February 1, 2012
To the citizens of the Calgary Varsity Constituency,
As many of you might know already, I will not be seeking reelection when my term expires at the next election call expected this spring. The decision to retire was made after much thought and deliberation. In the end, it was my desire to spend more time with my family that was the deciding factor.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for allowing me the privilege and honour of serving as your elected representative for the last seven years. It has been at times very demanding, a challenge, humbling, a tremendous learning experience and so very personally rewarding. I have enjoyed meeting many of you and have to admit that was by far, the best part of the job. Again, I thank you for allowing me to be your voice in the Alberta Legislature.
I would like to invite you all to an Open House on Friday February 10th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Varsity Community Association located at 4303 Varsity Drive NW. I hope that this will be an opportunity for you to tell me what you feel is important for me to bring forward in the upcoming spring Session of the Legislature and to provide feedback as to how you would grade my performance and the reasons so that I can pass the information on to individuals who contact me about my time as an MLA.
For anyone who has had dealings with our office over the course of the years, please contact us if you believe that we might have any important documents that you would like. We are attempting to contact anyone that we think might want their files, but in some cases do not have current contact information.
I anticipate a very short Legislative Session beginning in early February following which the premier will call an election. I would ask that you again study the information of all candidates, come out to forums and ask questions, get involved in a campaign if you support an individual and have the desire to learn more and most importantly, get out and vote!
Until an election is called I remain your MLA. All of the services such as notarizations for constituents at no cost, scrolls for special occasions, and assistance with any dealings with the provincial government, information about Alberta government and programs and advocacy for issues you want me to advance on your behalf continue to be available.
I look forward to seeing all of you on Friday February 10th. In the meantime, if I can be of help in any way, please get in touch.
Again, I want to thank you for choosing me to represent you as the MLA for Calgary Varsity.
Harry
Although I will be retiring when the next election is called, there will be a Spring Legislative Session and this is an opportunity for all constituents to let me know what your priorities are and what issues you would like me to raise.
The majority of recently selected Premier's leadership campaign promises have either been broken or at best delayed. Albertans hoping for greater transparency and accountability will have their opportunity to hold the government and members of the opposition to account at some point during the ninety day spring 2012 election season.
January 2012
During the very abbreviated fall sitting of the Legislature I continued to represent you, Calgary Varsity constituents, over the issues and concerns you brought to me. Albertans continue to ask for protection of the Castle Crown Region from clear cutting and over-development. I became aware of some serious problems with the PDD Appeals Board through a Court of Queen’s Bench finding of unfairness and called the Minister to account to ensure vulnerable people have fair and just decision making. Seniors are still waiting for decent and safe long-term care while public money goes to private companies to build expensive spaces for people not requiring 24 hour care. Other issues brought to me included a shortage of affordable child care spaces, a lack of fiscal discipline, no public consultation over impaired driving changes, unilateral decision making over power transmission lines and the backtracking on fixed election dates and a public, judicial inquiry into alleged intimidation of health care professionals and deaths on cancer wait lists.
The premier did bring forward legislation fixing a period for provincial elections between March 1st and May 31st, every fourth year starting in 2012. At the present time the spring sitting of the legislature is scheduled to begin on February 14th. I anticipate that we will have the start of a spring sitting with a budget introduced likely followed very quickly with an election call. Last year the Legislature sat for a total of about 44 days. If an election is called right after the introduction of the budget it will, at the very least, severely limit any meaningful and important work being done in the spring.
Albertans will be given the opportunity to show how they feel about the state of democracy in our province. I urge everyone to become educated about issues and make informed choices about our future.
As usual, I am available to provide greetings for significant occasions and offer my services to constituents as a notary Public and Commissioner for Oaths.
Harry Chase, MLA
December 7, 2011 FROM THE LEGISLATURE
Asking the premier about pubic dollars going to exclusive, private schools. Let me know if you agree with her.
December 6, 2011 FROM THE LEGISLATURE
The government committed to a community health assessment for Fort Chipewan. Why won't it commit to when it will be done?
and
On disrespect for democratic processes by forcing closure on debate
December 5, 2011 FROM THE LEGISLATURE
Asking the government again to commit to fixing the very broken and unfair PDD process.
December 1, 2011 FROM THE LEGISLATURE
Enough behind-closed-doors consultations by special friends of the government. The Minister must open up the labour consultations to all stakeholders.
November 30, 2011 FROM THE LEGISLATURE
PDD Appeal Panel ruled unfair by Court of Queen's Bench! Will this government fix the PDD process please.
November 29, 2011 FROM THE LEGISLATURE
When will this government get on with a health investigation for the Lubicon lake First Nation?
November 28, 2011 FROM THE LEGISLATURE
Asking for respect and fair treatment for Alberta Seniors!
November 23, 2011 FROM THE LEGISLATURE
Call for Accountability in International Trade Offices. Government won't say how much, or if, they are increasing trade or tourism.
November 22, 2011 FROM THE LEGISLATURE
Government fails Albertans by refusing to protect the Crown Castle Wildnerness. MLA Chase calls for Wildland Park protection for this important watershed, rare species habitat and natural tourism gem.
November 21, 2011 FROM THE LEGISLATURE
Statement on Temporary Foreign Workers
And the Premier refuses to commit to adequate funding for AISH recipients.
The new Education Minister has pulled the Education Act and plans to reintroduce it with changes in 2012. He has announced a very limited public consutlation process to be conducted in the next 2 weeks.
I strongly encourage interested Albertans to register quickly as space is apparently limited.
Go to: http://ideas.education.alberta.ca/engage.aspx and click on the link for "Our children. Our future. Getting it right."
Harry
November 2011 Message
Hello Constituents,
I hope that everyone has had an enjoyable autumn and Thanksgiving. This fall has surely seen a lot of change on the Alberta political landscape. As I announced last month, the official Opposition Liberals have a new leader in Raj Sherman.
The ruling PC party has also selected a new leader who became the 14th Premier of Alberta. Alison Redford staged a come-from-behind win over Tory establishment favorite Gary Mar in a second round of voting. While Ms. Redford campaigned on a platform of change and increased accountability and improved democracy, her first move was to announce the cancellation of the fall sitting of the Alberta legislature.
While she reversed that decision, the Legislature will only sit for 10 days ��" 2 in October and 8 in November. The importance of public debate cannot be overstated and has continually been limited in Alberta. This portends a government that is nothing but more of the same old government, just with different faces.
Her next move was rewarding cronies with plum Cabinet and committee appointments in spite of their questionable past performance. Education and Health Care suffered tremendously under the control of Ron Liepert, yet he now sits on one of the most important positions in cabinet as Minister of Finance.
Ted Morton, the author of the very contentious land bills that threaten the very rights of property owners in Alberta, was handed the powerful position of Minister of Energy, while Fred Horne, the MLA that started a whisper campaign about his then colleague, Raj Sherman’s, mental health landed on his feet in charge of Alberta Health, a hugely important and complex portfolio for a rookie Minister!
Children and Youth Services, a Ministry with the lowest staff morale and highest turnover, and roiled in dysfunction has been bundled up with Employment, social assistance programs, homelessness and seniors assistance into a “new” Super Ministry of Human Services guaranteeing further turmoil, gaffes and oversights to vulnerable Albertans.
Gar Mar received the plum patronage appointment as Alberta’s representative in Asia. It was a disappointing appointment because it should have been posted and open to competition and awarded to the best candidate for the job.
Time will only tell what all of the fallout will be and who will bear the brunt of it. If any constituent faces disruptions in services or additional problems in accessing services please contact my office as soon as possible and we will make every endeavor to assist you.
Ms. Redford had promised fixed election dates with the next election being in March of 2012, however even that is now in question. I urge all Albertans to take an active interest in how our province is governed and what is happening to our children’s legacy. I believe that much more can be done before all of our resources end up missing from the public ledgers while a select few benefit. I expect you to hold me, and all of my provincially elected colleagues accountable.
As always, I am available for notarizations for constituents, to provide congratulatory messages for significant occasions and to meet with individuals or groups whenever possible.
Best wishes to all,
Harry Chase MLA
October 2011
Good Day Calgary Varsity Constituents, What an interesting time in Alberta. I can feel the winds of change in our communities, our everyday lives and our political sphere.
In my role as Whip, it was my honor to invite Dr. Raj Sherman to join the Alberta Liberal Caucus as Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition on September 12th. Our caucus is excited, strong and ready to speak on the behalf of Albertans knowing that more of the same with a new face is not good enough!
Raj Sherman delivered his first speech as Leader of the Official Opposition to the Rotary Club of Calgary - Crowchild Urban Spirit on September 13, 2011. Here are excerpts of his remarks:
“As the new Leader of the Official Opposition, I feel a profound responsibility to all the people of Alberta.
Democracy flourishes when elected officials are principled, thoughtful and strong. For me and my caucus job one will be to help Albertans build a better province.”
“ . . . we should focus on right versus wrong. In other words, let’s focus on the problems of Albertans and work together to solve them.
And there’s definitely a lot of work to do ��" not just for me and our caucus in the official opposition; I’m talking about every Albertan.”
“First, good government. We will restore honesty and trust to government by putting Alberta back in the hands of Albertans and by balancing the books. Albertans are tired of wasteful spending and backroom deals.
