Letter to CUPE from Alberta NDP Leader Brian Mason

Dear CUPE members,

Happy New Year, and welcome to a year of change in Alberta.

We’ll face an election within the next few weeks, and I’m excited about the opportunity that lies before us.

Alberta’s NDP is consistently up in the polls at nearly double the support we had last election. We’re consistently placing ahead of the Alberta Liberals. It’s a good time for progressive-minded Albertans.

Albertans want change. Albertans want an end to broken promises and government secrecy, but Alison Redford has already broken her promise to hold a judicial enquiry into allegations of physician intimidation. Albertans want an end to patronage in government, but Alison Redford has appointed Gary Mar to a $265,000 a year position in Hong Kong. Albertans want public health care, but the PC government plans to develop private seniors care and medical clinics. And Albertans want greater fairness for those on fixed incomes, but Alison Redford has removed the cap on what private operators can charge seniors for accommodation.

Alison Redford has broken her promises, and let Albertans down.

Alberta’s NDP stands for real change. We want a government in Alberta that puts you and your family first. We will stand up for public health care, just as we always have. We introduced Bill 208, legislation that would strengthen public health care, and ensure that all Alberta families have access to the care they need.

Alberta’s NDP has campaigned to restore $100 million in funding for our schools. This goal has now been achieved.

Alberta’s NDP supports jobs for Albertans, including our young people. We have opposed the Keystone XL pipeline, because we want to see bitumen upgraded here before being exported to the US and other markets.

Alberta’s NDP wants a fairer Alberta for all of us. If wealthy Albertans and corporations paid their fair share of taxes, we could not only eliminate the deficit, we would not have to lay off teachers and nurses every time the price of oil drops.

By working together we can build a province with prosperity for all, and preserve our beautiful environment for our children and grandchildren.

With the election on the horizon, I invite you to support Alberta’s NDP by donating, volunteering and telling your friends about us. Act today. Visit www.albertandp.ca.

Brian Mason

Leader, Alberta’s NDP