The federal government’s beef with Alberta
By Leela Sharon Aheer Chestermere-Strathmore MLA
Hello Chestermere-Strathmore. You may have noticed that there has been quite an attack on ground beef and pork and that those attacks are being leveraged against Alberta.
This is harming our industry and the families that run these businesses. We are seeing a lack of federal consultation and we are trying to understand the labelling issues that the federal government is proposing, that are not based on evidence. We are working with our producers to ensure that they are part of the exemption allowed for milk, eggs and other foods that are considered whole foods. For some reason, ground beef and pork are labelled as high in fat, sodium, sugar and saturated fat, but whole cuts are not. We will continue to work on behalf of and for our livestock producers. Our farmers and ranchers should be able to continue to and be proud of producing the highest quality food products in the world.
Why would the federal government want to put warning labels on the ground meat that Canadians buy at a grocery store, including beef and pork from Alberta? It does not make sense.
I wanted to update you on Clare’s Law as it continues to be a valuable resource for Albertans at risk of domestic violence, with over 400 applications for disclosure since the law came into effect. Through Clare’s Law, Albertans have the right to know and ask about an intimate partner’s past and whether they have a history of violence. People who feel they may be at risk can submit an online application through the Clare’s Law website at no cost. The government has improved the Clare’s Law process to make it more efficient, easier to navigate and more responsive. This includes adjusting the risk analysis process to decrease turnaround times so applicants are provided with information as quickly as possible. Thus, ensuring applicants receive comprehensive information in a more accessible format. There is much more work to be done and we will continue to work to provide tools to help prevent and end domestic violence and sexual assault.
On another note, the prices at the pump continue to go up. I read an exceptional article, “Demonizing the oil and gas sector is counter-productive” by Donna Kennedy-Glans, contributed to the Globe and Mail, published on June 18. The most profound thing about this article was how we want to demonize the sector for the price. There are always times, as Donna says, that we have to take on corporate bad behaviour, or government for that matter, but she says, “All of these interventions by politicians may be moot if the world is in the early gambit of a third world war and our way of life is at risk. In which case, the blamers now finger pointing will be blamed for not waking up to the clear and present dangers. If the going gets tougher and the worst-case scenario becomes more fact than probability, politicians everywhere will be scrambling to obtain the most reliable, vast and readily available sources of energy. And consumers will just be happy to have gasoline that isn’t rationed.” In the meantime, we must try and help where we can, give back to our communities, help those in need and try and see where supply and demand takes us. If you have a moment, please read her article.
Finally, last week, as released by the Government of Alberta, the Teacher’s Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) and the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) ratified a mediator’s recommended four-year agreement. This agreement comes after months of dedicated negotiations. Alberta’s government thanks all parties involved for working together to bring labour stability to the education system. Alberta’s government will provide additional funding to school boards for this agreement. The raise was effective as of June 10. The exact timing of when it appears on teachers’ pay cheques will depend on local pay periods.
As always, we love to hear from you.
(Leela Sharon Aheer is the MLA Elect for Chestermere-Strathmore)