Doerksen makes visits across constituency
Amy Gregson – Times Reporter
Strathmore-Brooks MLA Arno Doerksen was touring through the constituency while the legislature took a break March 29 to April 1.
Doerksen made a stop at the Travelodge March 30 to speak about issues affecting Albertans, and also hear their concerns.
“These are good meetings,” said Doerksen. “I appreciate connecting with people.”
Doerksen spoke on four issues including the electoral boundaries, the economy and the budget, health care, and Bill 1, which deals with competiveness in Alberta.
On the electoral boundaries, Doerksen said many people have expressed great concern over the proposed division of the Strathmore-Brooks constituency.
If the report goes through, Strathmore would be in a constituency with Chestermere.
Doerksen said currently, it is widely known and accepted that the Strathmore-Brooks constituency encompasses the Counties of Wheatland and Newell in their entirety.
When you look around the province it’s an enviable position,” said Doerksen. “There are some rational reasons why people have concerns with the proposal that has been made and I’m optimistic and hopeful the Review Commission will respond to the concerns of the constituency.”
Public hearings have been scheduled for April 12 and 13 in Calgary for people to express their concerns in person about the proposed changes made by the Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission.
In regards to the economy, Doerksen acknowledged that oil prices have doubled and the government is making significant investments in five new oil sands projects.
He spoke also about the $4.7 billion deficit in the budget and said it is a reasonable balance between fiscal disciplines and program spending.
Doerksen said Alberta is in a unique situation because they can draw on money from the sustainability fund to cover the deficit, which no other jurisdiction in Canada can.
He said it is a very strategic time to invest in infrastructure projects.
For health care, Doerksen said the increased health care budget will let the government get a hold on things and bring wait times down for surgeries.
Doerksen also said the elimination of accumulated debt will help move forward the decision to go with one super board.
The final issue Doerksen brought about was Bill 1, which is to ensure Alberta remains competitive.
“Bill 1 is an important piece of business and that will set the tone for the legislative session.”
Afterwards a question session was held, in during which residents expressed their concerns on agricultural issues, disability funding, the land-use framework, Bill 50 and how it deals with power lines, the Age Care facility that is being built in Strathmore, and education.