What Matters to You – To APP Critics: How Do You Know?
Read the Alberta Pension Plan published report, so we don't have to pay for advertising to have you read it Link here: www.albertapensionplan.ca Main takeaways: The CPP rules and framework of the fund have a provision of giving notice, not seeking permission We have the option of just using the same management firm, but they would report to Alberta rather...
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What Matters to You – Energy Transition: One size does not fit all
I am writing this week’s column as I sit at a desk in my hotel room at 12:33 AM in the city of Essen, Germany. I was brought here three days ago as a guest of the German Government through the Trans-Atlantic Climate Bridge, a member of the Energy Sub Committee for the Confederation of State Governments. Two fellow MLAs...
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What Matters to You – Harvest, Thanksgiving & Direct Communications
Right now, there isn’t a corner of the province where the crop is not being pulled off the field—God willing the weather holds. At the time of me putting pen to paper, the province has pulled 79 per cent off the fields. Let us all do our part to make sure it is a safe and successful harvest. Be patient...
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What Matters to You – Contrast and Comparison
It has been quite eventful the past couple of weeks for Alberta and for our fancy-sock-wearing federal government prime minister. He and his woke, shut-down-the-energy-sector, Kool-Aid-drinking cabinet ministers have been on an embarrassing and reputationally damaging runway. For those offended by this statement, skip the rest of this column because your feelings are in for a rough ride.Alberta and Saskatchewan...
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What Matters to You – Alberta’s economy is strong and resilient, and the world is noticing!
Three major International Rating Agencies have improved their outlook on Alberta since the beginning of 2023 On September 14, 2023, the international credit rating agency DBRS Limited (DBRS Morningstar) upgraded the Issuer Rating and Long-Term Debt rating of the Province of Alberta to AA from AA (low) and upgraded the Short-Term Debt rating to R-1 (high) from R-1 (middle). Concurrently,...
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What Matters to You – Speaking Up is Standing Up
When the former Finance Minister recently introduced me to an audience as a “man who doesn’t spook easy,” he talked about how I engaged, took on the tough jobs, and wasn’t afraid to stand my ground or stand up for others. I appreciated the introduction, and those who have known me for a while said he was on point with...
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What Matters to You – The Highs and Lows
No matter who you talk to, there are always the “highs & lows.” It’s just the way of life, just the way it goes, it seems. The folks that I admire the most are those who can capitalize on the highs and learn from the lows. Mathew McConaughey wrote a book called “Green Lights,” I have yet to read it...
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What Matters to You – The Sky’s the Limit – Alberta’s Premier Impressions of 2023 Villeneuve Airshow
There is something about seeing the impossible happen that is simply inspiring. Seeing an object that is obviously heavier than air, capable of traveling faster than the speed of sound, flying overhead, twisting and turning near a thunderous roar is inspiring. We obviously are not made to fly on our own, but we were given the ability to solve problems...
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What Matters to You – Updates from Home and Abroad
It has been a while since I have had time to put pen to paper for this weekly article, like many of you I’m sure, something always seems to come up. However, based on the feedback I’ve received from you the reader, out and about as it were in the various communities, I’m going to make sure I pencil in...
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What Matters to You – Back In The Saddle Again
I want to thank you for taking the time to read this little article. Truth be told, it’s because of you that I am back in the saddle again as the MLA of Lac Ste Anne - Parkland and we have a conservative government in office. This little paper gives me a chance for us to connect as the reader...
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What Matters to You – Tying-up Loose Ends and Looking Back
When it comes to tying up loose ends and looking back on what has been accomplished thus far, I’m full steam ahead with bringing my major projects to a state where I can let them go on their own in good faith for the next couple of months.The Economic Corridor This file is in decent shape, and there are department...
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What Matters to You – How about that?! The signing of a historical MOU!
Alberta's Dream: Overcome the Landlock For many years, as it turns out, I have shared a common dream with many of my fellow Albertans, along with all those hardworking folks calling the west part of our country home. That dream was to be able to join our provinces and territories through common links utilizing linear infrastructure to facilitate economic growth....
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What Matters to You – Easter, Families and Chocolate
A Christian of Faith Being a Christian, two times of the year are of great significance: Christmas and Easter. Depending on your denomination or personal feelings, one can have greater importance than the other. A savior is born, or the savior dies for our sins and rises again. Either way, these miracles have significant meaning to those of the Christian...
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What Matters to You – The Why
Learning New Things I took a course on dental practice management from the Sauder School of Business out at UBC a while back. I had some downtime, my wife was flat out in her practice, so I headed out to Vancouver to take a course that was not in my field. However, several items applied to my own business, and...
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What Matters to You – That’s All She Wrote
Moving closer I’ll have to ask your indulgence on this one, as I’m a little more than reflective today, as it could very well be the last time I speak in the house as the MLA for Lac Ste Anne Parkland. The last 3.8 years have flown past, and I was warned they would, but in the thick of things,...
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What Matters to You – The Heart of the Community: Our Local Schools Are Special Places Worth Saving
Small Rural Schools Growing up, I went to a small rural school with just over 350 students from kindergarten to grade 12. The school had an elementary section and a Jr./Sr. High section. There was a renovation when I was in Grade 6, and what stood out the most to me was the new gymnasium. I knew if I worked...
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What Matters to You – Are You Effective?
The Right Question Recently on a school tour in Wabamun, one of the students asked me if, as the MLA, “have you been effective?” As someone who, I’m convinced, has management in her future, she was absolutely on point. With some honest reflection, I told her that yes, I believe I have been an effective MLA. I feel this way...
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What Matters to You – Tall Tales and the Truth
Next Elections To kick off this week’s edition of What Matters to You, I’m happy to announce that this past Sunday, I was acclaimed as the UCP candidate for the constituency of Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland. Many thanks to the support of the party members and for the faith that you have put in me to run as your candidate in...
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Grass Roots Engagement & Out of the Mouths of Babes
Land Use Bylaw Amendments Given the recent level of local attention to land use bylaws, urban planning, federal and provincial policies, jurisdictional overlaps, economic impacts, and the upcoming election season, I thought I’d take the time to cover a few items this week as a bit of an update, or an explanation of sorts. The key item, I believe, with...
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What Matters to You – The Little Things
Thankful to my staff! Oftentimes we do things or perform work that can profoundly impact others that no one will ever know about or realize. My office staff ♡ do this daily: fielding calls, working on case files, and chasing items that fall through the cracks in the system. There are several items that, as the MLA, I’m able to...
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