Second, a stable economy. We will fix the boom/bust economy. Soon, Alberta will have the opportunity to drive Canada’s economy once again, for the third time in recent history.”
“We will defend the solid Albertan value that the size and thickness of your wallet will not determine whether you live or die or whether or not your loved ones get access to health care.
We will restore dignity to our seniors and the vulnerable by investing in home care, community-based non-profit lodges and long-term care.
I know we’re on the same page here, …”
“Going forward, I look to the people of Alberta, especially engaged Albertans such as yourselves, not only for support, but also for advice; I believe in local solutions for local problems. Albertans are smart; you know what needs to be done. We just need a government that will listen to Albertans and take action to fix the problems.
We all want a better province. And we all need to help build it. There’s far too much unrealized potential in this province and its people; we will fight harder to tap that potential.”
Full transcript at: http://www.albertaliberalcaucus.com
I have a couple of announcements. First, there is a Youth Poster Competition for the Alberta Consumer Champions Award. Prizes range from $250. To $1,000. There are a total of 5 categories including non-profit, industry and trade, businesses and media. Information at www.ServiceAlberta.ca The second is the 2011 Dispute Resolution Day on October 20th. There will be events where people can learn and access information on a spectrum of available dispute resolution processes. See: www.drn.alberta.ca
As always, I am available to act as a Notary Public and Commissioner of Oaths for constituents. I can also provide congratulatory messages for special occasions. I can also assist constituents that are having difficulty accessing services or programs of the Alberta Government or who need information. My door is open to hear your ideas and concerns.
The Legislature is scheduled to resume sitting on October 24th. Question Period is televised live on Access TV and rebroadcast on Shaw.
Please check my website www.HarryChaseMLA.com regularly for news and information updates.
Harry.
September 2011
It is an ongoing honour to be your elected representative, and to bring your voice to the Alberta Government.
I hope that everyone has now settled into their fall routines, with children and youth back in school and taking part in healthy extra-curricular activities. The area that we know as the Calgary Varsity constituency encompasses the communities of Varsity, University Heights, Dalhousie, Brentwood, Charleswood, Banff Trail, Capital Hill and SE Silver Springs. We are fortunate to have the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the University of Calgary in our constituency. The fall term always brings a sense of purpose, vision and energy with returning students and faculty. Our Community Associations are important partners in supporting physical and social wellbeing in our neighborhoods. Businesses, schools, places of worship, organizations such as the Vecova and countless volunteers also contribute to strong communities and strong societies, which are a vital part of every democracy.
We continue to face uncertain times here in this province. There are many important issues facing us as Albertans. Although overall Government spending continues to increase, we see little positive impact on the daily lives of most Albertans.
Moving forward in this uncertain future, what are we, as Albertans, to do? As various leadership and nomination contests take place in advance of an inevitable election, I strongly encourage everyone to be use your democratic right to choose your representatives wisely, investing time and effort in learning what individuals and parties stand for and offer you. There are various ways to bring your ideas, concerns, and other matters, to the attention of those seeking to govern. Smarter stewardship of all of Alberta’s resources and a balancing of priorities reflecting all Albertans is possible.
Keep Tuesday afternoons open as I continue to be available to meet weekly with constituents at the Northland Village Mall Farmer’s Market. In addition, I am pleased to act as a notary public / commissioner of oaths to constituency members and provide congratulatory messages for special occasions.
Harry
August 2, 2011
Well another Calgary Stampede has come and gone, though this year with some special guests to kick off the event. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, more fondly referred to as Will and Kate, graced us with their presence and demonstrated what dignified, gracious and compassionate leadership looks like.
It was a pleasure to see so many of you at the Stampede Caravan Breakfasts at Market Mall, Dalhousie Station and Northland Village Mall and also at many other places and events around the city.
Recent AGMs I’ve attended include Vecova,YouthLink and The Homeless Foundation. I attended the Consultation on Contracting for PDD, the Join Together Alberta Town Hall, the Civil Liberties Association Forum on “Dissent in Alberta,” the Health Care Debate between David Swann and Danielle Smith, the Rally to Save the Castle, the opening of the Canoe Museum Exhibit, the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society Immigrant Awards, a Citizenship Ceremony, the opening of Broadway Across Canada presentation of “Wicked,” the Captain John Palliser School Stampede Breakfast and have been at the Grassroots Farmer’s Market at Northland Village Mall on Tuesday afternoons. I have also met with many constituents and other Albertans having problems with accessing provincial programs or who had concerns about government that they wanted to discuss.
As we head into the dog days of summer there is a great deal of political uncertainty in Alberta. With the PC Leadership contest concluding in late September or Early October there is no way to know what their new leader will do in regard to the job of democracy. No one will know whether there will be a Legislative Session this fall, whether there will be an election or how the province will go about doing the job of government until their new leader tells us. This could very easily be corrected through enacting fixed election dates and set Legislative Calendars if government chose democratic principles over political advantage.
I am encouraged that the new Elections Officer is making changes to improve the fairness, efficiency and openness of the actual elections process. He has appointed Returning Officers based on qualifications through open competitions well in advance of a possible election. Until now, they were appointed by the PC Party and PC MLAs! An enumeration will be conducted from late August to mid September so that voter lists will finally, after too many years and elections, be updated, which is very positive.
Albertans also have the option of registering to vote online at https://voterlink.ab.ca
As always, I am available to act as a Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths for constituents and to provide congratulatory messages for special occasions. You can also phone or visit me in the office and I plan to be at the Farmers’ Market most Tuesday afternoons. I look forward to seeing and hearing from you!
Harry Chase, MLA
www.HarryChaseMLA.com
Calgary Varsity Constituency
#108, 4616 Valiant Drive NW T3A 0X9
(403) 216-5436 calgary.varsity@assembly.ab.ca
June 28, 2011
Greetings Calgary Varsity constituents,
I have been enjoying meeting and hearing from many of you at the Grassroots Farmers’ Market on Tuesday afternoons at Northland Village Mall. I can’t make it every week, but I am there most weeks.
I’d like to invite everyone to join me at the Stampede Caravan Breakfasts in our constituency. I’ll be flipping pancakes on Tuesday July 12th at Market Mall, Wednesday July 13th at Dalhousie Station and Thursday July 14th at Northland Village Mall. I hope to see you there!
I would like to congratulate two constituents who were recently recognized for their contributions. . HILDA FELISA LOBOS was recently awarded the Immigrant Senior Female Award by the Calgary Catholic Immigrant Society. LORI HOGUE of William Aberhart High School was the recipient of a 2011 Excellence in Teaching Award. Only 23 teachers in Alberta achieved that accomplishment this year. Thank you both for all that you do and give!
Even though it is summer, effective government is a full-time job. In Alberta we are witnessing the results of old, tired government that has become lazy, complacent and filled with feelings of entitlement. We have had enough money flow through this province to support the best education, health care, child care and seniors and environmental programs in the country. Instead we have a patchwork of ‘what’s hot ... what’s not’ depending on the price of oil and the current ministers political agendas.
How much forethought does it take to realize that operations must be funded if new facilities are going to be built? What is the point of opening shiny new schools and hospitals when there is no money for staffing? Why are Albertans giving millions to for-profit corporations to build seniors housing that many can’t afford and that charge extra for health services like nursing care? If you or I tried to run our personal, business or professional lives like this we would be in a lot of trouble.
My Liberal Caucus colleagues and I have called for value for money auditing on government services, programs and initiatives for years. In addition we would institute our Clean Government Initiative. Details can be found at www.liberalopposition.com under “Policy.”
Bill 29, the Alberta Parks Act, was withdrawn during debate last fall as a result of public outcry, but will be reintroduced. The Act, as introduced, put unprecedented power into the hands of the minister or government caucus to make decisions about our parks and protected areas behind closed doors, without public input or debate. Information on the plan for parks can be found at www.tpr.alberta.ca/parks/p4p
Interested Albertans and stakeholders can email parknews@gov.ab.ca and I would urge you to speak up as once protection is removed or parks lands privatized, it will be very difficult to reverse those changes.
Any of the resources that I’ve mentioned here are available from my constituency office in hard copy. Please call or email and we will send it out to you.
As always, I am available to assist you in any aspect of the provincial government, act as a Notary Public and Commission for Oaths and to provide congratulatory messages for significant occasions.
Harry Chase, MLA
Calgary Varsity Constituency
June 2011
Hello Calgary Varsity Constituents,
Spring has finally arrived and none too soon! It sure feels to me that we had a very long and cold winter.
This is such an exciting time of the year with the growth and coming to life of all that spring entails. We also have many occasions to celebrate accomplishments and special occasions. As a former public school teacher for 34 years, I have to admit that I always enjoy having the opportunity to take part in school events and spend time with our youth. At this time of year, I am honoured to take part in graduation ceremonies at several schools in our constituency.
Our young people are leaving high school with the knowledge, skills and experience that is the collective wisdom of thousands of years of human societies. I congratulate each and every graduate and wish you all the very best in everything that you do. I’m sure you’ve all learned quite a bit from your teachers, from your parents, and probably even more from each other. Regardless of what it is you plan to do, be it continuing your studies or moving on into the work world, please share your interests, enthusiasm and energy with the world around you and use it to make it a better place for all.
