By David Schneider

End of Session 2017 Fall Session

Dec 20, 2017 | 9:45 AM

COALDALE –  2017’s Fall Session of the Alberta Legislature started on October 30th.  Session ended on December 13th.  34 Bills were passed, but not all have received Royal Assent yet. 

Like any session of the Provincial Legislature…it had its ups and downs.  This session showed that the Government wasn’t prepared to legislate.  Since the fall session began, the NDP adjourned debate early 11 times in the first ten days.  They then introduced five bills, which totaled more than 565 pages, in the last seven days. The NDP had little to no legislation at the beginning of the session, but successfully rammed significant bills with hundreds of pages in new laws through the Assembly in the last few days.

The UCP caucus had serious concerns about the level of consultation and public engagement conducted by the NDP on these bills.  Particularly Bill 32, which will have a major impact on how elections are conducted in Alberta.  The fact that the NDP didn’t see fit to contact Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer before introducing these changes shows just how unready they are. We had hoped this government would do the right thing and send Bill 32 for further study to a standing committee of the Legislature. Unfortunately, the NDP chose to rush this important legislation through without thorough study and consideration.

We also dealt with an Appropriation Bill, an Act to Control and Regulate Cannabis, An Act to Reduce Cannabis and Alcohol Impaired Driving, An Act to Protect the Health and Well-being of Working Albertans, A Better Deal for Consumers and Businesses Act and the Electoral Divisions Act. 

The NDP also took great delight in trying to create a narrative about the leader of the Official Opposition for the 6 week sitting.  The fact is that no matter what questions were asked in the house this fall, or what speech the Government was giving while filibustering their own Bills in order to buy time for Legislation to be written, a lot of their dialogue was centered on personal attacks, exaggerations and a smear operation.  The result was that answers to perfectly legitimate questions during Question Period were cut short because of those attacks.  It was disappointing for the Official Opposition and Albertans.

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However, the job of an MLA goes on.  I attended the Malloy Drainage Project Phase 2A grand opening on December 8th in Coaldale.  This is a collaboration between Lethbridge County, the Saint Mary Irrigation District, the Town of Coaldale and the Alberta Government to tackle storm water drainage issues in Town. 

I also got to ride in the old fire truck in the Coaldale Christmas Parade of Lights.  Every kid loves being around a fire truck, and I’m no exception.

And I was invited by the Coaldale and District Emergency Services to present several service awards to members.  It is always nice to recognize those that put themselves in harm’s way for the rest of us.

My office donated turkeys and hams to the food banks in the riding again this year.  If there is any way that folks can help the food banks I encourage it as there is an increased need again this year. 

This time of year is a time of reflection and a time for family.  I want to wish all constituents of Little Bow a very happy and prosperous New Year.