In the lead up to the April 16, 2019 provincial election, the Cochrane Eagle will run a Q & A each week with the four candidates for the Airdrie-Cochrane riding.
The questions will span a range of hot button topics such as the economy, carbon tax, health care and education, as each topic relates to party platforms.
This week, we asked the candidates to respond to two questions, centered on the carbon tax and health care. Do you have ideas for future questions or campaign stories? Contact [email protected].
1) Jason Kenney maintains that if elected, he would hold a referendum on equalization and turn off the taps to B.C. if the neighbouring province obstructs pipelines. Where do you stand on this statement?
Steve Durrell, NDP:
Jason Kenney was part of the federal cabinet that decided and designed the current equalization formula that gave Ontario and Quebec hundreds of millions of dollars more each year. It's a bit rich for him to ask for a referendum on his own program. Is he asking for a referendum on himself?
"Pipeline, Pipeline, Pipeline, Pipeline" in just those four words, Rachel Notley had said 'Pipeline' more times than Jason Kenney did in his entire term as an MP. Jason Kenney mentioned restricting LGBTQ rights more than he mentioned pipelines when in federal office. No one has been a stronger advocate for pipelines to tidewater than Rachel Notley. She has changed the national conversation on pipelines and we are now closer than ever to getting TMX built.
Peter Guthrie, UCP:
Both actions are a part of a broader strategy to stand up for Alberta and our energy industry. The obstruction of our energy industry violates the economic union of our Constitution. Other provinces and Ottawa should not be able to block market access by stalling or killing projects that would get necessary energy infrastructure built while at the same time benefiting from transfer payments from Alberta. A referendum on equalization and turning off the taps to B.C. are tactics that are part of an overall escalation plan if we do not get market access for our responsibly-produced energy.
Matthew Morrisey, Freedom Conservative Party (FCP):
Steve Durrell, NDP:
Alberta's population has never stopped growing, even at the deepest part of the recession. That's why our government refused to cut services like health and education. We did however bring down operating expense growth in health to a manageable level, and negotiated practical agreements with labour that kept costs reasonable.
Mr. Kenney's says he will maintain health spending, but as our population continues to grow and inflation continues to raise costs, he's actually talking about a cut. I fundamentally believe that the quality of health care Albertans receive should not be tied to the price of oil, or the size of your pocketbook
Peter Guthrie, UCP:
The UCP has been very clear we will support the universally accessible, comprehensive health care system in Alberta and I fully agree with this principle. What is key is we are committed to reviewing Alberta Health Services within 30 days of taking office – working to find efficiencies and moving resources and capital from the bureaucracy and to the frontlines, meaning more support for nurses, doctors, and EMTs.
Matthew Morrisey, Freedom Conservative Party:
Vern Raincock, Alberta Party:
The Alberta Party is not pursuing privatized delivery. There are many avenues that cost savings can be found, with the guidance of front line workers, to reduce spending within the system. These experts have repeatedly offered insights and their recommendations have been ignored over the years. We will listen to the experts within Alberta and package and expedite changes that improve service and cost effectiveness through a cross functional team approach.
