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Infrastructure demands key issue for premier |
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Wednesday, 20 February 2008 |
As Taberites unexpectedly met up with Premier Ed Stelmach at local businesses last Wednesday, or attended certain stores because they knew he would be there, they voiced their concerns, and some saw how personable the province's leader is.
By Jennifer Elves
Taber Times
Some issues Taberites addressed to Stelmach when he was in town at Taber's IGA, Johnson's IDA Drug Store, Bar Al Beef and the Royal Canadian Legion as part of his 28-day tour, included agricultural issues, literacy difficulties many Albertans face, and the province's plans for seniors.
Some other topics the premier discussed with locals included the environment, water conservation and storage, trade issues at the Canadian/United States border and what he is doing to keep the Progressive Conservative party fresh, with it being in power for well over 30 years.
"The growth here in Taber is phenomenal," said Stelmach, when speaking about infrastructure needs in the province.
He spoke about infrastructure demands when asked what issues he sees as being important specifically in this constituency. Stelmach stressed issues facing southern Alberta are the same as what is effecting the rest the province, with growth and water conservation/storage being two of the province's main issues.
"There is nothing more critical than water in southern Alberta," he said.
Some other areas he covered included how crucial it is for Canada and the United States to work together to deal with trade issues, the importance of adequate programs to ensure seniors who are able to stay in their own homes are able to and how his party has candidates of all ages and backgrounds, as well as new ideas to its advantage.
"The premier did say he felt literacy is important and (that) he understands there are young mothers that can't even read the labels on baby food and the directions (on how to mix the formula)," said Jane Brenner, executive director for Taber and District Taber Adult Learning Association, who provided Stelmach with a document soon after he entered IGA. "He felt it (literacy) was a concern in the province."
The document Brenner provided Stelmach with, Vibrant Learning Communities, is a working document internal to Advanced Education and Technology from the Roles and Mandates of Alberta's Publicly Funded Advanced Education System Community Adult Learning Working Group.
The group looked at how to strengthen community learning and literacy in Alberta by increasing the alignment of these groups with Comprehensive Community Institutions.
The document is based on the group's discussions and input from 100 community learning stakeholders, public institutions, and eight government ministries.
Stelmach advised Brenner his office would respond to the document, indicating a stance on the issue within a week. Brenner, who has experience working with government officials, was pleased Stelmach said there would be a response in such a timely manner.
"I found him to be very personable. I found him to be very approachable too," said Brenner. "He wasn't the least bit intimidating."
Glynnis Turcato, a local registered nurse who met Stelmach, said she was impressed by how down to earth and interested in the community the premier seemed.
"It was nice he would actually come to our community and walk down the streets and meet people," she said. "He was looking for the concerns - the local concerns that are here and I just thought that was really impressive."
Turcato mentioned issues to Stelmach such as the Canadian Wheat Board and the BSE testing of cattle. When speaking on agriculture, the provincial government is looking at ways to support the industry, as it does not want to lose its cattle and hog industries. |
