Alberta Election 2012

SPEAK UP FOR THE PUBLIC INTEREST

Democracy is an ongoing dialogue. This election, engage in conversation with your candidates about the things in the public sphere that matter to you! Ask questions! 

If we are going to build the Alberta we need, as citizens, we need to engage in the political process. The decisions made during the 2012 Alberta provincial election will impact all of us in the future.

Explore this webpage for election tools and resources

1. Task Force Calls for Change
2. Find Your Candidates
3. Election Events
4. Election Resources
5. Follow the Issues
6. Talking to Politicians

Here's What PIA's Task Forces are Calling For:

Public Interest Alberta's task forces have identified key election questions in each of their action areas. Send us comments on any of the eight areas we work in.

Seniors 

PIA's Seniors Task Force is calling on the Alberta government to implement the following five recommendations for improving Alberta's seniors care system.

1. Create viable and responsive public home care.
2. Strengthen the Nursing Home Act - Don't circumvent it.
3. Build more long-term care facilities (nursing homes).
4. Establish a Seniors Advocate as an Officer of the Legislature.
5. Make seniors care facilities more democratic.

Read more here
Suggested questions for candidates
Tell us what your candidates have to say: See Talking to Politicians below

The Seniors Task Force has sent out an election survey to all candidates. We will be posting results on this website.

Democracy

Albertans value democratic traditions, principles and processes. Despite this underlying commitment, deficiencies in democracy in our province are pervasive, deeply entrenched and very troubling. The result of these and many other problems and inadequacies is a clear and widespread absence of fundamental aspects of democracy in our province, with the result that majority rule, minority rights, political equality and the essential role of the citizen are all substantially diminished. This situation means that wealthy and corporate elites have far too much power and influence, and ordinary citizens have too little. We need a much stronger democracy in Alberta. It is time for citizens to demand fundamental democratic reform and renewal in our province. The multi-faceted nature of the problem means that a comprehensive approach is required.

PIA's Democracy Task Force recommends the following five proposals as having the potential to make the biggest difference in bringing about a more democratic Alberta:

1. Institute comprehensive reform of electoral campaign and party financing.
2. Commit to the principle of proportional representation, with a Royal Commission to recommend the most appropriate form for Alberta.
3. Strengthen the role of the Legislature and MLAs by increasing the power of and support for legislative committees and officers.
4. Require a more open, thorough and effective approach to public consultation and engagement on issues of public policy.
5. Institute a broadly-based approach to improving transparency and openness in government.

Read more here.
Suggested questions for candidates
Tell us what your candidates have to say: See Talking to Politicians below

Childcare

Alberta is the lowest spending province on early childhood education and learning (ECEL) in Canada. Additionally, our government, rather than providing the support required for accessible public childcare, is comfortable with treating our childcare system like a commodity rather than a serious investment in our collective well-being and prosperity. We cannot accomplish poverty reduction in Alberta without addressing childcare access issues.

PIA's Childcare Task Force calls on the provincial government to:

1. Develop a provincial framework for Early Childhood Learning and Care in Alberta.
2. Recognize and support our children’s mentors and caregivers as professionals.
3. Make early learning and care affordable for all.
4. Support families with different needs.
5. Keep childcare public / non-profit

Read more about the priorities here.
Suggested questions for candidates
Tell us what your candidates have to say: See Talking to Politicians below

Environment

1. Energy.
2. Transitions - more coming soon. For now take a look at what election questions are being asked by Growing Food Security in Alberta.
3. Water markets. - Ask your local candidate for their position on water markets.

Be sure to ask your local candidates at community all-candidates forums, or when they come to your door, about their position on the water allocation review and the potential move to expand water markets to the entire province. Here are some sample questions you can ask (or modify based on the situation in your area).

