MLAs receive shadow tasks
Barnes, Pedersen assigned government areas to critique
GILLIAN SLADE
gslade@medicinehatnews.com Twitter: GillianNews
Medicine Hat's Wildrose MLAs were assigned the areas of government they will be responsible for critiquing at a special information session in Edmonton on Tuesday.
Cypress Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes will be responsible for Infrastructure and Transportation and Medicine Hat MLA Blake Pedersen for Arts, Culture and Community Services.
"I am very pleased with Infrastructure and Transportation," said Barnes. It means I can hold the government's feet to the fire regarding the Dunmore Road overpass and the hospital expansion," said Barnes. "The government has spent $38 billion since 2006, which is the most per capita of all the provinces. We're spending the most and whether we are getting value for that will be part of my job."
Barnes has already talked to the necessary individuals to arrange for a tour of the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital expansion to see for himself what has been accomplished to date.
"I am not sure yet when that will take place," said Barnes.
Pedersen says he feels he is well suited to the position as critic for Arts, Culture and Community Services.
"Medicine Hat is rich in culture, heritage and the arts," said Pedersen. "Sometimes this aspect is neglected and it is very important particularly in attracting people like doctors and lawyers to a region."
Pedersen says he's loved music all his life, enjoyed a period as a drummer when growing up, has enjoyed meeting those involved in the arts in Medicine Hat and is looking forward to promoting Arts, Culture and Community Services.
Details regarding where the Medicine Hat constituency office will be located is still under consideration.
"I've heard people express concern about parking issues where Rob Renner's office was located and people have said they want better access so I am taking all of that into consideration and should make a decision soon," said Pedersen. "I want to have an inviting front to the office."
During the next
couple weeks Barnes will be establishing not just one but possibly two
constituency offices in the Cypress Medicine Hat Riding.
"Due to the geographically large riding there is additional funding for this riding perhaps making it possible to have two constituency offices," said Barnes.
Wildrose leader Danielle Smith said the official opposition will work towards balanced budgets, saving for the future, fixing the broken public health care system, supporting families and seniors, and improving democracy, accountability and ethics in government.
"While we will not needlessly oppose the Redford PCs, we intend to use our role as official opposition to ensure that Albertans' voices are clearly heard in the Alberta Legislature," Smith said in a press release.
A date for an official swearing in ceremony for MLAs has not been announced yet, by Premier Alison Redford, but is expected to take place on May 15.
Barnes and Pedersen mingled in Edmonton with a total of 39 new MLAs who were learning the ropes and are expected back in the constituency late on Thursday.
GILLIAN SLADE
gslade@medicinehatnews.com Twitter: GillianNews
Medicine Hat's Wildrose MLAs were assigned the areas of government they will be responsible for critiquing at a special information session in Edmonton on Tuesday.
Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes
Cypress Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes will be responsible for Infrastructure and Transportation and Medicine Hat MLA Blake Pedersen for Arts, Culture and Community Services.
"I am very pleased with Infrastructure and Transportation," said Barnes. It means I can hold the government's feet to the fire regarding the Dunmore Road overpass and the hospital expansion," said Barnes. "The government has spent $38 billion since 2006, which is the most per capita of all the provinces. We're spending the most and whether we are getting value for that will be part of my job."
Barnes has already talked to the necessary individuals to arrange for a tour of the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital expansion to see for himself what has been accomplished to date.
"I am not sure yet when that will take place," said Barnes.
Pedersen says he feels he is well suited to the position as critic for Arts, Culture and Community Services.
"Medicine Hat is rich in culture, heritage and the arts," said Pedersen. "Sometimes this aspect is neglected and it is very important particularly in attracting people like doctors and lawyers to a region."
Pedersen says he's loved music all his life, enjoyed a period as a drummer when growing up, has enjoyed meeting those involved in the arts in Medicine Hat and is looking forward to promoting Arts, Culture and Community Services.
Details regarding where the Medicine Hat constituency office will be located is still under consideration.
"I've heard people express concern about parking issues where Rob Renner's office was located and people have said they want better access so I am taking all of that into consideration and should make a decision soon," said Pedersen. "I want to have an inviting front to the office."
Medicine Hat MLA Blake Pedersen
"Due to the geographically large riding there is additional funding for this riding perhaps making it possible to have two constituency offices," said Barnes.
Wildrose leader Danielle Smith said the official opposition will work towards balanced budgets, saving for the future, fixing the broken public health care system, supporting families and seniors, and improving democracy, accountability and ethics in government.
"While we will not needlessly oppose the Redford PCs, we intend to use our role as official opposition to ensure that Albertans' voices are clearly heard in the Alberta Legislature," Smith said in a press release.
A date for an official swearing in ceremony for MLAs has not been announced yet, by Premier Alison Redford, but is expected to take place on May 15.
Barnes and Pedersen mingled in Edmonton with a total of 39 new MLAs who were learning the ropes and are expected back in the constituency late on Thursday.
These men are new at the job and these people who have been in this game for along time will bite the new guys in the ass. Politics is about being the biggest meanest guys in the valley. Take no prisoners mind set. With Gods help we can take our rightful place at the table. Bar None
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