Have Albertans Given the Stelmach Government a Free Ride? (Part 1)

Only 41% of registered voters actually voted in Alberta’s last general election in March this year – an historical low for the province. But they gave the Stelmach government a massive majority of 86 percent of the seats at the Legislature. It’s mandate, however, came from less than one-quarter of the electorate. Low turnout at the polls is symptomatic of a serious lack of commitment by the electorate. Voter apathy may have been helped by years of domination of Conservative governments and a perceived lack of viable alternatives. Paul Hinman, leader of the Wildrose Alliance, Brian Mason, leader of the Alberta NDP and Bridget Pastoor, deputy leader of the Alberta Liberal opposition have already provided their take on the subject. Now it’s the turn of the governing party’s MLA for Lethbridge-West, Greg Weadick. If informed public debate is the lifeblood of democracy, has the time come to consider reforming our political process? How can we ensure that issues of concern to Albertans are subjected to rigorous debate at the Legislature before they become the law of the land? Speaker: Greg Weadick MLA Greg Weadick was elected to his first term as MLA for Lethbridge-West on March 3, 2008. In addition to his role as MLA, Mr. Weadick is chair of the Cabinet Policy Committee on the Economy and a member of the Special Standing Committee on Member Services and the Standing Committee on the Economy. A graduate of the University of Lethbridge, Mr. Weadick began his career as a certified irrigation design consultant. He is a small business owner in Lethbridge and a longtime supporter of the local Chamber of Commerce. Beginning in 1991, Greg Weadick served nine years on Lethbridge City Council. As a member of council he served on provincial task forces on police funding and air transportation. He has served on numerous city committees, is a committed Rotarian and was the founding president of the Lethbridge Youth Foundation and 5th on 5th Youth Services.