Alberta Politics, Budgets and Pipelines – the Alberta Party Perspective (Part 1)

The Alberta Party is a political movement dedicated to transforming government through citizen engagement. Instead of representing a particular segment of the traditional political spectrum, the Alberta Party seeks out the best ideas regardless of whether they are perceived to be from the left or the right. As a result, they are attracting thousands of Albertans from all regions, urban and rural, of all ideological backgrounds including those who have never been involved in a political party. Traditional parties arguably focus on what divides Albertans. The Alberta Party focusses on the common ground that unites them so they can build a stronger economy and society for all. Many Albertan worry about public spending, deficits and a growing debt. Does balancing the books in Alberta hinge on building pipelines to tidewater or are there other ways to achieve that goal? Are the present provincial Government’s budget predictions unrealistic? The speaker will articulate his and the Alberta Party views on deficits, pipelines, economic development and Alberta politics. Speaker: Stephen Mandel Stephen Mandel has been leader of the Alberta party since February 27, 2018. He is an experienced political leader, business person and community volunteer. Before entering public service, he built and ran a successful business. As President of the Mandel Group, he led the company’s activities in residential and commercial real estate development and construction. Stephen served as Edmonton’s mayor from 2004 to 2013. During this time, he positioned Edmonton for the future by building new infrastructure, renewing older neighbourhoods, and spurring investment in the city. Stephen worked collaboratively with council, other orders of government, the social sector, and businesses to get things done. He led initiatives to fast-track LRT expansion, road improvements, and the construction of new libraries and community recreation facilities and helped to bring billions of dollars of new development into Edmonton’s downtown. Organizing efforts to address homelessness and community safety, expand seniors housing, and promote engagement with multicultural communities was also dear to Stephen and under his leadership, the Capital Region’s 25 municipalities united for the first time under a common growth management plan. He served as a Progressive Conservative MLA for Edmonton-Whitemud from 2014-2015 and was appointed Minister of Health on September 15, 2014. Moderator: Michelle Day Date: Thursday, May 24, 2018 Time: Doors open 11:30 am, Presentation 12 noon, buffet lunch 12:30 pm, Q&A 1 – 1:30 pm Location: Royal Canadian Legion (north door) 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. S. Lethbridge Cost: $14 buffet lunch with desert & coffee/tea/juice or $2 coffee/tea/juice. RSVP not required