuable and to recognize the commitment that the Members have made – it is a result of their efforts that we have made as much progress as we have this year.

Marketing and Communications:  Task Team Members include:

• ·        Eric Jerrard, Mirror Economic Development
• ·        Dawna Elliot, Mayor, Town of Coronation
• ·        Jennifer Fossen, EDO, Flagstaff County
• ·        Kevin Kisilevich, EDO, Beaver County

Deliverables to Date Include:

• ·        Are publishing a monthly electronic news letter that currently boasts approximately 180 subscribers and is posted on our website - look for the signup sheet at the registration table if you are not already receiving this.
• ·        Have initiated a number of updates to the BRAED website – there are a number of other improvements that have been identified and will be implemented
• ·        Have had a number of communities participate in two, with a third scheduled, Community Profiles training and all have subsequently updated their respective profiles
• ·        Google analytics is available for our use
• ·        Task team is recommending to maintain our current website and place increased emphasis on updating its currency and functionality rather than moving forward with a website re-development project
• ·        This group has also organized the BRAED Small Business Week Award again for 2011. 
  I would like to congratulate the following businesses who were recipients –
• Camrose - Business IQ
• Tofield - Beaverhill Auction
• Wainwright - Davco Welding

As well the Village of Alliance received the BRAED Community Involvement Award at the Flagstaff County Awards event.

Business and Investment Attraction:  Task Team Members Include:

·        Kevin Kisilevich, EDO, Beaver County

·        Wanda Diakow, EDO, Special Areas #4

·        Alan Parkin, CAO, Town of Hardisty

·        Jean Vidal, AB Department of Human Services

Deliverables to Date Include:

·        Pat Klak, former Executive Director of the Leduc Nisku Economic Development group, has been contracted to complete a review of the community specific efforts that are currently underway or contemplated in the Region and to make recommendations on how and what role BRAED could play to further enhance or expand Ambassador Programs in the Region

·        Pat Klak was recently engaged to provide a report that will outline the potential of increasing Chinese investment and trade opportunities.  Her recommendations will be based on her findings during a recent trade mission to China

·        Siddle & Associates have been engaged to provide recommendations on the role that BRAED could play to support greater participation and profile by the Regions key industry sectors in identified trade shows and events

·        The Business Link has agreed to extend three “Local Trade Show Selling” seminars in the Region – the first was extended via a webinar in Special Areas Four – the two others will be made available to interested BRAED Member Communities through an expression of interest that will be promoted in the next edition of KNotice (option will exist for webinar extension of the session)

Youth Entrepreneurship and Engagement:  Task Team Members Include:

• ·        Mike Kueber, Councillor, Flagstaff County
• ·        Sarah Wray, Farmon.com
• ·        Linda Cherry, AB Employment & Immigration
• ·        Darlene Curtis, Executive Director - ECACF
• ·        Wanda Diakow, EDO, Special Areas #4

Deliverables To Date Include:

• ·        The Fall Forum was recently hosted attracting 44 participants – including a number of service providers that have expressed an interest in introducing or expanding the benefit of their programs into the BRAED Region, they include:
• o       Junior Achievement
• o       Community Futures East Central
• o       Canadian Youth Business Foundation
• o       The Business Link Business Service Centre
• o       Creating Pathways for Entrepreneurial Families
• ·        Each of the these organizations indicated an interest to explore working relationships with others in attendance to advance increased access to youth focused programming and services in the BRAED Region
• ·        As a result of the event Junior Achievement and the Battle River School Division have agreed to collaborate to accelerate efforts to have the elementary programs delivered the School Division
• ·        On December 6^th selected participants will meet again to explore options for introduction of enhanced programming – including; “company” programs and entrepreneurship camps.

Trade Corridor Development:  Task Team Members Include:

• ·        Myself - Bud James
• ·        George Glazier, Councillor, Paintearth County
• ·        Tim Doering –  with Marlene Grandinetti recently becoming the new Task Team Member, Town of Viking
• ·        Major John Page, CFB Wainwright

The Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor Project is a Tri-REDA effort.  BRAED has partnered with her sister alliances – Palliser Economic Partnership in south east Alberta, and the North Eastern Albert HUB.

