The Newsy Neighbour Magazine
March Issue 113
Article Provided By: Rocky View MLA Leela Sharon Aheer
Hello
Newsy Neighbour readers! What a month this has been. The legislature will be
revving up here with a throne speech and a new budget. The session begins on
March 2, and we will be jumping into debate over many new pieces of
legislation. One of them is the debate over daylight savings - to keep or not
to keep - that is the question. Please let our office know what you think about
this, as we would like to have some understanding as to what the residents of
Chestermere - Rocky View think. Some of the debate around this issue so far has
been centered around trade with the United States, as some states do follow
Daylight savings, and concerns are that it will impact trade negatively.
Also,
I will be putting forward a private members bill co-authored by Nathan Cooper,
MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Threehills, regarding upgrading the system for parents
looking to adopt and those who are looking to find forever homes for these
precious children. The intent is to bring adoption in Alberta into the modern
age by allowing for services such as the Internet. The Internet is a valuable
resource for families and this would put us in a similar position to other
provinces that have already updated and modernized the way that people pursue
adoption. I look forward to the debate, recommendations, and amendments to this
legislation and hope that it will receive full support from the Legislature.
This
year marks the 100th anniversary of women being granted the right to
vote. I had the opportunity to participate in a panel with some very
distinguished women involved in the political realm and it was such a pleasure
to participate with the young women who have been chosen to participate in this
event from all over Canada. They are going to Ottawa to sit in Parliament to
honour this milestone in our political history. Quebec was the last province to
grant women the vote in 1940. Indigenous women did not receive that right until
1960. Today, women make up 26% of the Members of
Parliament, and with the incredible group of young women I was privileged to
meet I can assure you that that number is just a jumping off point!
As
you know, we have been following the curriculum rewrite very closely and
continue to be frustrated by the lack of transparency of this Government. The
most disappointing part for me has been hearing the ridiculous statement that
somehow the Opposition and indeed all Albertans want to know the names of the
participants in the curriculum rewrite so we can “bully” them. Yes, you read
that right. The Government believes that this is the reasoning behind the calls
for transparency. We completely trust that the school authorities asked a wide
cross-section of teachers who have expertise and a solid knowledge of the
curricula and student learning to participate.
We
have asked the Government to release the names of the associations and other
“experts” involved who are influencing the ideology of the curriculum rewrite. We
are not on a witch hunt as the Government claims, but are very concerned that
this 7% of participants will unduly and inappropriately influence the student
learning outcomes across the subjects and grades. These anonymous “experts” are
a concern for everyone in this province as we have a Government that refuses
time after time to consult, regularly spends your hard-earned dollars to
advertise their agenda, and wants to change the very essence of our wonderful
province. Albertans do not trust this Government. Across the board, this
Government uses divisive policies that undermine community, the relationships
that we have built in these communities, and they sit and watch, wanting us to
unravel. They cast aspersions on the very people who they work for – you – and
blame the opposition parties when we try to hold them accountable. The heart of
Alberta is the family. Strong families raise strong children who become
leaders, thinkers, and adults who serve others. These are the words of a Mom from
my constituency and I couldn’t agree more! Let’s elevate our teachers, and the
process by which we grow community. This Government is going to try and tear us
down. They forget who we are! We are Albertans, we are resilient and we deserve
a voice in this process. Let me know your concerns so I can bring them forward
and also write the Government and be very clear that you expect them to listen.
My
heart goes out to the young lady who was struck Feb. 17 in a hit and run in
Langdon. I wish her a speedy and complete recovery. Kudos to 14 year old
Nicholas Junor who made use of his first aid training from Cadets to assist her
while waiting for EMS and STARS. I am sure the young lady and her family are
grateful and Nicholas’ family and fellow Cadets must be bursting with pride. I
am sure you all will join me in thanking Nicholas, EMS, RCMP and of course our
wonderful STARS Air Ambulance service. As always we love to hear from you.
Leela
Sharon Aheer, MLA
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