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Ready to cast aside political stripe and vote for a party that will solve problems

I realize that columns at this time of year usually reflect happy thoughts about the Christmas season, but I’m not in a happy mood at the moment.

I realize that columns at this time of year usually reflect happy thoughts about the Christmas season, but I’m not in a happy mood at the moment.

In fact, I’m downright furious – furious about how the federal government is exacting its “revenge” on Alberta, courtesy of the idiotic policies of the current prime minister in Ottawa.

Ask Canadian oil executives where they are investing money, and you’ll get a one word answer: “America.”

Ask them why they aren’t investing in Canada, and you’ll be told: “we can’t put up with all the regulations and reviews – it’s taking forever to get even minor projects approved.”

People go where they are made to feel welcome, and business in general does not feel welcome in Canada. (Just as I was writing this column, General Motors announced it is closing all of its operations in Oshawa, Ont. – a facility first opened more than 100 years ago. Another 3,000 jobs lost – thanks again, Justin!).

On the provincial scene, there is a lot of “noise” about an upcoming provincial election.

For me, I’m not focused on the traditional issues, rather, I’m looking for a provincial party that will take the steps necessary to solve Alberta’s problems, or is willing to threaten separation if these steps cannot be taken.

Alberta’s economy is not in good shape, and with the mountain of debt that the NDP has taken on, there’s little hope of the economy improving any time soon.

In fact, most forecasters are predicting two tough years (or more) for Alberta.

When I talk about taking the necessary steps, here’s an example: Why not take a stand against B.C. product flowing across our province?

If B.C. won’t approve Alberta oil flowing to the coast, then we need to revoke permission for B.C. to ship – by rail or by truck – all its production and foreign imports across our province.

Secondly, Alberta is no longer a “have” province, so why doesn’t our government start demanding that Alberta start receiving transfer payments?

For years, Alberta sent billions to the east, now it’s time for the east to start sending the billions back.

Or maybe we should just quit trying to negotiate with other provincial governments and the federal government, and start talking directly to our neighbouring U.S. states.

I think we would find that these states welcome foreign capital and investment, and shipping oil across their lands would be put in place quickly.

Justin Trudeau’s socialist dream for Canada is turning our nation into the northern version of Venezuela.

His hatred of Western Canada in general, and Alberta specifically, is well known.

Alberta needs to fight back, and we need provincial leaders willing to stand up for Alberta and Albertans.

For me, the party label no longer matters – I’m going to support any candidate who promises to say and do what is necessary to help Alberta solve its problems. One word of caution to candidates: I am far more interested in the “doing” part than I am in the “saying” part.

Brian McLeod is a St. Albert resident.


 

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