Deliverables to Date include:

• ·        Participated and played a lead role in advancing a FDI project and hosted FDI Seminar in Wainwright.
• ·        Second phase of FDI project (Leads Protocol) currently being formulated.
• ·        Participated in Tri-REDA contingent that attended the Ports To Plains Annual Trade Corridor Alliance AGM in Texas and delivered a presentation that focussed on the potential economic impact of the Keystone XL Pipeline Project.
• ·        BRAED is also leading the efforts to obtain approval for federal grant funds that will see the three REDA’s continuing to work together on a new project that will focus more specifically on industries in our respective Regions.
•  

As well I would like to recognize the commitment that Alan Parkin, CAO, Town of Hardisty, has demonstrated by representing BRAED in the ongoing efforts that Lakeland College and others are making to explore the merits of establishing a Regional Innovation Network (RIN) in North Eastern Alberta – although there is no firm decision to proceed this is obviously something where BRAED will want to be at the table.

As for our Executive team, which consists of –

·        Myself

·        Arnold Hanson, Councillor, Beaver County

·        Tom Allan, Councillor, Town of Coronation

·        Lorraine Donovan, Councillor, Town of Tofield

·        George Glazier, Councillor, Paintearth County

·        Wanda Diakow, EDO, Special Areas #4

·        Carley Herbert, EDO, Town of Wainwright

·        We are working on a budget for the upcoming year of operations, and will be able to share that with you shortly.

·        We continue to press AB Enterprise for funding to be restored, and have taken a lead role in this effort.  I have recently been asked to attend a meeting of REDA Chairs to be held in December.  Minister Doug Horner has spoken positively during the recent leadership campaign about this issue, so we are cautiously optimistic.

·        BRAED has gained two members in this last while, but have lost a few members as well.  We continue to be in contact with these folks as we move forward – there is good value to being a member of BRAED, and we remind these former members of that fact as often as we can.

I want to thank all whose names I have mentioned, and there are several, who do the work of BRAED, whether as a member of Executive, task teams, or those working on a special project.  You are the folks who are rowing the ship, and your effort is appreciated.

A special thank you to Rick Siddle, Rodger Cole, and Debi Anderson – our management & administration team – for all they do.  Our organization is very well served in this area; these three do an amazing job of looking after us.

As well I want to especially thank my wife Tammy, for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this.  If you have a family at home you know that it is their commitment that really makes this work.  For me it’s breakfast meetings, early morning conference calls, interrupted meals, evening meetings & events, and travel – it all impacts life at home.  So Tammy, thank you for all that you do.

To our members and friends – we need your good ideas and your good work now more than ever.  We need your commitment to BRAED.

My friend Michael Reeves, President of the Ports to Plains group, was in Alberta last week helping us with the Foreign Direct Investment seminars for the EATC.  Michael talks about the story of the chicken & the pig.  When you get up in the morning & have your bacon & eggs, the chicken may be involved, but it’s the pig who is committed.

In case you just missed that, yes I am asking you all to be pigs when it comes to BRAED.

We need your commitment.  We need your ideas.  We need you to roll up your sleeves & go to work for us.  This organization is simply the sum of all it’s members, but together we can do some incredible things.  We need your commitment.

Thank you for allowing me this evening to give you a bit of a BRAED update.  I always find it amazing, when I look back over the year, of what has been accomplished – this year especially due to our recent challenges.  I believe however that challenges create opportunities, and in East Central Alberta the opportunities are endless.

Thank you.

The Importance of Remembrance Day

Each year on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, and in the days prior at schools across our country, many Canadians will pause for two minutes of silence to remember our fellow citizens who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.

Remembrance Day for my family has always meant being outdoors (no matter the weather) at 10:45 AM, near the Cenotaph in Killam waiting for the Legion members to form up and march around the parade ground.  The outdoor service is followed by an indoor inter-denominational service nearby, then a banquet for Veterans & families.

Additionally I have had the opportunity to attend services at Killam Public School in past years as a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Killam Branch #65.  Thanks to support from the Legion and the school’s staff, the school service is a very respectful event.  Members of the public are welcome to attend. 

In my youth and into young adulthood, the war veterans I knew were all WWII Veterans – my Dad, along with men and women close to his age who had retired from military life long ago and returned to the community.  That demographic is much different today because of Canada’s involvement in several conflicts in recent years; most war veterans today are younger than me.

The same can be said regarding the Silver Cross Mother.  The Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother is named annually by the Royal Canadian Legion, and lays a wreath at the National War Memorial on behalf of all mothers who have lost sons or daughters in the military, para-military, or the RCMP in the service of Canada. 

When I was a kid the Silver Cross Mother was always an elderly lady who had lost her son or daughter many years before.  