As an MLA I am privileged to be able to perform a small number of marriages each year. This is another duty that I cherish and consider a great honour. I acted as Marriage Commissioner for a delightful young Calgary Varsity couple on May 28th. To that couple and everyone else entering into marriages this spring, I wish you all the best and a life of love and happiness.
I am also looking forward to being available to chat with you at the Farmers’ Market at Northland Village Mall on Tuesday afternoons, whenever I can.
As always, I am available to assist you when you are dealing with the provincial government or seeking information, to act as a Notary Public and Commissioner for Oaths and to provide scrolls and letters for significant occasions.
Harry Chase, MLA
May 2011
Greetings, Calgary-Varsity Constituents.
In bringing you up to date on events and happenings at the Legislature, let me start by saying that there was precious little opportunity to hold the PC Government to account. The spring session started on February 21st and appears will be abruptly ended by the time you read this - after just 8 weeks - although it was scheduled to sit until June 2rd. In addition, for 2 of those weeks the Legislature was in recess. In effect, with the limited time allowed for budget debate, we were trying to discuss the spending of millions of public dollars per minute! It has become more and more frustrating for Albertans to become or stay informed about what their government is doing, and is increasingly difficult for elected representatives to hold them to account for their decision making and spending.
As I am sure you are aware, intimidation of health professionals, is an issue that has moved to the forefront and must be addressed by a fully independent judicial inquiry where individuals can be released from legal settlement gag orders and fear of persecution and retribution for speaking.
The lack of protection and services for children and youth with mental health or addictions issues has kept me busy as I assist parents trying to keep children from falling through the cracks. At this point the government is set to allow clear cutting in the Castle Wilderness recreation areas in spite of thousands of Albertans writing to express their strong objections. My colleagues and I pressured the government to adequately fund public education on a long-term basis so school boards can plan and children are not held hostage to poor fiscal management by this government. Our most vulnerable children are the ones most hurt as special education funding remains frozen for the 3rd year and English as a Second Language is cut.
My report to constituents will be out as soon as this Session is wrapped and I can summarize it for you.
As always, I am available for notarizations, congratulatory scrolls and to assist constituents.
Harry Chase MLA
Apply for the MLA for a day program at the Alberta Legislature, and you could be one of 83 Alberta high school students who have the opportunity to meet MLA Harry Chase and particiipate in a two-day interactive seminar.
The program is free and includes all meals and one night's accomodation. Transportation cost of bus or gas (receipts required) will be reimbursed.
April 1, 2011
It has been a very busy and interesting month since I Iast posted. The Spring 2011 Legislative Session began on February 22, 2011 with a budget delivered by the government two days later.
Premier Stelmach has resigned but will not be stepping down as leader until sometime in the fall. He requested that any Cabinet Ministers with leadership aspirations step down from their positions, mere days before the budget was introduced. This means new Ministers in Advanced Education and Technology and Justice and Attorney General stewarding through, and being accountable for a budget into which they had little input.
The PC Government also introduced Supplementary Supply requesting an additional nearly $750,000,000.00 in addition to what had already been approved for the budget year that ended March 31, 2011. We had a scant one evening to debate this additional spending. I participated in that debate and found that in many cases, the additional spending simply replaced poorly planned cuts to services that were made in the budget last spring.
As I am sure most of you aware, the topic of health care in Alberta has reached a boiling point. Three years ago, a number of Edmonton ER doctors sent detailed information to then Health Minister Ron Liepert and Premier Stelmach advising them of misses and near-misses in care because of over-crowding in Emergency Rooms. Last fall that information became public.
Independent MLA Raj Sherman made statements in the Legislature suggesting that he was made aware of physicians being intimidated for speaking out in advocacy for patients and of payments made for keeping quiet. The Official Opposition, of which I am a member, repeatedly requested an investigation into all these matters, which the Premier and current Health Minister steadfastly refused.
Then, mere hours before a mainstream media organization revealed a statement of claim from a former Edmonton surgeon alleging that he had been discredited and had his mental health called into question for speaking out to the PC Cabinet about problems with lung surgeries, the Premier and Health Minister agreed to have the Health Quality Council do an investigation into wait times in the ER’s and cancer surgeries. That is no longer good enough! Several other Alberta doctors have come forward to support the claims of intimidation and punishment for advocating for patients and talking about problems in the system.
An independent judicial inquiry where witnesses can be subpoenaed and given protection must be held to restore the lost confidence in the health care system. The Health Quality Council is not trained, nor expected, to conduct judicial type investigations and reports directly to the Minister of Health.
Since last month I have heard from thousands of Albertans and others about their absolute opposition to allowing clear cut logging in the Castle Wilderness in SW Alberta. The Castle Wilderness is home to hundreds of rare species and a crucial part of the habitat for the grizzly bear. I have been making that point in the house and table letters daily so that the public voice is heard.
Another hot point is Bill 11, Livestock Industry Diversification Amendment Act, 2011 which could lead to penned hunting of deer and elk. Albertans have also been contacting me on this issue and I am speaking out on their behalf.
If you would like me to speak out on your behalf, either as your elected representative, or as an Official Opposition Critic, please do not hesitate to contact my constituency office.
As usual, I am available for notarizations for constituents and congratulatory messages for special occasions as well as to assist you with matters involving provincial programs.
Harry
February 1, 2011
Greetings Calgary Varsity Constituents. I continue to be honored to serve as your Provincial representative.
The start of the Spring Sitting of the Legislature has been delayed by the PC Government to February 22nd. The shortened Legislative Sessions which limit public debate have become a major frustration for me as your representative. In addition to sitting virtually the least days of any Provincial Government, the fact that the PC Government has steadfastly moved to replace existing Legislation with Bills containing very little detail and relying on Regulation is very worrying. The result is that instead of requiring public debate when changes are proposed, decisions can be made behind closed doors. Changes to Regulation require no public notice or debate.
During the upcoming Sitting, I anticipate the reintroduction of the controversial Bill 29, the Alberta Parks Act, which, if passed, will allow the Minister and/or Cabinet to decide in secret, without consultation, the protection, or loss of protection, of Alberta Public Lands, Parks, Natural and Environmentally Sensitive Areas. The PC Government could open up sensitive ecological areas to motorized vehicle use, commercial operations and more ��" behind closed doors. The PC Government also intends to introduce The Education Act, yet has released no details of what that might contain. They are conducting an unpublicized ‘consultation’ on Charter schools that appears to be intended to vastly expand them, increase public education funding for them and introduce corporate sponsorship in the name of “innovation.”
Albertans deserve more from their Government. You deserve to be consulted in an open and unbiased manner, have your opinions heard, and have a Government that acts on Albertans’ stated priorities. You also deserve to have a Government that is transparent and accountable, that provides pubic analysis of value for money and that is free from special interest influence. I invite you to visit the Official Opposition website at www.albertaliberalcaucus.com and view our “Clean Government Initiative.
My Critic duties have changed and I am now responsible for Children & Youth Services, Employment & Immigration and Tourism, Parks & Recreation.
I am available to discuss any concerns or questions that you have with regard to Provincial matters, provide notarizations and greetings for special occasions.
Harry
January 1, 2011
Dear Calgary-Varsity constituents,
I hope that everyone had a good holiday season and is ready for 2011!
The Fall Session of the Legislature ended on December 2nd. It was the most unusual Session that I have experienced. The Stelmach government passed a number of Bills, including the Alberta Health Act, the Carbon Capture and Storage Statutes Amendment Act, 2010 and the Electoral Divisions Act by limiting debate on third reading to two hours.
More worrisome for Albertans is the approach of the Stelmach PC government to removing details from legislation and moving them to regulation. When something is specified in legislation, such as park designation, to be changed the government must bring forward a bill and debate it in the legislature. When that is moved to regulation changes can be made behind closed doors, at the whim of the minster or cabinet and the public isn’t even aware of it until it is done.
Bill 29, the Alberta Parks Act that was brought forward in the Fall Session attempted to do just that. As proposed, it would have allowed the Minister full control, out of public view, to change protections on the parks and protected areas that Albertans have repeatedly said are very important to them. In public consultations on land use Albertans clearly said that more land should be protected and that ecological integrity is an imperative. On the other hand, the minister mused about commercial condos and year-round RV lots.
This movement to take control away from the public via the Legislature and put it into the hands of Ministers and cabinet behind closed doors has been ongoing since Premier Stelmach took power.
As I am sure you are aware, health care was a major issue again in the Fall Session. It seems that no matter how many times Albertans tell this government that public, universal health care is not negotiable, they continue to tear it apart, reorganize, throw dollars at it, cut budgets draconically in what appears to be either an outright attempt to destroy our system or sheer incompetence. Our public health care system is sustainable if properly managed with evidence-based decision making and stable, smart management. Less than 3 years ago, government spent public dollars to the tune of almost $16 million to move some cancer services to the privately owned Holy Cross. Now they are paying to move them back to the Tom Baker.
Another area of particular concern this past Session was the total lack of decorum and respect within and outside the Legislature. Question period has become a time when Ministers evade questions from opposition and respond to puffball questions from government backbenchers designed to allow ministers to make announcements and pat themselves on the back. One positive to come from this was a much more cooperative approach from all non-government members in attempting to hold the government to account.
