Summer is almost over, and I know many of you have been enjoying the summer spending time with your friends and family. I too have been taking this summer to reconnecting with my wife, my children and my grandchildren.
This summer has been quite eventful for me. One of the most notable events occurred during my visit to Toronto during for the G20 Summit. It was at this summit that I was invited to a private function with Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of the Republic of India. In attendance were elected officials from across Canada. At the event I spoke too many of these officials about issues which are affecting Canadians in different parts of the country. This event has given me an insight into the various issues which are affecting Canadian across the country and internationally.
Furthermore on July 17th we held our third annual Calgary McCall Stampede Breakfast. In addition to the country music band and “Snookie the Clown,” this year we had in attendance Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Canadian Blood Services and the Calgary Interfaith Foodbank. Attendance this year was great; in fact we had so many people in attendance that we ran out of paper plates. Fortunately, my assistant Aman Hayer was able to run and grab a couple of plates from the Calgary Safeway in Castleridge. I want to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to all of the volunteers who helped out at this year’s Stampede Breakfast.
As always, I am also working on a number of different policy areas. One of the areas which I have been working on is the noise associated with the North East Leg of Calgary’s Stony Trail. I have had a number of constituents contact me regarding the noise from Stony Trail and I am currently working with the province to review the level of noise in the area.
In addition I am happy to see that the Calgary Airport Tunnel is back on the agenda. A number of civic candidates, including the two Aldermen for our area have announced that they will be pressuring the next City Council to press ahead with the Calgary Airport Tunnel. This tunnel is vital for the future of our city, I will continue to pressure the provincial government to provide funding for this tunnel.
Another issue has come up during the summer month for consideration. The Alberta Liberal Caucus recently uncovered evidence that suggests that it maybe the policy of the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) to hand out bonus to employees who deny WCB claims. These claims are worth serious investigation. I am concerned about the prospect that many legitimate WCB claimants are having their claims rejected by this policy of the WCB. I am working closely with the rest of the Alberta Liberal Caucus on this matter, and I assure you we will pressure the government to be accountable for these matters at WCB.
I am also continuing to work on constituent issues related to WCB, Seniors Housing, Social Assistance and Social programs in the province. If you have an issue related to this or any other matter, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 403-216-5424 or email us at Calgary.McCall@assembly.ab.ca.
Sincerely,
Darshan S. Kang, MLA
Calgary McCall
Although the government suspended the Legislature, several weeks early, we accomplished quite a bit during the short time the house was in session.
Many of the issues I raised in the Legislature this spring came from you, the people I represent. I am grateful to have had your input and counsel, and I remind everyone that my door is always open whenever you have an issue that needs to be brought to the attention of the provincial government.
As the Shadow Minister for Transport, I will continue to advocate on behalf of the residents of Calgary McCall for improvements to our transportation plan. These improvements will help improve the quality of life of McCall residents. I am currently working closely with Alderman Jim Stevenson – another supporter of the airport tunnel – on building a good transportation network.
In regards to the Airport Tunnel, I know many of you were disappointed by the Stelmach government’s decision to reject funding for the Calgary Airport Tunnel. I too was disappointed by that decision. I raised the issue many times in the Legislature, with questions and private member’s statements, and when the deadline to get a deal signed loomed I held a press conference in a last-ditch attempt to get the province to pitch in. However, the Stelmach Tories simply do not come through. This fight is far from over. I’ll be working closely with the next Mayor and council on this file.
On another note, I’ve been pushing all year for the introduction of distracted driving legislation and the provincial government recently introduced legislature to that effect. It looks like we’ll be debating that bill in the fall, and you can be sure that I’ll be examining it carefully to make sure that it offers the best possible protection for Alberta drivers, but at the same does not burden the everyday lives of Alberta.
Furthermore, the Calgary Parks Foundation recently proposed the Calgary Perimeter Greenway. The proposal includes over 80 KMs of Pathways and Greenspace which will encircle the city. A portion of the Greenway will run through our riding of Calgary McCall.
I have been working on many more issues which are important to Albertans. Although the Canadian economy is recovering from the recession, Canadians and Albertans are still feeling the ramifications of the recession. I am continuing to pursue policies in the Alberta Legislature which will improve the Alberta economy and better Albertans’ lives.
I am also taking a look at issues pertaining to the state of health care and education in the province. I know many of my constituents fear that our children and our seniors will be forced once again to bear the brunt of efforts to balance the provincial budget. I can assure you the Alberta Liberal Caucus will continue to pursue policies which balance the books while maintaining a strong fiscal profile for the province. One such example would be stopping Bill 50, a multi-billion dollar plan to build unnecessary power lines in Alberta – a plan opposed by major energy stakeholders in Alberta.
Furthermore, in addition to my role as Shadow Minister for Transport, I have recently been assigned the Shadow Minister for housing. This new portfolio, will give me the opportunity to reflect and advocate for policies which prevent the kind of housing shortages which we in Alberta have become so accustom.
May 7th, 2010 in
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