The real danger I see if this Party idea goes ahead is in the wording of other parts of the Bill. Somewhere in there I have read that the "Government of Alberta" (L.G in Council A.K.A. CABINET) will be able to fire coucillors and the entire council or School Board/any government body if they show any diversion from the Government Policies. of the day. That is the exact opposite of what any intelligent person would want. They are already putting in approval necessities for Federal/Municipal/Institutional agreements and grants. We all know much of this could be undone following the TBA being voted out of office, but it would not be easy and do we want that for the nest three years?
It seems the 'purpose' of this legislation is a bit 'fuzzy' and lacks an honest description - or at least a transparent purpose. But, trust has been a missing element with this Smith government. Very concerning. Authoritarian control seems to be the chosen pathway. It's not clear our past democratic system has ever dealt with this type of power grab previously? Do we have the tools?
Has it been made clear *how* the local parties will be organized, legally speaking? Do they register with Elections Alberta under the same rules and restrictions as provincial parties? Who gets to say which candidates can declare what party affiliation?
If three different candidates claim they are affiliated with the same party, who gets to verify? Or is it a free-for-all
Part of the issue revolves around the definition of "party". Is TBA a "party"? Apparently not under the existing provincial legislation (Elections Act), yet they are on record as seeking to take over municipal councils and school boards. While I am personally opposed to the concept of party politics in municipal governance, I would very much like to know if any of the candidates contesting in my Ward are affiliated with TBA.
The real danger I see if this Party idea goes ahead is in the wording of other parts of the Bill. Somewhere in there I have read that the "Government of Alberta" (L.G in Council A.K.A. CABINET) will be able to fire coucillors and the entire council or School Board/any government body if they show any diversion from the Government Policies. of the day. That is the exact opposite of what any intelligent person would want. They are already putting in approval necessities for Federal/Municipal/Institutional agreements and grants. We all know much of this could be undone following the TBA being voted out of office, but it would not be easy and do we want that for the nest three years?
It seems the 'purpose' of this legislation is a bit 'fuzzy' and lacks an honest description - or at least a transparent purpose. But, trust has been a missing element with this Smith government. Very concerning. Authoritarian control seems to be the chosen pathway. It's not clear our past democratic system has ever dealt with this type of power grab previously? Do we have the tools?
Has it been made clear *how* the local parties will be organized, legally speaking? Do they register with Elections Alberta under the same rules and restrictions as provincial parties? Who gets to say which candidates can declare what party affiliation?
If three different candidates claim they are affiliated with the same party, who gets to verify? Or is it a free-for-all
Part of the issue revolves around the definition of "party". Is TBA a "party"? Apparently not under the existing provincial legislation (Elections Act), yet they are on record as seeking to take over municipal councils and school boards. While I am personally opposed to the concept of party politics in municipal governance, I would very much like to know if any of the candidates contesting in my Ward are affiliated with TBA.