I will be issuing a full Report to Constituents that will be delivered to every door in the near future.
Finally, I am available to assist constituents in dealing with government departments, notarize documents and act as a Commissioner of Oaths, provide congratulatory scrolls for significant occasions, attend meetings in the constituency and present your concerns to government.
Sincerely,
Harry Chase, MLA
Calgary-Varsity Constituency
www.HarryChaseMLA.com Calgary.varsity@assembly.ab.ca,
phone: 403-216-5436 fax: 403-216-5438
December 15, 2010
The Fall Session of the Legislature ended on December 2nd. It was the most unusual Session that I have experienced. The Stelmach government passed a number of Bills, including the Alberta Health Act, the Carbon Capture and Storage Statutes Amendment Act, 2010 and the Electoral Divisions Act by limiting debate on third reading to two hours.
More worrisome for Albertans is the approach of the Stelmach PC government to removing details from legislation and moving them to regulation. When something is specified in legislation, such as park designation, to be changed the government must bring forward a bill and debate it in the legislature. When that is moved to regulation changes can be made behind closed doors, at the whim of the minster or cabinet and the public isn’t even aware of it until it is done.
Bill 29, the Alberta Parks Act that was brought forward in the Fall Session attempted to do just that. As proposed, it would have allowed the Minister full control, out of public view, to change protections on the parks and protected areas that Albertans have repeatedly said are very important to them. In public consultations on land use Albertans clearly said that more land should be protected and that ecological integrity is an imperative. On the other hand, the minister mused about commercial condos and year-round RV lots.
This movement to take control away from the public via the Legislature and put it into the hands of Ministers and cabinet behind closed doors has been ongoing since Premier Stelmach took power.
As I am sure you are aware, health care was a major issue again in the Fall Session. It seems that no matter how many times Albertans tell this government that public, universal health care is not negotiable, they continue to tear it apart, reorganize, throw dollars at it, cut budgets draconically in what appears to be either an outright attempt to destroy our system or sheer incompetence. Our public health care system is sustainable if properly managed with evidence-based decision making and stable, smart management. Less than 3 years ago, government spent public dollars to the tune of almost $16 million to move some cancer services to the privately owned Holy Cross. Now they are paying to move them back to the Tom Baker.
Another area of particular concern this past Session was the total lack of decorum and respect within and outside the Legislature. Question period has become a time when Ministers evade questions from opposition and respond to puffball questions from government backbenchers designed to allow ministers to make announcements and pat themselves on the back. One positive to come from this was a much more cooperative approach from all non-government members in attempting to hold the government to account.
I will be issuing a full Report to Constituents that will be delivered to every door in the near future.
Finally, I am available to assist constituents in dealing with government departments, notarize documents and act as a Commissioner of Oaths, provide congratulatory scrolls for significant occasions, attend meetings in the constituency and present your concerns to government.
Harry Chase MLA
PH: 403-216-5436
email: calgary.varsity@assembly.ab.ca
#108, 4616 Valiant Drive NW
Calgary, AB T3A 0X9
Bill 29, Alberta Parks Act Update
December 2, 2010
Thank you to everyone who contacted me regarding Bill 29, Alberta Parks Act. I shared your numerous concerns with the bill and after coordinating efforts with environmental groups and ordinary Albertans, it gives me great pleasure to report that Bill 29 has been withdrawn.
While we have achieved success in having Bill 29 withdrawn please make no mistake - this Bill is not going away. In fact the Minister has declared that she intends to bring it back in the spring of 2011 after having “more time to continue working with Albertans.” Her full statement on withdrawing the bill is at:
http://alberta.ca/blog/home.cfm/Tourism-Parks-amp-Recreation.
When pressed in Question Period by myself, the minister refused to make a commitment to public participation or input and as we know, she has refused to honour Albertans priorities expressed in the 10 Year Plan for Parks and the Land-Use framework consultations.
The environment continues to be one of the my Alberta Liberal Caucus colleagues and my major areas of concern. We firmly believe that beauty and integrity of our parks must be protected for future generations. We are listening when Albertans say that they want more involvement in decisions about parks and more land set aside in an undisturbed state - something the Stelmach administration fails to do.
We have developed a plan for restoring and protecting Alberta’s environment, entitled Clean Air, Clean Land, Clean Water, Cutting Carbon. In this policy we outline ways in which to create environmental sustainability while at the same time not jeopardizing our province’s growth. Should you wish to learn more about this plan, please visit our webpage at www.albertaliberalcaucus.com.
We promise to remain vigilant on this issue and we hope you do the same. If you want to stay informed on updates on Bill 29 and other issues Albertans are talking to us about, please check back here often.
It is because of your actions and words that we were able to press the government to place the interests of Albertans first. Together, we have the power to make a difference.
Harry
BREAKING NEWS: BILL 29 DIES ON ORDER PAPER!
November 25, 2010
Alberta Tories kill Alberta Parks Act in backroom deal
By Karen Kleiss, edmontonjournal.com November 25, 2010 12:54 PM
Read more: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Alberta+Tories+kill+Alberta+Parks+backroom+deal/3884251/story.html#ixzz16KJP8etz
News Release
November 25, 2010
Minister to further engage Albertans and park users on proposed parks legislation
Debate on Bill 29 suspended
Edmonton... The government will continue to work with Albertans on proposed legislation to guide the management of the Alberta parks system before further debate on Bill 29, the Alberta Parks Act.
“What I have heard throughout debate on Bill 29 is that people are passionate about parks and I respect that passion,” said Cindy Ady, Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation. “We will continue our important work to ensure that parks protect our province’s unique natural heritage while also providing Albertans with access to ample outdoor recreation opportunities.”
The intent of Bill 29 was to help to make it easier for Albertans to understand what kinds of activities are allowed in parks. Aligned with Alberta’s Plan for Parks and Land-use Framework, Bill 29 proposed to simplify the parks classification system into two categories, provincial parks and heritage rangelands. Subsequent zoning regulations in provincial parks would have specified how visitors use various areas of each park, whether for conservation, recreation or a combination of both.
“I believe we all want the same thing, an Alberta parks system that protects the ecological integrity of our landscapes and provides spaces for our families to enjoy the outdoors,” added Ady. “I look forward to continuing work with Albertans and respected conservation experts to achieve this, and bring back parks legislation next year.”
Bill 29 proposed to consolidate and modernize three pieces of parks legislation, the Provincial Parks Act, the Wilderness Areas, Ecological Reserves, Natural Areas, and Heritage Rangelands Act, and the Black Creek Heritage Rangeland Trails Act into one simplified Act. Bill 29 also introduced a requirement for mandatory advance public notice of changes to provincial parks and heritage rangelands, and allowed for the creation of a Parks Advisory Council and a Parks Conservation Foundation.
More information on Alberta’s parks system is available at www.albertaparks.ca.
-30-
Editor’s Note: Park photos and videos available at www.tpr.alberta.ca/newsroom/multimedia.aspx.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Camille Weleschuk
Tourism, Parks and Recreation
780-292-3753
camille.weleschuk@gov.ab.ca
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
Visit the Government of Alberta newsroom http://newsroom.alberta.ca.
UPDATE ON BILL 29, ALBERTA PARKS ACT. November 23, 2010
Bill 29, the contentious Alberta Parks Act, which will give the Minister unprecedented power to designate land use, change protections and many other things behind closed doors passed second reading last night.
Second reading continued from Wednesday evening when Minister Ady adjourned debate on a “Hoist Amendment” moved last week by my associate Hugh MacDonald.
A “Hoist Amendment” calls for deferral of second or third reading of a Bill. It effectively “kills” a Bill by removing it from the Order Paper.
From shortly after 8:00 p.m. until just shy of 11:00 p.m. debate on the Hoist Amendment took place with NOT ONE of the Stelmach government members participating.
When the vote was called 27 members of the Stelmach government voted to defeat the amendment, and Bill 29 now moves to “Committee of the Whole” tonight.
This committee of all Members of the Legislative Assembly meets to discuss specific clauses of a Bill. Amendments to the contents of Bills are considered during this stage. The committee meets after second reading and before third reading and is presided over by the Chair of Committees or designate.
Voting AGAINST the amendment:
Moe AMERY, Calgary-West; George GROENVOLD, Highwood; Verlyn OLSON, Wetaskiwin-Camrose; Naresh BHARDWAJ, Edmonton Ellerslie; Fred HORNE, Edmonton-Rutherford; Luke OUELETTE, Innisfail-Sylvan Lake and Minister of Transportation; Robin CAMPBELL, West Yellowhead; Doug HORNER, Spruce Grove-Sturgeon-St. Albert, Minister of Advanced Education & Technology and Deputy Premier; Dave QUEST, Strathcona; Alanna DeLONG, Calgary-Bow; Mary Anne JABLONSKI, Red Deer North and Minister of Seniors & Community Supports; Alison REDFORD, Calgary-Elbow and Minister of Justice & Attorney General; Jonathon DENIS, Calgary-Egmont and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Deputy Government House Leader; Ginia LESKIW, Bonnyville-Cold Lake; Rob RENNER, Medicine Hat and Minister of Environment and Deputy Government House Leader; Doug ELNISKI, Edmonton-Calder; Ron LIEPERT, Calgary-West and Minster of Energy; Parmjit SANDHU, Edmonton-Manning; Iris EVANS, Sherwood Park and Minister of International & Intergovernmental Relations; Ty LUND, Rocky Mountain House; Tony VANDERMEER, Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview; Kyle FAWCETT, Calgary-North Hill; Richard MARZ, Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills; Gregory WEADICK, Lethbridge-West and Parliamentary Assistant; Yvonne FRITZ, Calgary-Cross and Minister of Children & Youth Services, Ted MORTON, Foothills-Rocky View and Minister of Finance & Enterprise; Teresa WOO-PAW, Calgary-McKay and Parliamentary Assistant.
