Those of us who call Yellowhead home will be facing a number of serious issues over the coming years, some specific to this region and yet others that weigh in on a national scale, issues that affect all Canadians.
It's easy to break issues down into tiny bites. It's imperative that we always keep the big picture in mind. We all want good jobs, prosperous businesses, access to health care, top-notch educational opportunities and a clean and healthy environment to live, work and play in. We take pride in a democracy that fosters progressive alternatives.
Yellowhead is a riding with a fast developing econmony, a region that has caught the imagination of a great many corporations and investors, many of whom do not have roots in our community. It is appealing to finally be on the global radar and be looking to the future with optimism. It's equally important to ensure that investment and growth in our communities reflects sustainable gains for residents who have built their dreams, families and lives in the riding of Yellowhead. This means measured and thoughtful development, jobs and business opportunities that support economic prosperity, environmental health and quality of life - opportunities that build viable, sustainable futures.
I can tell you what I believe is possible and what I believe is neccessary. I'm not asking you to believe in me, as much as to renew your belief and support of Canada. Canada is more than a collection of trade agreements and social programs. The true spirit of Canada is uniquely shaped by the diverse assortment of people who inhabit it, those whose history stretches back thousands of years and those who have arrived from every corner of the globe. Canada is shaped by our collective hopes, the dreams of our forefathers - a shared belief in a better tomorrow - a future for all Canadians.
I believe we can have it all.
I believe in a fair trade system for our farmers. Retail prices for food continue to increase, while return to farmers continues to shrink. Operating costs have risen substantially, but farmers are hamstrung, bound by a captive market with no ability to recover these losses - no ability to pass it on. The current system of agricultural trade is not a free market. Good agricultural practices represent an excellent renewable return on both our natural resources and human capital. We need a system that puts more money in the pockets of the farmers, one that allows them the ability make a living once again.
I believe in Canada as an energy superpower. Developing this potential does not include writing blank cheques to just any development. It means supporting initiatives that point to the future, rooted in sound economic and environmental policy. The proposed nuclear development in Whitecourt will ignore the needs of the community. We know we need energy sources in the long term. The mountain pine beetle for example, is sweeping Alberta, destroying a potential fuel source and eliminating future employment opportunities for residents of Yellowhead, opportunities that keep families living together and make communities vibrant and viable. While the oil and gas industries hold the promise of economic prosperity over the coming years, we all understand that this fortunate blip is a one-time gift. The 20th century was built on petroleum products. Aside from the fact that we live in a climate of neccessity, there is hardly a item in our houses that hasn’t been manufactured by, or produced from this resource. To continue to thrive and grow, we need to take this opportunity to investigate cleaner, renewable energy sources and we need to halt the effects of global warming. Individuals can only do so much. Government must also take responsibility by implementing regulations that curb emissions and regulate fuel efficiency. This shouldn’t be seen as hostile to the oil industry or our own economic well-being, but as forward-thinking measures that increase the longevity of our resources and buy us the time we need.
I believe in an education system that is affordable and equally accessible. A well-educated work force is necessary to compete in this increasingly global market we find ourselves a part of. Investing in our education system will pay widespread dividends for the future, personally, locally, provincially and nationally. Education investment today helps protect all of our futures.
I believe in a comprehensive plan that respects all seniors. We owe a debt. Many seniors, our family members, find themselves at the mercy of assisted living facilities and we need to ensure they are treated with the dignity and respect that reflects their efforts and their significant contribution to the Canada we know today. Aging is a reality we all share, a reality that must be grounded in equity, not lip service.
I believe in sustainable and accessible public health care. Despite Alberta's prosperity, coupled by back-to-back federal surpluses, we continue to see a dumbing-down of health care services in our region and across Canada. More and more, we see experience privatization of services at the expense of tax-paying citizens. We only have to look as far as our energy bill or our farm communities to see how each and every for-profit hand in the pot, each corporate middleman, costs us more. The truth is, privatization of health care benefits a only a handful of shareholders and corporations, HMOs and insurance companies, but leaves Canadians paying more for those dividends.
I believe tourism is a viable economic generator. To continue to realize opportunities, funding for the tax rebate and for cultural institutions, such as museums must be reinstated. Cultural industries not only paint a picture of the emotional health of our society, but generate big financial rewards - for every dollar that is invested, we see a nine-fold return. That’s impressive. It’s time to take advantage of our healthy currency and make Canada a destination of choice, an opportunity that requires industry and government to work together.
I believe that railway safety is a concern for us all. Not only in Yellow, but across Canada. In this riding Wabamun is still reeling from the 2005 CN train derailment that spilled more than 800,000 litres of pollutants in its lake. The Wabamun accident destroyed fish stocks and habitat, livlihoods, property values and seiously affected the quality of life of its inhabitants. It serves as a reminder of what can happen when corporations put profits before people. It's not beyond the realm of possibility that such a disaster could happen in your community. While it's important to remember that rail transportation serves as an economical, potentially less hazardous method of shipping goods, it is only true if it's done responsibly and safely. With many kilometres of track running in treacherous terrain, the community of Jasper is acutely aware of the hazardous effects a rail disaster might wage on human life and environment.
I believe in a future in balance. Environment, social programs and industry must coexist in harmony, on equal standing. Canadians are blessed by some of the most pristine wilderness in the world, and some of the best resources are within the boundaries of Yellowhead. As stewards, we must ensure this resource stays healthy and viable, for our own use, for the enjoyment of all Canadians and as a global destination.
I believe the communities and residents of Yellowhead need strong, knowledgeable, conscientious and committed representation now. It's important enough to me to stand up, speak loudly and work tirelessly for you, for our future and our Canada - a future in balance.
Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done!
The
issues . . .
I believe
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With appreciation to Maria Dunn
for the use of her song Troublemaker from the CD:
We Were Good People
over the course of the
2008 federal election campaign.
© Maria Dunn 2004
www.mariadunn.com
"Don't let them
tell you it can't
be done!"
or at: Box 1135,
Jasper AB T0E 1E0
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Ken Kuzminski Yellowhead NDP Federal Candidate
© Ken Kuzminski 2007
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