SPRING SESSION MARRED BY BROKEN PROMISES: NDP
EDMONTON – Redford’s first full session was marred by broken promises, inaction, secrecy and an unprecedented disrespect for the democratic process, said New Democrat House Leader Rachel Notley.
“The session began with a budget chalk full of broken promises to Alberta families,” said Notley. “Through massive cuts, this PC government attacked students, seniors and Albertans with disabilities.
“In the 56 weeks since the 2012 election, the legislature sat for just 15 weeks. Of the days the legislature sat, the Premier bothered to attend only 60% of the time,” said Notley. “In addition, when the PCs did bother to show up, they forced important legislation into debate at 2 a.m. This shows a profound arrogance and disrespect for Albertans.
Notley noted that this session has once again been marked by a series of scandals. The most notable scandals included the PCs’ refusal to allow the queue-jumping inquiry to |
STATEMENT FROM DERON BILOUS TREATY 8’S REJECTION OF BILL 22
EDMONTON— In response to today’s decision by the Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta to fully oppose Bill 22 in its entirety, NDP Aboriginal Relations critic, Deron Bilous, is again calling on the PC government to immediately rescind the bill and to begin proper and respectful consultations with Alberta’s First Nations.
“Notification is not consultation. The Minister of Aboriginal Relations continues to claim consultation occurred yet Alberta’s First Nations continue to say otherwise.
“Today’s outright objection to Bill 22 by the Chiefs of Treaty 8’s First Nations shows this to be otherwise. We are calling for the PC government to immediately rescind this Bill until meaningful consultations with Alberta’s First Nations occur.”
Earlier today the Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta held an emergency executive meeting of Chiefs to Bill 22 and announced their decision this afternoon. Concerned representatives from treaty |
PCs MUST REVERSE CUTS TO SERVICES FOR ALBERTANS WITH DISABILITIES: NOTLEY
EDMONTON – With news that the PCs will be delaying changes to services for Albertans with disabilities, New Democrat Human Services critic Rachel Notley called on the government to think seriously about how their cuts hurt vulnerable Albertans.
“Ever since the broken promises budget was released, we’ve been calling on the government to restore funding to these vital programs for Albertans with disabilities,” said Notley. “After last week’s massive rally and the pressure of service organizations from around the province, this government might just be caving in and reversing their mean-spirited cuts. The decision to make these cuts was obviously much too rushed, and I think they need to think very seriously about how to do better for Albertans with disabilities.”
Last week, Notley asked questions in the legislature, detailing a series of cuts from the PCs that will hurt disabled Albertans and launched a petition calling on the |
MASON: GOVERNMENT MUST INITIATE CALL FOR ETHICS INVESTIGATION
EDMONTON— Alberta New Democrat leader Brian Mason said Tuesday that the government must call for the Ethics Commissioner to investigate the disclosure statements of PC MLA Peter Sandhu.
“It very much appears that Mr. Sandhu is in violation of section 18 of the Conflicts of Interest Act,” said Mason. “The PCs must call on the Ethics Commissioner must investigate these allegations. We have this legislation to protect Albertans from MLAs making backroom deals based on their private business, so it’s extremely important that all MLAs observe this policy.”
Section 18 of the Conflicts of Interest Act reads “A member breaches this Act if . . . the Member knowingly gives false or misleading information in a statement or return.” Despite the fact that Mr. Sandhu and his company owed over a hundred thousand dollars, none of those liabilities were apparently disclosed on his statement.
Moreover, by filing a sworn affida |