Voting FOR the amendment:
Rob ANDERSON, Airdrie-Chestermere; Kent HEHR, Calgary-Buffalo; Rachel NOTLEY, Edmonton-Strathcona; Guy BOUTILIER, Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo; Paul HINMAN; Calgary-Glenmore; David SWANN, Calgary-Mountainview and Leader of the Official Opposition; Harry CHASE, Calgary-Varsity, Brian MASON, Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood and Leader of the NDP; Dave TAYLOR, Calgary-Currie and Heather Forsyth, Calgary-Fish Creek.
The Hansard record of the debate last night can be read at: http://www.assembly.ab.ca/ISYS/LADDAR_files/docs/hansards/han/legislature_27/session_3/20101122_1930_01_han.pdf
An audio archive is also available at: http://www.assembly.ab.ca/ISYS/LADDAR_files/docs/hansards/han/legislature_27/session_3/20101122_1930_01_han.pdf Assembly Sitting #45
November 18, 2010
UPDATE ON BILL 29, ALBERTA PARKS ACT
Bill 29 was introduced for second reading yesterday afternoon by Minister Ady, who spoke to the Bill and then adjourned debate.
Hansard: http://www.assembly.ab.ca/ISYS/LADDAR_files/docs/hansards/han/legislature_27/session_3/20101117_1300_01_han.pdf
It came back for debate last evening at which time I moved amendment A1 to the Bill which was to adjourn debate because the Bill will endanger Alberta's parks and protected areas and that further public consultation is necessary. No government member spoke to the amendment, but they rounded up enough MLAs to vote to defeat the amendment.
Mr. Taylor, Independent MLA for Calgary Currie then moved amendment A2 to the Bill that the Bill not be read now, but be referred to the all-party Standing Committee on Community Services. The Committee would then have the opportunity to consult the public and make recommendations on if the Bill should move forward, be amended or be discarded. Again, enough Tory MLAs were rounded up to soundly defeat this amendment.
Mr. MacDonald, Opposition MLA for Edmonton Gold Bar then moved amendment A3 to the Bill to adjourn second reading for sixth months. Debate time expired before the amendment could be voted on, but not before Minister Ady spoke against supporting the amendment.
Hansard: http://www.assembly.ab.ca/ISYS/LADDAR_files/docs/hansards/han/legislature_27/session_3/20101117_1930_01_han.pdf
The Bill will now likely come back for further debate in the near future. We will not get the Projected Government Business agenda for next week until tomorrow, and as we saw Monday evening, they can change it anyway.
November 17, 2010
This afternoon the Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Cindy Ady, will be introducing Bill 29, Alberta Parks Act, for second reading. We understand that she will adjourn debate immediately and move to debate this evening.
I consider Bill 29 to be a regressive, poorly drafted and dangerous piece of legislation. It will effectively move decision-making on protection of parks and protected areas behind closed doors in the hands of the Minister or Cabinet.
The current legislation at least ensures that protection is in the actual legislation and must be debated in public in the Legislature. Bill 29 proposes to change that to rule by regulation, which does not have to be debated or decided in public.
This bill will allow for more incursions into pristine wilderness areas.Long-term sustainability and protection are being sacrificed for short-term political and economic gain.
With this bill, the Stelmach administration is essential declaring open season on protected wilderness areas. Bill 29 proposes to move a wide range of powers from legislation where it can be scritinized by opposition parties, media, conservation groups, and the public to regulations, which fall under the Minister's authority.
I am receiving hundreds of emails form individuals, organizations and groups strongly opposed to Bill 29 and am tabling as many as possible in the Legislature. This ensures that these objections become part of the permanent record.
I inivite all concerned indivduals to email their opinions, with their mailing address and permission to table, to my constituency office at calgary.varsity@assembly.ab.ca.
Harry
November 2010
As you read this message, the Legislature is sitting for the fall session. I see my most important job as your MLA as ensuring that all constituents are treated fairly and looked after. When the system isn’t working, I’m ready to bring your concerns to the Legislature and the government. Now is the time to make your voices heard.
There are several ways in which we can work together to affect positive change in government:
I can challenge the government in Question Period on issues important to you;
I can host you or members of your organization in the Legislature Gallery (government members are generally more responsive to questions if they know that the people affected by the answer are watching);
I can help you organize a petition and present it to the Legislative Assembly;
I can table your letters so your concerns are entered in the public Hansard record;
I can take part or help you to organize your event or press conference.
Much is at Stake
The Stelmach government has shown an alarming tendency to introduce controversial bills at the last possible moment and then stifle debate ��" forcing the legislation through before the public has a chance to react. In the span of 72 hours a bill can be introduced and passed ��" a bill that privatizes health care services, for example. Should the Stelmach trend continue this session, I will alert you or your organization as quickly as possible. I will work to increase public awareness and support in order to pressure the government to truly represent all Albertans.
I hope that every constituent feels free to contact the constituency office. I am eager to hear your ideas and feedback; there’s a lot we can do, together, to make Alberta a better place. I try to keep the website www.HarryChaseMLA.com updated daily during the Legislative Session. Please check it often.
If you would like to sign up for email updates, please email calgary.varsity@assembly.ab.ca and note if there are specific issues that interest you.
As well, you can contact the constituency office for congratulatory scrolls to commemorate significant birthdays and anniversaries.
Harry Chase, MLA
Calgary Varsity Constituency
#108, 4616 Valiant Drive NW (Provident Professional Building)
Calgary AB T3A 0X9
Phone: 403-216-5436
Email: Calgary.varsity@assembly.ab.ca
www.HarryChaseMLA.com
October 2010
Harry Chase, MLA
Calgary-Varsity
Greetings Calgary-Varsity constituents,
It is an ongoing honour to be your elected representative, and to bring your voice to the Alberta Government.
The Legislature will resume sitting on October 25th. Since the Stelmach government imposed a very early end to the Spring Legislative sitting, I had hoped that we would use September to make up for lost opportunity of public discussion. However, the dates of Legislative Sittings are determined solely by the government.
We continue to face uncertain times. There are many important issues facing us as Albertans. Although overall Government spending continues to increase, I see little positive impact on the lives of most Albertans. Funding for education, particularly Special Education, is lacking and we are still experiencing disorganization and shortages in health care. We haven’t seen the promised increase in long-term spaces for our elders. Albertans have told me that they are concerned about government actions that have taken away basic rights, such as a lack of public hearings for electric transmission line needs.
The Government is dipping into our Stability Fund to cover this year’s projected $4.76 billion deficit, and spending is over-budget by $609 million in the first quarter alone. At this rate we won’t have a stability fund to rely-on for much longer.
Moving forward in this uncertain future, what are we, as a province, to do? We need smarter stewardship of Alberta’s finances and a balancing of priorities.
I am inviting each and every one of you to contact my office and let me know what issues and concerns you would like addressed during what is likely to be another short Sitting. There are various ways that we can work together to bring your ideas, concerns, and other matters, to the attention of the government.
I look forward to hearing from you.
September 2010
Harry Chase, MLA
Calgary-Varsity
Another Stampede has come and gone, and the kids will be heading back to school shortly. If you managed to attend the Market Mall breakfast on July 13th, Dalhousie Station on July 14th, or Northland Village Mall on July 15th, you may have seen me doing my part at the grill ��" greeting and feeding so many happy, smiling faces. It was nice to see so many of you celebrating our city and provincial heritage. Meanwhile, at the end of July, I was once again an ‘official’ chili judge at the Calgary Technologies Annual Chili Cook-off. My culinary skills aside (… or lack thereof), events such as these have always been of great enjoyment to me as they allow for the opportunity to connect with the community and reaffirm my commitment to you as your elected representative.
In my role as your MLA, I am always available for consultation should you have a concern or require an issue to be raised. Although the date has yet to be clarified by the government, I am anticipating a very active Fall Session in the Legislature. I have met many constituents over my years in office, and I am continually gratified to see the passion and interest of so many concerning the future direction of our province. I welcome and encourage your continued input.
Keep Tuesday afternoons open as I continue to be available to meet weekly with constituents at the Northland Village Mall Farmer’s Market. In addition, I am pleased to act as a notary public / commissioner of oaths to constituency members. Please feel free to call the office or send an email in order to air your concerns, or to simply have a chat.
August 2010
Harry Chase, MLA
Calgary Varsity
As your elected representative, it is my job to represent you and to ensure that government is accountable to you.
The premier has repeatedly said, “. . . we'll balance the province's operating budget��"the dollars we spend on public services. And we'll focus on helping the vulnerable … supporting the programs and services Albertans need most, like health care, education and support for seniors.”
