When I was a young man, able to vote for the first time in a provincial election, there was a tremendous will to change from the existing, stagnant Social Credit government that had been in power for 33 years.
That party had lost touch with the will of the people and had turned into an old boys club more intent on maintaining the status quo than listening to Alberta’s people.
With the idealism of youth, I and many others, voted for a government who would bring positive change to Alberta, that would benefit most Albertans and make a better life for all.
With the swell of grassroots democracy, a progressive government was born, that under the early leaders brought wealth and prosperity to all Albertans.
As I am now older and towards the end of my working career, I look at our present government and realize it is time for a change in Alberta again.
The Progressive part of Conservatism has disappeared and been replaced by a leader and MLAs who seem again intent on creating a millionaires club for themselves and their friends.
Our government, and a select few at the top, is intent on convincing Albertans that an obscene raise of 30-plus per cent last year, reduced by a few percent this year, is fair, while expecting everyone else, civil servants or not, to cut back and expect less.
There also is a complete movement away from grassroots democracy to rule from the top.
Our minister of health is a good example of running a ministry more like a dictatorship dedicated to better health care for a few, than one that considers prosperity and well being for all. There are also no obvious MLAs standing up to this minister in favour of their constituents.
With the idealism and experience that comes with age, and still wanting an Alberta government that will benefit most Albertans and continue to create prosperity for all, I will be looking for a political party who care about, and listen to most Albertans, not just some.
Join me in looking for positive change.
John Pierzchalski
Innisfail