The freedom Canadians enjoy came at a cost, a cost that is often overlooked. Many young Canadians paid the ultimate price so that you have the ability to choose who acts in your best interests, in the different levels of government that ultimately affect your life directly. Many view their ability to vote as a right rather than the duty and responsibility we owe to those that fought for us to have this great privilege.
In the next year, many serious political decisions have to be made by Albertans. These are decisions that will best be made from a point of knowledge rather than emotion and self-interest. Going forward, we are faced with a very rough road that is paved with poor legislation and ill-advised policies, at the hands of the current NDP government.
The role we all play in a democracy is as important as the roles we play in life. Some feel that their vote doesn’t matter and that it won’t make a bit of difference; nothing could be further from the truth! Your vote is only part of the equation that is merely the final act of a process. The process begins with educating yourself on the issues that matter to the larger picture that you are a part of.
Your opinion does matter and you need to express it! It has been my goal from the beginning of my first term in office to make myself available to the people I swore to represent. That still stands today, if you have a political issue you feel strongly about please do not hesitate to reach out to me through my campaign manager Lorne (403) 819-4170, regardless of your political affiliation.
The decisions we make or don’t make today can have long-lasting and sometimes profound consequences for all of us. Statistics reveal that the decision to take part in our democratic process is often taken for granted. In Alberta’s last provincial election 53 per cent of those eligible voted, meaning that 47 per cent did not participate in a decision that directly affects their everyday life¹.
The United Conservative party has opened the nomination contest in the Drumheller Stettler riding. This is part of the democratic process that decides which candidate will represent the party in the next provincial election. The nomination is yet another way that you can be a part of the democratic process that decides the direction Alberta will go.
The decision to partake in yet another nomination was made without hesitation. The constituents of Drumheller Stettler have invested 6 years in my political education; it’s time for me to put that education to good use on your behalf. The road will be rough but I hope to make it just a little bit smoother by drawing on my experience to help get Alberta back the advantage we once had.
In past columns, I have talked about consequences, some intended, some unintended. It’s important that when we vote we consider that what we do often has consequences that go far into the future and may extend beyond our time. It’s a serious responsibility.