• Question 1: As you know, the Alberta government is considering moving to a province-wide water market as part of its current review of the provincial water allocation system. Do you support the expansion of water markets to determine who will have access to water in Alberta? Please explain why or why not.
• Question 2: Alberta is currently looking to update what is widely viewed as an outdated water allocation system. What principles do you think should guide the system to determine which users get access to water in Alberta, and what changes do you think are needed to update the Water Act to respond to current and future water challenges?
• Question 3: Albertans have been left out of the current review of the provincial water allocation system, and have so far been presented with only one option: water markets. What do you think of how the review has been conducted to date, and if elected, will you and your party commit to fully exploring a range of policy options and presenting them to Albertans in broad and meaningful consultations with the public and First Nations prior to making changes to the Water Act?
• Question 4: The issue of how best to allocate water is a pressing issue, especially in Southern Alberta. Some jurisdictions have tried to solve similar problems by introducing water markets, while others have implemented allocation systems that focus on the public interest by prioritizing ecosystem health and basic human needs above other uses. What direction do you think Alberta should go in to best update our water allocation system?
• Question 5: I’m concerned that if Alberta moves ahead with plans to introduce a province-wide water market, municipalities, farmers, First Nations, and industry will be pitted against one another to access the water they need. What is your position on the possible expansion of water markets throughout Alberta?

Read more here.
Suggested questions for candidates on water markets
Tell us what your candidates have to say: See Talking to Politicians below

Education

PIA's Education Task Force recommends the following six proposals as having the most potential to improve our ability to meet the educational needs of Alberta's students, and to make the biggest difference in improving education in Alberta:

1. Improvements to early learning.
2. Coordinated delivery of non-educational services to children at the school site.
3. More effective language learning supports for immigrant children and families.
4. Clear commitment to maintaining existing schools and building new schools where they are needed.
5. A renewed emphasis on the arts, trades, and language learning in our classrooms.
6. More effective supports for children with special needs.

Read more here.
Suggested questions for candidates
Tell us what your candidates have to say: See Talking to Politicians below

Post-Secondary Education

More coming soon...

For now, check out the Alberta Student Executive Council's 28 Faces Campaign and the Council of Alberta University Students.

Read more here.

Human Services & Poverty

Vibrant Communities Calgary, one of PIA's member organizations, takes a look at how each party plans to address poverty: http://www.vibrantcalgary.com/vibrant-resources/blog/poverty-politics/.

Read more here.

Find out what your candidates are saying on these public interest issues.

We encourage you to pose these questions to the candidates in your constituency. Explore the links below to learn more.

Revenue Reform

We want all political parties to say where they stand on revenue reform before, and not after, the provincial election. Click here to learn about revenue reform and Better Way Alberta.

Find Your Candidates Here:

Click here for a great resource that lets you find your candidates

• Alberta Party
• Evergreen Party
• Liberal Party
• New Democratic Party
• Progressive Conservative
• Social Credit
• Wildrose Alliance

Much of this provincial election campaign is expected to take place in social media. Many of the candidates are on Twitter, Facebook or both. Engage with your candidates on their Facebook walls, or on Twitter.

 All five of the main party leaders are on Facebook and Twitter:

Progressive Conservative Leader Alison Redford

• @Premier_Redford 
• https://www.facebook.com/Alison4Premier

Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith

• @ElectDanielle
• http://www.facebook.com/ElectDanielle

Liberal Leader Raj Sherman

• @RajShermanMLA
• http://www.facebook.com/rajshermanmla

NDP Leader Brian Mason

• @bmasonNDP
• http://www.facebook.com/brianmasonleader and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=579026461

Alberta Party Leader Glenn Taylor

• @GlennTaylr
• http://www.facebook.com/pages/Glenn-Taylor-for-Alberta/249864515059540 and http://www.facebook.com/people/Glenn-Taylor/636351139

Election Events

Going to an election event? Tell us what your candidates have to say: See Talking to Politicians below.

MARCH 30 - ArtsVote Calgary and the Calgary Public Library.
12:00 PM
Provincial Election Forum at noon at the central branch of the Calgary Public Library.

APRIL 3 - RED DEER CANDIDATES FORUM
Tuesday April 3, 2012
9:00 AM
Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre, 4620-47a Avenue, Red Deer

With candidates from Red Deer constituencies presenting their party policies. Everyone is welcome and invited to bring questions. There will be a $3.00 charge.

For more information contact:

Shirley Thomas, (403) 343-0767
Viggo Nielsen, (403) 340-3494
Margaret Day, (403) 343-0698

Download the poster

APRIL 4 - EDUCATION FORUM -The Edmonton Public School Board
April 4, 7:00 PM
Centre for Education at 1 Kingsway in Edmonton at 7 p.m. Click here for more information and to register to attend (must register by March 30). You are also invited to submit questions, and you can't make it to the event, it will be livestreamed.

