Doug's Blog

On Crossing the Floor

Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to clarify for anyone who is out there that I am NOT crossing the floor.  It seems there is rampant speculation amongst speculators (likely the same ones that unbalanced the stock market over a year ago) that I might be crossing the floor.  I am NOT.  There, now that is clarified, I have a few more comments.

First, the Fiscal Four (a name chosen by the media, not by us), which then grew into Eight and is now down to Six, has three objectives.  We are committed to pushing for a long term fiscal framework that solidifies sound spending and savings policies in order to ensure the next budget surplus are managed in preperation for the next fiscal downturn.  The long term fiscal framework that we have been advocating for is not about managing this economic downturn, but about preparing for the next one appropriately.  Yes, there will be a next one.  Included in that fiscal framework about spending and savings there has also got to be a serious in depth review of appropriate revenue (not just about getting more because we may indeed get too much) and that must include a review of taxation levels and systems of taxation.

The second objective is to drive a reduction in the amount of rules and regulations, often referred to as red tape, that encumber business AND the volunteer sector as they try to grow, produce jobs, and improve Albertan's quality of life.  Many different business organizations have pointed to the remarkable growth in the number of regulations that they face in Alberta and how we have grown to be one of the most 'red-taped' jurisdictions in the nation.  Many volunteer organizations have given me clear evidence as to the rules and regulations that slow them down and tie their hands, and that is unexceptable given the dependancy we all have on the effectiveness of our voluntary organizations and the services they provide.  We speak of volunteer burnout all the time around the province, and perhaps reducing the hoops volunteers constantly have to jump through in order to help people will reduce the likelihood of burnout.

The third objective is to ensure that programs are regularly reviewed by outside independant persons who will investigate the effeciency and effectiveness of our programs, and ask questions about whether the program is necessary, if it is still serving its purpose, and if it is serving its mandate.  We had a program review done before but the majority of the review, done by those who run the programs, generally said that everything is just perfect.  In a jurisdiction where we spend more money per capita than any other place in the nation it is a little bewildering that every dollar spent by the government is perfectly efficient and effective in its delivery, and that not one program is obselete, misses its objectives, misses its purpose, or poorly serves its clientele. 

Those are the three objectives of the group of six.  The focus remains to ask questions in the Legislative Assembly around these three issues.  The purpose is to ensure our questions are tough but respectful.  The intent is to ensure we don't try to outdo the opposition parties who constantly, and often hypocritically, call for more spending AND for more savings at the same time.  All three of those objectives are conservative based.  None of them are outside the realm of progressive conservative policy.  The Premier has spoke in support of those objectives, and we are determined to give him a hand and keep he and his cabinet colleagues focused.  We had a few members who were unsure of our purpose, but once it was explained to them, not one person objected, and most told me that they thought it was a good idea.

That is it.  There is nowhere in there that talks about the members leaving the PC caucus.  Now I know people like to speculate, but I am clarifying right now, that Heather Forsyth and Rob Anderson's decision to leave the caucus is their's and their's alone, and is not part of what the group was created for and determined to do.  Any speculation about myself or the other members is nothing more than wasted energy on an exercise in speculation.

There are two other things you need to know. 

First, the fact that I, and 67 others have chose not to leave caucus does not mean that eveyone thinks things are just roses and honey.  We have all seen the polls, we have all talked to constituents and recognize there is lots of room for improvement.  The Premier recognized that himself at the convention when he promised change.  I, and likely you, if you are reading this, are interested to see what sort of changes the Premier has in mind, and when they will come into effect.  It is unfortunate that Rob and Heather did not wait to see what would unfold in the next couple of months, but that is their perogative and leads me to my last point . . .

Second, it doesn't matter to me whether an MLA choses to sit as a ND, a Liberal, a PC, a Wildrose, or an Independant.  Everyone single elected person at every level sticks their neck out and puts their names and integrity on the line to try and build a better province.  They all, from every party, face criticism that is unwarranted and unjust everyday.  If an MLA goes against what the public feels should be done they are criticized for not listening to the people, but if they always do what the majority calls for they are criticized as having no principles or backbone.  Being in politics is often a no win game.   I treat everyone of the other 82 MLAs with respect and dignity for what they put up with, how hard they work, and the fact they put their family name and their personal reputation on the line to make the province better.  I assume they all have the best interests of their fellow Albertans at heart, and it has been demonstrated time and again that they do.  It is perfectly fair and appropriate to disagree with a politicians choices and votes.  What is sad is when people personally attact politicians and criticize their intentions and motives as being corrupt and selfish. Rob and Heather will not get a rough ride from me, and I suspect they won't from any of the other MLAs who understand that they will have to live with the consequences of their decisions, just like the rest of us. 

I respect them for their bravery and boldness, just as I respect the bravery and boldness of those who stay in a party that the media seems to be writing off . . . actually I was referring to the Liberals, but I respect the bravery of colleagues, myself include, who stay in the PC party and continue to work for success, I respect those two who stand as ND's and I also respect the Independant in the room.  I hope you show them all a little respect as well.