Yet virtually all of the budgets involving spending on services that Albertans have said are important have been cut. The government has even failed to fund the agreement that they made with Alberta teachers and have deliberately underfunded special needs education for the past two years. They did, however, pay the ridiculously bloated severance packages and pensions for the overpaid Alberta Health Services ‘top brass’ hired by the Board and then quickly let go.
What areas has government chosen to cut in Budget 2010? Supports for the disabled, children and youth at risk, seniors, and the ill. The not-for-profit organizations that save vast amounts in public spending, scholarships and funding for adult learners and job-training were all slashed. We have spaces for learners, but no funding.
Our public health care system has been so disrupted and torn apart that no one, including CEO Stephen Duckett of AHS, knows for sure what is working and what isn’t. His cost-cutting measure of amalgamating ambulance services in one body is going to cost an extra $26 million this year alone! New hospital beds in Alberta have simply replaced the old ones, which were mothballed.
This government keeps lurching from one crisis to another. We deserve thoughtful, evidence-based leadership. We deserve value for our dollars and we deserve a government that listens to Albertans.
Our public dollars are going to private corporations to build assisted living spaces, which they will own and charge our seniors to live in and pay extra for health services. We need long-term care beds, not more high cost assisted living spaces. “The city had 1,897 acute care beds in 1994. Sixteen years later only 133 new beds have been added, even though the population grew by 327,000.” (Calgary Herald July 4, 2010 p.A6).
Many of you will also recall Bill 50 which stripped the public of consultation rights when PRIVATE FOR PROFIT transmission lines built by the taxpayer to move privately generated power for distribution and export was passed. Every electricity consumer in the province will feel this added burden, coupled with the recently further deregulated service announced by the Premier.
On the bright side, my colleague, MLA Bridget Pastoor, Lethbridge East, had her Private Members Motion 501, which calls for an independent review of MLA remuneration, passed unanimously during the spring session. We hope that the government follows through and makes our pay packages fair and transparent.
I am spending the summer in the constituency, and am here to meet with you and discuss any issues that are of concern to you or your family. I would also be pleased to assist or advocate for you in a variety of ways.
As your MLA, I am a Notary Public and a Commissioner for Oaths and can perform marriages. If you or your family are experiencing difficulties accessing government services or programs I may be able to assist. If you have senior family members who are celebrating a significant wedding anniversary or birthday, I can arrange for a certificate to commemorate the occasion.
Most Tuesdays during the summer I will have a table at the Grassroots Farmers Market, Northland Village Mall. This is one additional way that I increase my accessibility.
Harry
Update: Visit my Facebook page (link to the right) to see the three new photo albums from the Stampede Caravan Breakfasts last week.
I was at the Market Mall breakfast on July 13th, Dalhousie Station on July 14th and Northland Village Mall on July 15th. It was great to see so many people out enjoying themselves. The Stampede Caravan people do a really great job!
Harry
July 19, 2010
Summer 2010
Greetings Calgary-Varsity constituents.
In bringing you up to date on events and happenings at the Legislature, let me start by saying that there was precious little opportunity to hold the PC Government to account. The spring session started on February 8th and was abruptly ended by government mid-April - after just 10 weeks - although it was scheduled to sit until June 3rd. In addition, for 3 of those weeks the Legislature was in recess. In effect, with the limited time allowed for budget debate, we were trying to discuss the spending of millions of public dollars per minute! It has become more and more frustrating for Albertans to become or stay informed about what their government is doing, and is increasingly difficult for elected representatives to hold them to account for their decision making and spending.
Following this early end to public debate, the premier and his cabinet spent the next six weeks criss-crossing the province on a “Cabinet Tour,” dropping grant cheques into rural communities to shore up support. Initially, these meetings were by invitation only, but after public outcry some were eventually opened up to some of the public.
My colleagues and I also sit on a number of committees, of which the most important is undoubtedly Public Accounts. Designed to review the annual report of the Auditor General of Alberta, and thereby having the authority to question the spending of ministries to ensure the proper spending of public funds, this committee plays an important role in ensuring government transparency and accountability.
Unfortunately, the government determines seat allocation numbers for all committees based on the number of seats each party holds in the Legislature. As a result, every committee of the Alberta Legislature has Tory MLAs as the majority of members. This gives the government voting authority over every Legislative committee, effectively centralizing power through the office of the Premier by stifling debate.
Further, in an attempt to grab even more power, Tory members of the Public Affairs committee introduced and passed a motion in Public Accounts this spring requiring all correspondence sent on behalf of the committee to be signed by the vice-chair - again, a Tory MLA. In effect, a government already blessed with a huge majority in the legislature has decided to wrest the power of the committee Chair to ask Ministers/Ministry employees to appear, when and for how long. Shamed by public outrage, the members that control the majority of votes reversed the motion at the next committee meeting.
During a meeting of the Member Services Committee in June, the committee Chair refused to recognize precedent and provide equitable funding to the Wildrose Alliance caucus. This committee is chaired by the Speaker of the House, Ken Kowalski. The role of Speaker is one of impartiality and is not meant to be a political or partisan position. However, the refusal by Kowalski to follow precedent can only be seen as the infiltration of Tory partisanship into the office of the Speaker, and as a further detriment to democracy in this province.
One of the clearest indicators of the arrogance and entitlement shown by this government was demonstrated by our Minister of Culture and Community Spirit in June, when he berated our television industries at an international conference, and asked, “Why do I produce so much s***? Why do I fund such crap?” The minister does not produce television and he does not pay for it. The dollars he is talking about are public dollars. Not government dollars. Not HIS dollars.
And while funding to those least able to do more with less and our most vulnerable has been cut, this government is still spending more! More on what they consider higher priorities, not included are students, children, disabled Albertans, seniors, the sick or injured or the ordinary working family. Signed contracts are apparently honoured only with high paid executives with golden parachutes.
The government is currently conducting a number of consultations and initiatives that have the potential to change the very landscape of our way of life in Alberta. I am now posting information on all government initiatives on my website and urge all of you to speak up for yourselves and your neighbors, families and friends. I ask that you do whatever you can to see that this governments actions reflect your values.
I am anticipating an early September recall of the legislature as the government pushes through the Health Act after a summer of consultations, most by invitation only behind closed doors.
In the meantime, I wish you and yours a healthy, happy and safe summer.
ANNUAL RIVER AND PATHWAY CLEAN-UP, SUNDAY MAY 2, 2010!
Team Varsity will be taking part in the City River and Pathway Clean-up on Sunday in Bowmont Park. Come out and join us!
We will be having the orientation at 9:45 a.m. in the parking area of Silver Springes Gate NW and the clean-up goes from 10:00 to 1:00. Please dress according to the weather and bring a pair of work gloves. I look forward to spending some time with all of you!
____
As your MLA, I take my responsibility to represent all of my constituents very seriously. I have address concerns through Question Period, Tablings and Private Members Statements while the Legislature was in Session. My staff continues to assist constituents in the local office, and I met with as many individuals and organizations as possible on Fridays and the weekends. I also attend as many community functions and meetings as possible.
It has been my privilege to serve as your MLA again this past year. In an effort to continue to communicate effectively with you, the Calgary-Varsity Constituency is continually updating our website at www.HarryChaseMLA.com and my facebook page. You are always welcome to call, email or stop by the office to make specific inquiries or just to say hello. I thank you for allowing me to represent you in 2010, and look forward to another year as your MLA.
March 2010
I am writing this column the day after the Stelmach Conservatives tabled their budget. I fear it is further evidence that the Stelmach Conservatives are governing by the seat of their pants, with massive cuts in some public services and massive increases in others, without rhyme or reason.
Throwing huge amounts of money at health care isn’t a fix.
This isn’t a money issue, it’s a management issue. The Stelmach Conservatives have made a mess of the public health care system in the past few years, so why should anyone believe that more cash will reduce wait times, improve accessibility, or address inefficiencies? If they couldn’t fix the health care system with the money they had, another $2 billion isn’t going to address the fundamental shortfall in this province: a lack of government competence.”
This is the same government that was telling us two years ago that health care spending was out of control. These spending increases are unsustainable.
Hoping that oil and gas revenues will bounce back in time to erase the evidence of fiscal incompetence is not prudent management. We need a value for dollar audit to determine why we’re spending so much more money on health care for poorer results than other provinces.
Why isn’t the Sustainability Fund being used to protect child intervention services and income supports, both vital public services in tough times? Safe Children Save Money.
Is almost seems that they put the budget up on a wall and threw darts to decide which programs would be cut and which would be saved. They’re spending the same amount on horse racing that they took away from programs to protect children in dangerous living situations.
This government likes to talk about diversifying the economy; however it fails to understand that education is an absolute necessity for diversification with an economy that is not so largely non-renewable resource dependant.
The first week of March is a Constituency Week, so I will be available in the office for constituents that require Notary Public or Commissioner of Oath services.
Even while I am in Edmonton when the Legislature is in Session, my office is open regular office hours and my executive assistant is there to assist individuals in dealing with matters pertaining to provincial governance. As well, she can arrange for congratulatory scrolls for significant birthdays and anniversaries. She can also see that your correspondence and concerns reach me so that I can better represent you in the legislature.
February 2010
As you read this message, the Legislature should start sitting early in February for a new Session. I see my most important job as your MLA as ensuring that all constituents are treated fairly and looked after.
