Alberta is at a turning point. A collapse in oil prices and a $7 billion deficit have highlighted problems in the way our public finances are run. We have been using energy dollars to pay for our day-to-day expenses. This approach is unpredictable and frankly unsustainable. We need to take immediate action to put Alberta back on track.
My name is Peter DeWit and I am running to become the next MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka. I was born and raised on a farm, and I understand the value of hard work, honesty and persistence. I also know what it takes to build a successful business. My family and I live on an acreage close to Gull Lake. Besides running my own consulting company, I also teach at the Donald School of Business in Red Deer.
Our local constituency needs to be represented within the Alberta Government by a person who understands agriculture and business – someone who can be trusted and someone who can get things done.
This election is about choosing Alberta’s future. Which party has a realistic plan to bring Alberta back on track? Our Premier, Jim Prentice, has laid out a plan that contains five action points.
Cut government waste and focus on the front lines
The PC government has taken immediate action to reduce government expenditures including cutting the salaries of MLAs, selling the government planes and implementing a hiring freeze with the exception of frontline positions. We are also looking to review all agencies, boards and commissions so that we can fix the ones that aren’t working and eliminate the ones that are no longer necessary.
Invest in schools, hospitals and roads
The PC Plan will invest over $15 billion in schools, hospitals and infrastructure over the next five years. Now is not the time to postpone these important and much needed projects. Construction costs are lower now and the increased economic activity will help prevent Alberta from entering a recession.
Protect Alberta jobs
We need to protect Alberta jobs. With many businesses already feeling the squeeze brought on by a drop in oil prices, it is particularly important to preserve as much incentive for businesses to remain open in Alberta as we can. One way the PC Plan achieves this is by maintaining Alberta’s low rate of corporate taxes.
Diversify our economy
Our local economy already has a good mix of industrial, service and agricultural sectors. However, we need to develop new opportunities in the areas of agriculture, energy and environmental technologies in order to become less susceptible to the fluctuations in natural resource revenues.
Double our savings in the Heritage Fund
Alberta’s energy resources are the birthright of all Albertans – present and future. We will invest oil revenues in the Heritage Fund, doubling the size of the fund by 2024-2025. This will ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from our natural resources.
Alberta’s economy is facing some real difficulties, but Jim Prentice and his team have a plan to successfully navigate these challenges. This is why on election day, I’m asking you to vote for me as your next MLA. On May 5, choose Alberta’s future; choose Peter DeWit!
Peter DeWit