For 2011 the Silver Cross Mother is Patricia Braun of Raymore Saskatchewan.  Patricia works at the school in Raymore.  Her son Corporal David Braun, born in 1979, was a member of 2^nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based in Shilo, Manitoba. He was killed by a suicide bomber while on patrol in Kandahar on August 22, 2006.  He is survived by his mom, one sister, two brothers, and one daughter.  Ms. Braun lost her son five years ago.  Cpl. Braun would have celebrated his 32^nd birthday this year.

The age of our veterans and of the Silver Cross Mother has changed.  Our fallen soldiers, however, have not; they are still young men & women who have had their lives cut tragically short.    

I think most Canadians understand the sacrifice our fallen soldiers made to protect Canada and her freedom, and most understand the importance of remembering.

However, many of us have fallen out of the habit of attending a local service or even pausing at 11AM to reflect.  Everyone is busy after all, and a day off work is a chance to do some Christmas shopping or partake in a leisure activity.

It is time to get back in that habit.  I invite you to attend the Remembrance Day Service with my family in Killam this November 11, or to attend a service in your own community.  If you are unable to attend a service in person, you can remember by watching the National Remembrance Day Ceremony, broadcast from the National War Memorial in Ottawa, starting at 8:30AM MST.

There will be lots of time for Christmas shopping.  On November 11 there is something more important to do.

The Catholic Sisters’ Legacy Recognition Project

On October 5, 2011 Flagstaff Councillor Gerald Kuefler and I attended the Covenant Health Annual Community Meeting in Edmonton.

Covenant Health is Canada’s largest Catholic health care organization and provides service in 12 communities across Alberta, including the Killam Health Care Centre.

In 2011 Covenant Health joined with the Catholic community in honoring the Catholic Sisters for their contributions in building the Province of Alberta.  In the earliest days of Alberta these women travelled from across Canada to settle into various areas of our Province, providing health care, schooling, orphanages, and social programs to Alberta’s pioneer families.

The Catholic Sisters’ Legacy Recognition Project, unveiled at the Alberta Legislature on September 28, is a fitting tribute to the dedication and resilience of the Sisters.  A bronze statue, created by artist Herman Poulin from St. Paul, was unveiled by Premier Ed Stelmach.  As part of his remarks, Premier Stelmach related his own personal experience of care by Sisters at Mundare Hospital when he was a child.  Some of you may know his story.  Covenant Health has produced a video to recognize this event which can be viewed at www.covenanthealth.ca later in October.  I urge you to view this powerful tribute.

In Flagstaff we were blessed to have the Sisters of St. Joseph of London.  The Sisters arrived here in 1930 and provided health service to the region at Killam and Galahad for many years, with the last of the Sisters moving out of the Convent in Killam in 1990.  The story of their contribution to the region can be found in the history books of Killam & Galahad.

The Sisters were still a part of the community when I was a youth and a young adult.  My parents had a close relationship with a few of the Sisters, and I had the privilege of accompanying my Mom & Dad on two occasions for a visit to them at their Convent in Edmonton, after they had left Killam.  My Dad worked closely with Sister Lourdes for many years as part of the community board in Killam.  They were very close friends, and my parents even hosted a few of the Sisters at their winter home in Phoenix. 

The Sisters of St. Joseph may have departed, but their legacy carries on in the Killam & Galahad facilities.

The people of Covenant Health have taken up this call to compassionate care that the Catholic Sisters started so many years ago.  I am very pleased that Killam Health Care Centre is a part of the Covenant Health family, and I appreciate the dedication and compassion that the staff & volunteers who work there bring to their tasks.

The Catholic Sisters have been an important part of the history of the Province of Alberta and of the Flagstaff region.  We can all learn something from their resilience, compassion, and dedication to helping their community.

Sincerely,

Bud James

Mayor

Town of Killam    

Why I like Doug Griffiths for PC Party Leader & Premier of Alberta

The Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta needs a makeover, and I think Doug Griffiths is the guy to do it.

I think the PC party needs to reinvent itself, and if this doesn’t happen I fear it may be one election away from not forming the government.  I am not hearing enough new from the other candidates to make me think this reinvention will happen in a meaningful way.  I am, however, hearing a very refreshing message from Doug Griffiths.

Griffiths understands communities, and understands that we are all part of the broader community that is Alberta.  This is evident by his work with rural communities and his presentation and book “Thirteen ways to Kill Your Community”.

