Post Stampede Report

Friends,

I hope all of you enjoyed your stampede as much as I enjoyed mine. My stampede celebrations began on the Friday, June 9th when the Calgary Stampede Parade Committee gave me the honour of being a part of this years’ Calgary Stampede Parade. I was sharing a car with Dr. David Swann – Alberta Liberal Leader and MLA for Calgary Mountainview. However, the car broke down part way through the parade. Dr. David Swann decided to proceed on his bicycle, while Allison Redford, the Minister of Justice and MLA for Calgary Elbow was kind enough to allow me to join her in her car for the rest of the parade.

Of course as with past years, I also had the opportunity to hold the annual Calgary McCall Stampede Breakfast. This was the third time I held this breakfast. We had everything from a face painting clown to a country music band. We were also accepting donations to the Calgary Interfaith Foodbank, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who brought donations for the bank. I know these will go a long way in helping the needy in Calgary. Also present were Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Canadian Blood Services.

I am also working on a number of policy areas over the summer. One of the most important issues which have arisen is the past few weeks is the question of truck safety in the City of Calgary. This was brought to light by tragic incident of the death of a young lady due to the presence of debris on the road. The debris was actually a break pad which had fallen from a truck, and then was launched into her vehicle after another truck ran over the pad.

The unfortunate aspect of this incident is that it could have been avoided. Although the province has a higher rate of trucks who fail inspection, trucks that fail inspection in Alberta are allowed to continue to operate on the road. I believe that if a truck fails inspection, it should be immediately taken of the road. It is a hazard to not only to the truck but, as this incident has shown, to other motorist as well.

In June, I also attended an event which highlighted the need for a new housing Seniors Housing Complex in Calgary McCall. The complex is desperately needed for these areas; let me assure you that I will be bringing this matter before the Alberta Liberal Caucus over the summer and we as a caucus will pursue the matter.

I am also monitoring the economic situation. While it does look as though the worst of the economic storm is over, there are still some troubling signs. The housing markets, the rising debt and deficits throughout many different jurisdictions.

The Airport Tunnel also appears to be back on the agenda. A number of mayoral candidates and civic aldermanic candidates are supporting the tunnel. I am certain with this support the Calgary Airport Authority and the provincial government will have no other choice but to support the Airport Tunnel.

I will also be door knocking this summer. I am looking forward to dropping by your homes.

If you have any comments or concerns about this issue, or any other issue or if you require assistance with Immigration, WCB matter or any other matter please contact my office at 403-216-5424 or email us Calgary.McCall@assembly.ab.ca.

Sincerely,

Darshan S. Kang, MLA
Calgary McCall