Liberals to benefit from vote splitting next poll: Swann
Alberta Liberal leader David Swann is looking forward to the Wildrose Alliance splitting the conservative vote in the next provincial election.
“What we’re going to see is a fracturing of the Tory party and an opportunity for the sensible centre — the Liberals — to take much stronger support in the next election,” said Swann, who was in Red Deer on Tuesday talking to the media, Red Deer city council, Chamber of Commerce and others.
Wildrose is holding its annual general meeting in Red Deer on Friday and Saturday at the Capri Centre.
Swann said many Albertans mistake the Wildrose for an alternative to the Conservatives.
He sees them as a threat to both the environment and to improving human services like health care.
Meanwhile, the provincial Progressive Conservative government is also failing Albertans, particularly seniors, with plans to close Red Deer Nursing Home and Valley Park Manor, despite the need for more long-term care beds, he said.
Residents are being moved to Extendicare Canada’s Michener Hill Village, expected to open in September.
Michener Hill will have 220 long-term care beds, so the city will only gain four more beds overall.
It’s bad planning on the part of the Conservatives, the Liberal leader said.
“Why this government has to demolish things after a few decades is beyond me. I believe we can use our resources more effectively and efficiently and renovate and renew places that need it.”
The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees is holding a Save Our Seniors Homes Rally on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Valley Park Manor, at 5505 60th Ave.
For more information on the public rally, go to www.saveourseniorshomes.com
Swann said Liberals would assist seniors by establishing a continuing care commissioner, accountable to the legislature.
“It would give seniors someone to call. Someone who would be acting on their interests and expressing their views. A lot of people who have spoken to me have expressed fear and discomfort and awkwardness. They’re not sure how to deal with a system as big and complex as government and Seniors and Community Services Department.”
The Liberals say they have identified $570 million in wasteful spending by the Tory government led by Premier Ed Stelmach that could go a long way to improve services for Albertans.
For example, money could be trimmed by merging redundant departments, like Sustainable Resource Development and Environment, Intergovernmental Relations and the Executive Council, Justice and the Solicitor General.
“We’ve now burgeoned to 24 ministries from 18 when Mr. Stelmach started. This is not responsible use of public dollars.”
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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