Griffiths understands the financial situation Alberta finds itself in, and the need to change things.  Consider that managing the finances of our Province is really no different than managing your own household.  You simply can’t spend more than you earn; you need to plan for improvements and extraordinary income (royalty revenue) needs to be treated differently.

Griffiths is not afraid to have discussions about previously off-limits subjects.  For example he has long supported a discussion about revenue generation, and has mused about a sales tax to replace income taxes.  The media and others have painted him as the boogieman for even bringing this up which in my mind is terribly unfair.  Personally I would far prefer to be taxed on what I consume rather than what I earn.  Regardless of one’s preference, why would you be afraid to have this discussion?      

Griffiths appears to have engaged the younger demographic in a big way, and that is vital for the long term viability of the PC Party.  More than ever there is a lot of choice for you if you are an Alberta voter and competition is fierce to attract the youth audience.  It is not hard to understand that, without extending a welcome to the younger generation, any organization is doomed to failure.

So there you have it.  I think Doug Griffiths is an excellent choice, and I encourage you to learn more about Doug, and about the other candidates as well, before forming your opinion.

It is a rare event to have the opportunity to cast a vote for the next Premier, and regardless whether you agree with my selection it is imperative that you exercise this opportunity.  Voting takes place around Alberta on September 17 and a second ballot, if necessary, will be on October 1.

Let me know what you think.

Cheers,

Bud James

The Tomorrow Project – Are you In 4 Tomorrow?

I have just signed up for the Tomorrow Project, and I’m happy to participate.

Haven’t heard of it?  Me either until just recently.

The Tomorrow Project is a very large, long term research project of Alberta Health Services, part of a larger Canadian study, to help scientists gain knowledge of the causes of cancer.  The Alberta organizers of this study are looking for 50,000 people to participate.  You must be between the ages of 35 – 69, and have not been diagnosed with cancer.

Cancer.  The Big C.  All of us know someone who has struggled with cancer, and all of us know someone who has lost that fight.  

About 50% of us can expect to develop cancer in our lifetime.  About one in four will die of cancer.

Alberta Health Services says that “among Albertans in the productive age group of 35 – 69, cancer is the leading cause of death – 39% of all deaths, more than cardiovascular disease, stroke, infectious diseases and accidental injury combined.”

"Other large, long-term studies have taught us that high cholesterol and high blood pressure were risk factors for heart disease and stroke. We now monitor and treat people for those conditions, meaning that fewer people die prematurely. If we can do the same for cancer, the benefit from The Tomorrow Project is likely to be immense." – says Dr. Paula Robson, principal investigator for the Tomorrow Project.

All of us want to leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren.  Participation in this study can be part of that legacy.  Maybe you can play a role in making cancer insignificant for future generations.

I am excited to tell you that all of my Town of Killam Council colleagues are on board with this initiative and have issued a challenge to our community, as well as our neighboring communities, to participate if they can.

Think you may want to sign up?  It’s easy – visit www.in4tomorrow.ca or call 1-877-919-9292 to learn more.

Are you in 4 tomorrow?  I am.

Cheers,

Bud James

Killam Hall of Fame Awards

Recently my wife Tammy & I attended, and I was honored to participate in, the Killam Hall of Fame Awards Banquet.

This year the committee nominated four individuals to the Hall of Fame –

Moon Get – A Chinese businessman who, with his family, ran a restaurant in Killam for over 30 years in the early part of the 20^th century.  It has been said that Moon Get provided many meals at no charge to those less fortunate over the years.

William Halsall – an early resident of Killam District who was instrumental in forming the Willow Hollow Co-operative, which became the Killam Co-op.  This was the first Co-op in Alberta.  Killam Co-op is now part of the Wild Rose Co-operative serving communities from Camrose to Hardisty.  Halsall was also a big part of early credit unions in Alberta.

Evelyn Kueber – a proud supporter of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Killam Health Care Centre.  She is a tireless volunteer in our community.

Allan Wallace – also a tireless supporter.  Al has been involved in many ways to make Killam a better place, from organizing a cleaning work bee in the park to serving for a number of years as Mayor.

It was very interesting to hear about the contributions of these folks to their community.  They should be proud of their accomplishments, as should their families. 

It is people like these, who step up when they can to do something for their community, that make Killam what it is today.  Every small town or village has a similar story. 

Volunteers are the lifeblood of any community.  I’m not saying we all should give to the extent these folks have, but if each of us does what we can won’t our communities be  great places to live & work?

We should celebrate those who roll up their sleeves & volunteer for any job, either by formal recognition, or by a handshake & a thank you.