This fall 2009 sitting of the Legislature was short and sour, lasting barely a month, with little time to debate issues of vital interest to Albertans.
Despite the brevity of this session, my Official Opposition colleagues and I served Albertans with far greater faithfulness than the Stelmach administration. Through debate, questions and vigorous use of new media, we’re showing how the Premier and his Ministers are no longer interested in listening to Albertans.
It is clear that the Stelmach government has no plan and no vision for the future of this great province and its people. Even more disturbing, it appears to be deaf to the desires of Albertans, and to have little respect for the fundamentals of democracy.
Despite widespread public opposition, during the fall session, the Stelmach administration passed Bill 50, leading to higher power prices for everyone for many years to come and stifling public debate. Health Minister Ron Liepert his demonstrated incompetence at the helm of public health care system; the government has shifted costs of their poor fiscal management on to seniors, students, disabled Albertans, children and youth in need ��" after Premier Stelmach promised to protect our most vulnerable.
The brevity of the Fall 2009 session and the tone in Question Period and during debates showed that the Stelmach administration holds the Legislature in contempt. It’s a distraction for them, when it should be the focus of good governance. Questions from all opposition MLAs were routinely dodged, deflected, dismissed, ducked, mocked and ridiculed. We can do better.
When the system isn’t working, I’m ready to bring your concerns to the Legislature and the government. Now is the time to make your voices heard.
There are several ways in which we can work together to affect positive change in government:
I can challenge the government in Question Period on issues important to you;
I can host you or members of your organization in the Legislature Gallery (government members are generally more responsive to questions if they know that the people affected by the answer are watching);
I can help you organize a petition and present it to the Legislative Assembly;
I can table your letters so your concerns are entered in the public Hansard record;
I can take part or help you to organize your event or press conference.
So Much is at Stake
The Stelmach government has shown an alarming tendency to introduce controversial bills at the last possible moment and then stifle debate ��" forcing the legislation through before the public has a chance to react. In the span of 72 hours a bill can be introduced and passed ��" a bill that privatizes health care services, for example. Should the Stelmach trend continue this session, I will alert you or your organization as quickly as possible. I will work to increase public awareness and support in order to pressure the government to truly represent all Albertans.
I hope that every constituent feels free to contact me through the constituency office. I am eager to hear your ideas and feedback; there’s a lot we can do, together, to make Alberta a better place. Please let me know if you would like to be my guest in the Legislature, and stay in touch.
If you would like to sign up for email updates, please email calgary.varsity@assembly.ab.ca and note if there are specific issues that interest you.
As well, you can contact the constituency office for congratulatory scrolls to commemorate significant birthdays and anniversaries.
January 2010
I hope that this New Year finds everyone well. I am enjoying being back in the constituency; you can find me in the constituency office and attending meetings and events in the constituency as often as I can.
Early February will find me back in Edmonton for the new Legislative Session from Monday to Thursday, and back here in Calgary on Fridays, roads permitting. I anticipate a very busy Session serving as your MLA, sitting on the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Standing Committee on Community Services and fulfilling my duties in my Shadow Ministries.
I see my most important job as your MLA as ensuring that all constituents are treated fairly and looked after. When the system isn’t working, I’m ready to bring your concerns to the Legislature and the government. Now is the time to make your voices heard.
There are several ways in which we can work together to affect positive change in government:
I can challenge the government in Question Period on issues important to you;
I can host you or members of your organization in the Legislature Gallery (government members are generally more responsive to questions if they know that the people affected by the answer are watching);
I can help you organize a petition and present it to the Legislative Assembly;
I can table your letters so your concerns are entered in the public Hansard record;
I can take part or help you to organize your event or press conference.
So Much is at Stake
The Stelmach government has shown an increasingly alarming tendency to introduce controversial bills at the last possible moment and then stifle debate ��" forcing the legislation through before the public has a chance to react. In the span of 72 hours a bill can be introduced and passed ��" a bill that privatizes health care services, for example. Should the Stelmach trend continue in the upcoming session, I will alert you or your organization as quickly as possible. I will work to increase public awareness and support in order to pressure the government to truly represent all Albertans. Please check my website at www.HarryChaseMLA.com regularly as it is an important means of communicating with you in a timely manner.
I hope that every constituent feels free to contact the constituency office. I am eager to hear your ideas and feedback; there’s a lot we can do together to make Alberta a better place.
If you would like to sign up for email updates, please email calgary.varsity@assembly.ab.ca and note if there are specific issues that interest you.
As well, you can contact the constituency office for congratulatory scrolls to commemorate significant birthdays and anniversaries.
Please let me know if you would like to be my guest in the Legislature, and stay in touch.
December 2009
This has been a very busy fall in the Legislature. As your MLA, I take my responsibility to represent all of my constituents very seriously. I have addressed concerns through Question Period, Tablings and Private Members Statements while the Legislature was in Session. My staff continues to assist constituents in the local office, and I met with as many individuals and organizations as possible on Fridays and the weekends. I have also attended as many community functions and meetings as possible.
It has been my privilege to serve as your MLA again this past year. In an effort to continue to communicate effectively with you, the Calgary-Varsity Constituency is continually updating our website at www.HarryChaseMLA.com and my facebook page. You are always welcome to call, email or stop by the office to make specific inquiries or just to say hello. I thank you for allowing me to represent you in 2009, and look forward to a new year as your MLA.
Wishing you and yours all the best in 2010,
Harry Chase
November 2009
Like many, many Albertans, my colleagues and I are greatly concerned with decisions and actions being made by this government, particularly when they threaten the very existence of programs and services that Albertans have clearly said they value.
The Stelmach government, like its Klein predecessor, treats spending on programs that involve the well-being of people as an expense instead of an investment.
My colleague, Kevin Taft, Official Opposition Health Critic, has produced a special edition of his MLA newsletter, and it paints a disturbing picture of how Tory mismanagement and neglect of the health care system is putting Albertans at risk.
Taft is the Alberta Liberal MLA for Edmonton-Riverview.
His special edition of the Edmonton-Riverview newsletter features:
• A timeline of Tory health care decisions, covering missteps from the early 90s to 2009
• Quotes from doctors and patients illustrating the challenges health care professionals and Albertans face every day thanks to decades of Tory neglect
• Concerns with children being treated in a tent at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, and the new Mazankowski Heart Centre standing empty for over a year
• A clear picture of confusion over health care staffing, showing how Tory administrations eliminated thousands of jobs, then identified large staffing shortages, only to freeze hiring this year
The theme of the newsletter " how quick fixes rarely lead to long-term solutions " is especially timely in the wake of health care spending cuts announced by Dr. Stephen Duckett, CEO of Alberta Health Services.
“I haven’t heard anyone saying we have too many nurses, but the Stelmach administration seems to be doing everything it can to push health care professionals out the door. And yet the administration claims that they will improve health care services. How is that possible when they’re cutting jobs and surgeries?”
HEALTH CARE Special Edition
Or to have a copy mailed to you, please contact the Calgary Varsity Consituency office.
As Official Opposition critic for Children and Youth Services, I launched the “SAFE KIDS SAVE DOLLARS” campaign on September 30th at the Annual General Meeting of the Alberta Association for Children and Families.
I encouraged delegates to aggressively lobby the Stelmach administration to avoid funding cuts to vital services for at-risk Alberta youth. I am gravely concerned by the cumulative effects of growing numbers of homeless young Albertans combined with Stelmach administration cutbacks to vital social services, including the forced closure of Bosco Homes facilities and funding cuts to the Boys and Girls Clubs, which have affected that organization’s crisis response team.
The Stelmach administration’s short-sighted approach is placing already vulnerable children at greater risk. Failing to intervene positively while at-risk kids are young inevitably leads to greater costs to society down the road; on the other hand, helping kids now helps them lead better lives and saves taxpayer money in the long run. In other words, safe kids save dollars.
It is possible to be simultaneously ethically and fiscally responsible. Investing in Alberta’s children is both the right thing to do and the fiscally smart thing to do. I encourage you to contact my constituency office, or click here:
http://alc.whitematter.ca/index.php/alc/content/safe_kids_save_dollars_chase_launches_campaign_to_protect_alberta_youth_fro/
for copies of the petition.
As always I welcome your input through letters, emails, phone calls and faxes at the constituency office.
#108, 4616 Valiant Drive NW Calgary AB T3A 0X9 (403) 216.5436 calgary.varsity@assembly.ab.ca
October 2009
Welcome to the Calgary-Varsity webpage, the online home of Harry Chase! Please feel free to look around, and check back often.
I hope that everyone has now settled into their fall routines, with children and youth back in school and taking part in healthy extra-curricular activities. The area that we know as the Calgary Varsity constituency encompasses the communities of Varsity, University Heights, Dalhousie, Brentwood, Charleswood, Banff Trail, Capital Hill and SE Silver Springs. We are fortunate to have the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the University of Calgary in our constituency. The fall term always brings a sense of purpose, vision and energy with returning students and faculty. Our Community Associations are important partners in supporting physical and social wellbeing in our neighborhoods. Businesses, schools, places of worship, organizations such as the VRRI and countless volunteers also contribute to strong communities and strong societies, which are a vital part of every democracy.
