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Boy has this ever hit some backlash out of the gate!
Partisanship is a problem. The party politic apparatus that creates an environment that is only focused on winning is a problem.
In Alberta, these are not problems of the NDP's making, however.
#ableg https://twitter.com/Next30AB/status/1326926422045151232
Partisanship is a problem. The party politic apparatus that creates an environment that is only focused on winning is a problem.
In Alberta, these are not problems of the NDP's making, however.
#ableg https://twitter.com/Next30AB/status/1326926422045151232
I'm a member of the NDP, and maybe I'm oblivious to, or maybe it's the partisan in me that leads me to think this way.
I haven't seen @RachelNotley handing out ear plugs during debates. That was @jkenney. I have seen the NDP beg the UCP to listen and engage with stakeholders.
I haven't seen @RachelNotley handing out ear plugs during debates. That was @jkenney. I have seen the NDP beg the UCP to listen and engage with stakeholders.
I've seen paper trails of members of the NDP (Hey @pancholi_rakhi!) asking to provide input on important policies, policies based on research from incredible experts. And I've seen that blatantly disregarded.
Only one side of that is a partisan act.
Only one side of that is a partisan act.
I've watched as 'Issues Managers' have lambasted members of the NDP (hey @JanisIrwin!) for thinking that diverging viewpoints belong in the classroom, and that these discussions can take place in a constructive manner.
Again... Only one side of that seems partisan to me.
Again... Only one side of that seems partisan to me.
When it comes to healthcare, I've watched as members of the NDP (hey @DShepYEG!) have advocated for the government to adopt measures requested by community business associations for clear guidelines on further pandemic restrictions. To have them ignored.
That's not partisan.
That's not partisan.
When people in Alberta start to disengage from political discussions and just want to discuss ideas because of how partisan that environment is... I think it's an expression of how frustrated people might be with the UCP, with ideology over evidence-based decision making.
I've been engaged in politics since I was 13. My local youth parliament changed their rules so that I was allowed to participate (I was too young). I've never joined a political party, I never wanted to be painted with that partisan stain.
I did join the NDP, and I joined because I saw a group of people that were just as tired of ideological shenanigans, tired of 20th century thinking in a 21st century environment. I saw a group that wanted to see this province and all its resources developed responsibly.
And for those frustrated by this sentiment... Of wanting to discuss the future, and of wanting to talk about how to best shape Alberta going forward...
I know there are fights we NEED to be fighting right now. There is irreparable damage being done to Alberta as we speak.
I know there are fights we NEED to be fighting right now. There is irreparable damage being done to Alberta as we speak.
The tragic mistreatment of our most vulnerable - those who require AISH funding, and additional aid in schools, the closing of SCS and rehabilitation centres. Providing the supports that people need to succeed or even just get by... This shouldn't be a 'partisan' issue.
We can fight these fights, and we will. We will not win every one, but we know that we have had some small victories.
It's hard, and I know I'm tired. It has only been a year and half, and I know how many times I've been at my breaking point. I know I'm not alone.
It's hard, and I know I'm tired. It has only been a year and half, and I know how many times I've been at my breaking point. I know I'm not alone.
If we want to stop having to fight every day there's one thing that really needs to change, and we can't do that until 2023.
Until then, every day we need to be working toward that goal - to reaching out and engaging with people that care about Alberta's future as much as we do.
Until then, every day we need to be working toward that goal - to reaching out and engaging with people that care about Alberta's future as much as we do.