What do you think?

Cheers,

Bud James 

Politics in Alberta – Are you Engaged?

This is a pretty interesting time to be living in Alberta from a political standpoint.

The Progressive Conservative Party is changing leadership.  The Liberal Party is changing leadership.  The Alberta Party will elect their first leader in the next few days.  The Wild Rose Alliance Party has engaged the political right.  The ND Party … well there isn’t much happening there - yet.

The next few months will see this all settle out – and then we will likely see a general election looming.

So what does this mean for Albertans?  There are many options to consider over the coming months and a role for all of us to play in how this will turn out.  Historically it hasn’t happened in Alberta very often – but this is a watershed moment for our province politically.

This is an opportunity to educate yourself on the issues and to question the various players on how they plan to move Alberta into the future.  Traditional media coverage, websites, blogs & other social media – whatever your preferred method of gathering information, it is your responsibility to do so in order to make an informed decision.

From what I have read & heard, there are some refreshing ideas and refreshing alternatives out there right now.  If you think that provincial politics should be done differently in the future, you may be pleasantly surprised at what is being discussed.

It is important that we get it right this time, or we will be playing catchup.  Just one more reason for you to engage.

Have you made a decision to find out more about the political parties, their leaders and their policies?  If your answer is no I urge you to reconsider.  Many of our parents & grandparents felt so passionately about democracy that they went to war to protect it.  They would expect you to exercise your right to vote and do so from a position of knowledge & intelligence.  

Let me know your thoughts.

Cheers,

Bud James   

Canada’s Federal Election 2011 Post Mortem – A Few Random Thoughts …

Elizabeth May & the Green Party

This has been a long time coming, but Elizabeth May finally has a seat in the House of Commons.  Whether you agree with the Green’s platform or not, this is a good thing for our country.  May brings a new perspective to federal politics, and most likely a lot more respect to the process.  And I think we can all agree that we need to do things to be nicer to our planet.

Gilles Duceppe & the Bloc

The near elimination of the Bloc Party can be nothing but good news for Canada, even if it was at the hands of the NDP.  I have always viewed this party as un-Canadian.  Loss of official party status and their leader, plus retaining only four seats in the House mean the cards are stacked against this party rebounding.  The transfer of so many seats from a separatist party to a federalist party will make many Canadians smile.  Now the Bloc will be able to hold their caucus meetings in a phone booth.  

Michael Ignatieff and the Liberal Party of Canada

Whatever the causes were for the beating the Liberals took in this election, Iggy obviously has to take a huge part of the blame. Additionally he failed to get re-elected himself and so should resign without delay.

It appears a large part of the Liberal vote leaked left to NDP or right to the Conservatives, resulting in gains for both those parties and in a Conservative majority.  Will these voters come back?  I give the federal Liberal Party a 50/50 chance of surviving.

Ultimately the sponsorship scandal, although politically is old news, continues to haunt this party.

Jack Layton & the New Democratic Party

You have to give credit to the NDP for capturing the vote of a huge part of the population, and moving into the role as official opposition.  However the challenges for this party are now huge.

The question now is what Quebecers will think when they start to realize the NDP will have limited influence in Parliament due to a Tory majority?  How does Mr. Layton handle the NDP platform with so many new faces and so many new opinions in the crowd?  How do you keep a Caucus in line with so many inexperienced MPs, while trying to do your job of keeping the government in line?

One thing is certain – Jack Layton has less power in Ottawa today as official opposition to a Conservative majority than he did before as NDP leader in a minority government.  He is going to have to figure out how to move forward from here.

Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party of Canada.

The Conservatives finally have their majority and can get on with it.  It has been said of Harper that he is a policy guy; he doesn’t like being out there campaigning, kissing babies, etc.  He should be pretty happy that there will be none of that for the next four years.

He has a challenge though – a comfortable majority means caucus members will start to find their own voice.  With a minority government Harper’s leadership style in caucus – a top down, micro management style – worked because MPs were afraid if they rocked the boat it may lead to the government falling.  With a majority government there is no such worry, so Mr. Harper will need to change that leadership style.  Failure to do so could see MPs leaving caucus, and that comfortable majority may become not so comfortable.

The end result – a parliament that has become as polarized as it has been in recent history.  But it's a stable parliament.

Quote of the night goes to Prime Minister Harper – “I want to thank you again – for the fifth time in nine years …”.

Let me know your thoughts.

Cheers,

Bud James