NEWS FILE PHOTO
Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes listens to a question during his Town Hall event in November 2019.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
You have an opportunity to provide feedback to the provincial government’s Fair Deal Panel in Medicine Hat on Jan. 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
The event takes place in the auditorium at the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede grounds, 2055 – 21th Avenue SE.
The Fair Deal Panel is consulting Albertans on how best to define and secure a fair deal for Alberta and how to advance our vital economic interests, such as building energy pipelines. You’re encouraged to attend a local town hall sessions to share your vision of how Alberta can achieve a fairer deal. The public feedback will be used to inform the panel’s recommendations to the Government of Alberta.
MLA Cypress-Medicine Hat Drew Barnes, a member of the panel, says there were about 90 members of the public in Fort McMurray this week.
“Fort McMurray has been hit hard by the slowdown because of lack of pipeline egress and non-competitive carbon taxes,” said Barnes. “House prices and building activity have dropped precipitously.”
Barnes says participants made passionate speeches about separation, an Alberta Pension plan, Alberta temporary workers permits and more opportunities for Indigenous Albertans.
“There was considerable frustration, anxiety and a desire for change,” said Barnes. “I hope a big crowd of Medicine Hatters will attend. The future of Alberta, our community and our families is dependent on hearing good ideas and then the Fair Deal Panel and Alberta government listening and leading.”
Barnes says all input from the public will be strongly considered.
“There have been many ideas presented from gaining the level of independence that Quebec has as a province to ending the $630 billion paid by Alberta in federal transfers since 1961,” said Barnes. “I believe Alberta should be the richest, freest place in North America and taking direction from engaged Albertans is one of the first steps. Please be heard.”
Seating is limited at the Medicine Hat event. The Fair Deal Panel website recommends registering to ensure you have a seat.
Doors open at 5 p.m. with the town hall starting promptly at 5:30 pm.
The first public consultation with Alberta’s Fair Deal Panel began in Edmonton on Dec. 3.
The Fair Deal Panel will complete its report to the government by March 31, 2020.
More information on how to participate is available at https://www.alberta.ca/fair-deal-panel.aspx