APRIL 9 - The Fort Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce has invited the five candidates in Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville to a forum at the Shell Theatre at 7 p.m.

APRIL 10 - All-Party Forum on the Health of Albertans
11:45-1:15 PM, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Room L 1-490, 11405-87 Avenue
Hosted by the Alberta Policy Coalition for Chronic Disease Prevention (APCCP).

All are invited to attend the forum and hear what the party leaders have to say in regards to disease prevention and wellness promotion. In an effort to keep the conversation focused on health promotion/prevention and away from health care, the coalition has asked that all questions be sent to them in advance of the forum. If you have a question(s) please submit it for consideration to info@abpolicycoalitionforprevention.ca by April 2, 2012.

 Download the poster

April 11 -Cowley All Candidates Forum - Focus on Conservation Issues
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Cowley District Hall – 122 Cameron St.
Organized by the Livingstone Landowners Group
Focus: logging, watershed protection, industrial development and related conservation issues.

Download the poster

April 11- Medicine Hat All-Candidates Healthcare Forum
Hosted by Palliser Friends of Medicare
7pm, Room S159 at Medicine Hat College - Free Admission

APRIL 11 - Barrhead All Candidates Forum
The Barrhead Chamber and Barrhead Public Library host all candidates forum at 7pm at Barrhead Seniors Drop In Centre for the riding of Barrhead-Morinville.

April 12 - Lacombe - Ponoka All Candidates Forum
7pm, Lacombe Memorial Centre
Hosted by the Lacombe and District Chambers of Commerce.

APRIL 12 - Edmonton ELECTION FORUM: ISSUES FOR AN AGING POPULATION

Thursday April 12, 2012
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Doors open at 6:30 PM.
Alberta Teachers’ Association Auditorium (Barnett House)
11010 142 Street NW

HEALTHY SENIORS DON’T COST, THEY CONTRIBUTE!
“What are you and your party prepared to do about concerns of Seniors?”

A non-partisan event hosted by: CARP Edmonton Chapter 13 (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) AND ERTA (Edmonton Retired Teachers Association).

Download the poster

APRIL 12 - TELEVISED LEADERS' DEBATE

April 12, 6:30pm to 8:00pm on Global Television.

The debate will include Progressive Conservative leader Premier Alison Redford, Liberal Party leader Raj Sherman, Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith, and NDP leader Brian Mason. Alberta Party leader Glenn Taylor was not invited to participate in the debate.

April 12 - Calgary Mountain View All-Candidates Forum

7pm at Parkdale United Church, 2919 – 8 Avenue N.W. Calgary.
Hosted by the Calgary Chapter of the Friends of Medicare. Contact: 403-286-9283.
Wheel Chair Accessible.

Download poster

April 13th - Edmonton - Multicultural Forum
6:00 to 9:00pm, Central Lions Seniors Centre - 11113 113 Street, Edmonton

Hosted by the Multicultural Coalition in parntership with Somali media.

This forum will bring together the leaders of the major political parties to speak to and answer questions from the community members. There will be a presentation on the importance of civic engagement by Prof. Ali A. Abdi, University of Alberta. Tessie Oliva, Coalition president will also address the gathering. Key party leaders invited include: Wild Rose, NDP, Liberal, Conservative and Alberta party. Most party leaders have confirmed their participation.

Light snacks and refreshment will be provided, beginning at 5:30pm. Child care will be provided too.

Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 11th and remember to indicate If you will need child care.

April 16- Edmonton-Strathcona Candidates Forum
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Dinwoodie Lounge, 8900 114th Street
Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/events/261826833906594/

The University of Alberta Students' Union, as part of its Get Out The Vote campaign, is hosting an all candidates forum for students and members of the community. This is a great opportunity for students to get to know their local candidates, and the parties they represent.

APRIL 16 - MEDICINE HAT CANDIDATES MEET & GREET
April 16, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Come to the Medicine Hat Public Library on April 16 to meet your candidates one on one. From 5-7 p.m. mingle in the lower level of the library with candidates from all parties in the Medicine Hat and Cypress-Medicine Hat constituencies to ask your questions and get the answers you need to make an informed choice on election day. Light refreshments will be available. Everyone welcome.

APRIL 16 - The Edmonton Catholic School District has invited the five provincial party leaders to an election forum on education issues at St. Joseph’s High School (10830 109 St.) at 7 p.m. It will be moderated by Global provincial affairs reporter Vassy Kapelos. More info here (PDF).

