Thursday 21 November 2019

Letter to my MLA re: Bill 22

Ms Miranda Rosin (UCP)
MLA for Banff-Kananaskis

503C Legislature Building
10800-97 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5K 2B6

November 21, 2019

Ms Rosin,

I am writing to you as a constituent, residing in the riding of Banff-Kananaskis, where I have lived for 11 years. Since it is your duty to represent your constituents, it is only fair to let you know my feelings on a piece of legislation that I feel is extremely detrimental to Albertans.

Bill 22 is an omnibus bill that rolls several different topics into one large and difficult to read document. The UCP government is rushing this legislation through.

This unseemly haste appears to be an effort to suspend ongoing investigations by the current election commissioner before the commissioner has an opportunity to report to the legislature. There does not appear to be any cost-savings of a magnitude to warrant the change. Therefore, it seems to the public like a blatant attempt to interfere with and possibly shut down the investigation into UCP alleged wrong-doing.

In addition, Bill 22 dissolves Alberta Sport Connection which provides funding and support for groups such as Special Olympics Alberta, and the Alberta Schools Athletics Association. Also, Bill 22 disestablishes the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation which supports museums in the province, such as the Glenbow Museum. Both sports and culture generate revenue. Undermining these entities seems woefully short-sighted.

Furthermore, Bill 22 will arbitrarily take Alberta teachers' pensions away from the financial manager the teachers chose and place this money with AIMCO, an arms-length provincial funds manager. AIMCO was pulled out of Finance in 2007 and has operated independently since. But legislation made it independent, and legislation could roll it back under the control of the Minister of Finance just as easily. Many teachers and other Albertans are now wondering why we should trust the UCP to not, some time in the future, take control over AIMCO and its (our) assets. Especially when the UCP government seems to be simultaneously derailing an investigation into its own activities.

As your constituent, I urge you, my elected representative in the Alberta Legislature, in the strongest terms, to reject Bill 22. The Bill should be broken into its various parts and each should receive a fulsome discussion and debate. Late-night rushed sessions with time closure do nothing to inspire confidence. 

First reading was November 18, second reading passed on November 20, and third reading was to have been today, but was adjourned. Why the haste? In four days from the first anyone heard of the bill to nearing royal assent? That seems far too short a time for members to even fully read and digest the contents of such a lengthy and complex bill, let alone consult with constituents and familiarise themselves with the broader picture.

Please vote no in the third reading, so this bill can be unpacked and more closely examined. To pass this bill without reasonable time for consideration and debate would be a demonstration of party over province. Have you read the entire Bill 22 and do you understand all of it and its ramifications? Would you be able to explain it to others? To represent a riding is more than just voting the way your party leader tells you to vote. You owe it to your constituents to know what you are voting for, and how it will affect the lives of your constituents. It is your responsibility.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,


Dr. Norlaine Thomas

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