With this in mind, I am sorry to have to report that, due to poor management, what Albertans have built since the deep and often cruel cuts in the mid 1990’s appears to again be at risk. After years of blood, sweat and many tears, Albertans believed that we could finally look forward to the rewards of having tightened our personal belts for so long and working so hard to try to rebuild our core services including education, health care, safety nets and assistance for the disabled and seniors. Only when Premier Klein resigned did he admit that his government never had a plan for after the cuts!
After 15 consecutive years of multi-billion dollar surpluses, in less than 12 months we have gone to a multi-billion dollar deficit. Obviously there still is no plan. Health care professionals face a hiring freeze and forced gag order, school boards are having reserves resulting from prudent planning and spending clawed back and face budgets cut, rental supplement programs are broke, putting thousands on waiting lists, and seniors are being asked to bear the brunt of many cuts. Home foreclosures have more than doubled in just two years, we have a 102% increase in bankruptcies and the highest unemployment rates in 13 years.
A cursory look into the mismanagement of our tax dollars by this government reveals the following:
1) $10,000,000 Branding the Province
2) $25,000,000 ‘Greenwashing’ Environmental Reputation Internationally
3) $2,100,000 International Travel
4) $35,000,000 Horse Racing
5) $40,000,000 Senior Management Bonuses
6) $42,000,000 Health Board Severance Packages & Pensions
7) $70,000,000 Information Technology
8) $38,000,000 Cost to Form New Health Superboard
9) $222,000,000 Addition to the Peter Lougheed Hospital that is unstaffed, resulting in no new beds
10) $200,000,000 Mazinkowski Heart Institute that still does not have functioning Operating Rooms (Grand Opening was May 1, 2008 though no patients were moved there until this summer)
11) $2,500,000,000 Obligations under P3 contracts
Grand Total: $3,181,100,000!
A “Value for Dollar Audit” must be implemented for all new spending immediately, and for all current programs as quickly as possible. With infrastructure spending there must be provision for sustainable operational funding.
Please contact me with your ideas or concerns. The legislature resumes later this month and I will bring your voice to the assembly.
December 2009
This has been a very busy fall in the Legislature. As your MLA, I take my responsibility to represent all of my constituents very seriously. I have addressed concerns through Question Period, Tablings and Private Members Statements while the Legislature was in Session. My staff continues to assist constituents in the local office, and I met with as many individuals and organizations as possible on Fridays and the weekends. I have also attended as many community functions and meetings as possible.
It has been my privilege to serve as your MLA again this past year. In an effort to continue to communicate effectively with you, the Calgary-Varsity Constituency is continually updating our website at www.HarryChaseMLA.com and my facebook page. You are always welcome to call, email or stop by the office to make specific inquiries or just to say hello. I thank you for allowing me to represent you in 2009, and look forward to a new year as your MLA.
Wishing you and yours all the best in 2010,
Harry Chase
November 2009
Like many, many Albertans, my colleagues and I are greatly concerned with decisions and actions being made by this government, particularly when they threaten the very existence of programs and services that Albertans have clearly said they value.
The Stelmach government, like its Klein predecessor, treats spending on programs that involve the well-being of people as an expense instead of an investment.
My colleague, Kevin Taft, Official Opposition Health Critic, has produced a special edition of his MLA newsletter, and it paints a disturbing picture of how Tory mismanagement and neglect of the health care system is putting Albertans at risk.
Taft is the Alberta Liberal MLA for Edmonton-Riverview.
His special edition of the Edmonton-Riverview newsletter features:
• A timeline of Tory health care decisions, covering missteps from the early 90s to 2009
• Quotes from doctors and patients illustrating the challenges health care professionals and Albertans face every day thanks to decades of Tory neglect
• Concerns with children being treated in a tent at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, and the new Mazankowski Heart Centre standing empty for over a year
• A clear picture of confusion over health care staffing, showing how Tory administrations eliminated thousands of jobs, then identified large staffing shortages, only to freeze hiring this year
The theme of the newsletter " how quick fixes rarely lead to long-term solutions " is especially timely in the wake of health care spending cuts announced by Dr. Stephen Duckett, CEO of Alberta Health Services.
“I haven’t heard anyone saying we have too many nurses, but the Stelmach administration seems to be doing everything it can to push health care professionals out the door. And yet the administration claims that they will improve health care services. How is that possible when they’re cutting jobs and surgeries?”
HEALTH CARE Special Edition
Or to have a copy mailed to you, please contact the Calgary Varsity Consituency office.
As Official Opposition critic for Children and Youth Services, I launched the “SAFE KIDS SAVE DOLLARS” campaign on September 30th at the Annual General Meeting of the Alberta Association for Children and Families.
I encouraged delegates to aggressively lobby the Stelmach administration to avoid funding cuts to vital services for at-risk Alberta youth. I am gravely concerned by the cumulative effects of growing numbers of homeless young Albertans combined with Stelmach administration cutbacks to vital social services, including the forced closure of Bosco Homes facilities and funding cuts to the Boys and Girls Clubs, which have affected that organization’s crisis response team.
The Stelmach administration’s short-sighted approach is placing already vulnerable children at greater risk. Failing to intervene positively while at-risk kids are young inevitably leads to greater costs to society down the road; on the other hand, helping kids now helps them lead better lives and saves taxpayer money in the long run. In other words, safe kids save dollars.
It is possible to be simultaneously ethically and fiscally responsible. Investing in Alberta’s children is both the right thing to do and the fiscally smart thing to do. I encourage you to contact my constituency office, or click here:
http://alc.whitematter.ca/index.php/alc/content/safe_kids_save_dollars_chase_launches_campaign_to_protect_alberta_youth_fro/
for copies of the petition.
As always I welcome your input through letters, emails, phone calls and faxes at the constituency office.
#108, 4616 Valiant Drive NW Calgary AB T3A 0X9 (403) 216.5436 calgary.varsity@assembly.ab.ca
October 2009
Welcome to the Calgary-Varsity webpage, the online home of Harry Chase! Please feel free to look around, and check back often.
I hope that everyone has now settled into their fall routines, with children and youth back in school and taking part in healthy extra-curricular activities. The area that we know as the Calgary Varsity constituency encompasses the communities of Varsity, University Heights, Dalhousie, Brentwood, Charleswood, Banff Trail, Capital Hill and SE Silver Springs. We are fortunate to have the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the University of Calgary in our constituency. The fall term always brings a sense of purpose, vision and energy with returning students and faculty. Our Community Associations are important partners in supporting physical and social wellbeing in our neighborhoods. Businesses, schools, places of worship, organizations such as the VRRI and countless volunteers also contribute to strong communities and strong societies, which are a vital part of every democracy.
With this in mind, I am sorry to have to report that, due to poor management, what Albertans have built since the deep and often cruel cuts in the mid 1990’s appears to again be at risk. After years of blood, sweat and many tears, Albertans believed that we could finally look forward to the rewards of having tightened our personal belts for so long and working so hard to try to rebuild our core services including education, health care, safety nets and assistance for the disabled and seniors. Only when Premier Klein resigned did he admit that his government never had a plan for after the cuts!
After 15 consecutive years of multi-billion dollar surpluses, in less than 12 months we have gone to a multi-billion dollar deficit. Obviously there still is no plan. Health care professionals face a hiring freeze and forced gag order, school boards are having reserves resulting from prudent planning and spending clawed back and face budgets cut, rental supplement programs are broke, putting thousands on waiting lists, and seniors are being asked to bear the brunt of many cuts. Home foreclosures have more than doubled in just two years, we have a 102% increase in bankruptcies and the highest unemployment rates in 13 years.
A cursory look into the mismanagement of our tax dollars by this government reveals the following:
1) $10,000,000 Branding the Province
2) $25,000,000 ‘Greenwashing’ Environmental Reputation Internationally
3) $2,100,000 International Travel
4) $35,000,000 Horse Racing
5) $40,000,000 Senior Management Bonuses
6) $42,000,000 Health Board Severance Packages & Pensions
7) $70,000,000 Information Technology
8) $38,000,000 Cost to Form New Health Superboard
9) $222,000,000 Addition to the Peter Lougheed Hospital that is unstaffed, resulting in no new beds
10) $200,000,000 Mazinkowski Heart Institute that still does not have functioning Operating Rooms (Grand Opening was May 1, 2008 though no patients were moved there until this summer)
11) $2,500,000,000 Obligations under P3 contracts
Grand Total: $3,181,100,000!
A “Value for Dollar Audit” must be implemented for all new spending immediately, and for all current programs as quickly as possible. With infrastructure spending there must be provision for sustainable operational funding.
Please contact me with your ideas or concerns. The legislature resumes later this month and I will bring your voice to the assembly.
 Calgary Herald Kelly Cryderman with files from Don Braid Tuesday, January 31, 2012 | Errors found in scalding death of disabled man in Calgary group home
Disabled man's family furious; province vows new care rules The family of a severely disabled 35-year-old man who died after being scalded by hot bath water at a group home calls the incident - and the ensuing two-and-a-half hour delay in treatment - an "incomprehensible act of negligence."
Their words came the same day the Alberta government released reports detailing the events that led to the death of David Holmes in November. The government promised swift changes to prevent similar incidents, including installing anti-scalding devices in 1,000 care homes across Alberta to regulate bath water temperatures. Holmes died in late November, five . . .
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