 Find more public election forums on Global TV's website.

April 16 -  Calgary - Townhall on health care in Alberta.
United Nurses of Alberta - Local 115
Doors open at 6:30pm, opening remarks at 7pm
Parkdale United Church, 2919 0 8 Ave NW

Everyone welcome. Join us for a moderated discussion panel with representatives from political parties in the upcoming election. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions of the panellists about healthcare.

 Confirmed panellists to date include Dr. David Swann of the Alberta Liberal Party, Heather Forsyth of the Wildrose Party and Glenn Taylor of the Alberta Party, Collin Anderson of the NDP Party. Invitations have been extended to all parties and we are awaiting confirmation of their attendance.Opening remarks by Local 115 President Kevin Champagne

http://local115.una.ab.ca/townhall

April 17 - Red Deer
6:30-8:30pm, Harvest Centre, Westerner Park
Hosted by the Red Deer Chamber

April 17 - Edmonton-Centre - CANDI{DATE}
5 PM - 7 PM, at The Common, 9910 - 109 Street, in Edmonton-Centre.

Edmonton's NextGen and interVivos present CANDI{DATE}, a speed-dating inspired elections event connecting Next Gen voters with 2012 Provincial Election candidates.

Confirmed CANDI{DATE} attendees include:

• Akash Khokhar (Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Centre)
• Barb de Groot (Wildrose, Edmonton-Centre)
• Laurie Blakeman (Liberal, Edmonton-Centre)
• Nadine Bailey (NDP, Edmonton-Centre)
• Cameron McCormick (Alberta Party, Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood)

More details here: http://candidate.eventbrite.com/

April 18 - Provincial Election Forum - Medicine Hat Riding
Hosted by the Medicine Hat Chamber of Commerce
7-9 pm,  at the Medicine Hat College Theatre - Free Admission

April 18 - Edmonton Rutherford Election Forum
Wednesday, April 18/12 at 7:00 PM
Southminster- Steinhauer United Church
10740 - 19 Ave. NW
Edmonton, AB
All 6 Candidates confirmed attendance

April 19 - Edmonton-Glenora Forum
10:30 - 11:45 am, Ross Sheppard High School, 13546 111 Ave, open to the public!

April 19 - Provincial Election Forum - Cypress-Medicine Hat Riding
Hosted by the Medicine Hat Chamber of Commerce
7-9 pm, at the Medicine Hat College Theatre - Free Admission

The MH Chamber forums will also be broadcast on Shaw Cable on Saturday, April 21st and Sunday, April 22nd from 12:00pm - 4:00pm.

April 19 - Calgary Currie All Candidates Forum
7:00 - 9:00pm
Richmond/Knob Hill Community Association, 2433 26th Ave. SW Calgary
Hosted by the Calgary Chapter of the Friends of Medicare.
Contact: 403-286-9283

Download the poster

 

Election Resources to Explore & Participate In

Disclaimer: Public Interest Alberta does not endorse the views on the following sites.

Elections Alberta

Electoral Division Maps (from Elections Alberta)

Fair Vote Alberta

Change Alberta

Artsvote Calgary

Professional Arts Council of Edmonton

Council of Alberta University Students

Alberta Students Executive Council - 28 Faces Campaign

OpenFile Calgary

 

Follow the Issues:

Calgary Herald - Election 2012

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/albertavotes2012/

CTV News

daveberta.ca - Alberta Election 2012

Edmonton Journal Election Platform Tracker

Global News: Decision Alberta

Medicine Hat News - Election 2012

Talking to Politicians

We want to hear from you! Talk to your candidates on any of the eight areas PIA works, and tell us what they have to say. Send us comments we'll share them on our website!

You can do this by:

• Posting your comment in the comments section below.
• Send us an email at: communications@pialberta.org
• Post your comment on our Facebook Page.
• Make a video, and upload it to youtube
• Take a photograph of yourself talking to politicians

WIN FREE TICKETS! Send us a comment and you will be entered into a draw for tickets to see John Ralston Saul in Calgary or Edmonton, April 18th or 19th! He is the keynote speaker for Public Interest Alberta's Annual Advocacy Conference, Make Shift Happen: Mobilizing the Power of the People.

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