Accept warm and sincere greetings from Alberta’s third city, the lovely city of Red Deer, on this week of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Election is on in Alberta. What are you up to? Planning to vote or going with the usual line of, “I don’t like politics”. “Nothing will change”. “Politicians can not be trusted”. “bla bla bla”.
James could help fight for change but chose to look the other way because he was fine
James worked for the Alberta Government for 30 years. He retired last year with a handsome pension and benefits. He was a success and lived the Canadian dream in all its glory. James hated anyone who talked of racism and discrimination because to him, they are lazy complaining agitators. You know what, when his son Peter graduated from the University with a top score, he struggled with a mountain of student loan to find a job. James’ situation moved from bad to worst when his cousin Nic, a Medical Doctor came to Canada and struggled in a healthcare survival job for ever. It is apparent that James built a a good life for himself but could not build the same for his son because he was too comfortable to see the plight of others in a situation that anyone can be in. He could help fight for change but chose to look the other way because he was fine. My dear, life only gives you what you put in.
Which parent will pick racism and discrimination for their kids over anti-racism efforts?
Well, what ever your position is, I must say it is fair as you must have seen a fair share of all of those attributes and have a good reason to distance yourself from politics. The bad news is, anybody who will get elected that will not fight for you will not only affect your life today, but their decisions will affect your children, and your children’s children. How can you spare a vote and cast your kids into a life of perpetual misery? Which parent will pick racism and discrimination for their kids over anti-racism efforts? You’d better cast a vote and change the future of your kids, the ones you came to Canada to give a better life to, the ones that you work very very hard every day to make sure their future is bright. I know you want the best for your kids like every parent, right?
“which of the Alberta political parties is good for our communities?”
Ladies and gentlemen, the hard work does not end in just coming to Canada and building a descent life, well if you have even been able to. It continues with getting involved in decision making processes with the most important ones being elections. I’m so impressed that so many of you keep asking me the question, “which of the Alberta political parties is good for our communities?”. This tells me that people are waking up to the realization that they have to get involved and have the power to change the future for the good of their children and children’s children who are Canadians, who are here to stay, and who know no other country except Canada.
Before I respond to the question of which party is good for you, I must first say this, do not just get involved by yourself. Change is greater when it is shared. Ever better, change is empowering and uplifting when you have your fingerprints on it. So let’s do it. Invite your partner, your friend, a colleague, a neighbour, a fellow church member, community members, and everyone you know. No one will come from another planet and change the future for your kids. You and only you can do it with just an investment of hours.
Now let me dive into the question of who is on your side in this very important Alberta Election. The UCP has put out most of their proposals already but not much yet from NDP and the Alberta Party. So we will be sending a survey to all the parties on the key issues that matter to you such that they can respond for you to see next Friday.
The topics that we shall be asking will include: jobs, recognition of foreign credentials and hiring of foreign trained professionals; education, racism and inclusion everywhere in Alberta; childcare; grants to non profits and universities; systemic discrimination at all levels; seniors care; our youths overburden with a mountain of student debt, lack of identity and jobs; and health care. If there is anything I’m missing, please let me know as you always do.
The very fact that the major parties are talking about foreign trained professionals and credentials on the campaign trail means that we can widen our scope and include other issues like the mountain of student debt that your kids come out of university with, with no guarantee of a job. Can we do better as a province and save our young people a mountain to climb at the start of life, rather than a hill to descend? I guess we do! Now get out there and get involved. Get interested. Ask questions. Support those who are fighting for your issues, and let the future of your kids be bright!
