Perhaps the greatest strength of our democracy is that it guarantees us an opportunity for a fresh start at semi-regular intervals. While new governments are saddled with the consequences of previous mistakes, there is always hope for something better..In the wake of former Premier Kenney’s failed leadership here in Alberta, our provincial government has a chance to turn the page. However, if history teaches us anything, it’s that there is no institution in our society more resistant to change than government. True, lasting change always starts with the grassroots..That’s what makes MLAs so important..In our system, unelected bureaucrats, unions, corporations and foreign interests all have multiple ways to influence public policy. But to be heard at the highest levels, most Albertans are forced to rely solely on their locally elected representative..The first priority of good MLAs must be to put the concerns of local families and communities first. As my father used to say, “The good Lord gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason.” To be effective, MLAs must start by truly listening to their constituents, and then honestly reflecting their views inside and outside the Legislature..In 11 years serving as an MLA, I never met a constituent demanding that government create more corporate welfare schemes, award more lucrative contracts to political insider or do more to drive up consumer prices. However, I met thousands of people who want smaller government, more transparency and accountability, and lower consumer prices..Clearly, government isn’t listening..Since taking office in 2019, the UCP government has seen fit to increase total spending by $12 billion dollars annually above NDP levels, with further increases budgeted over the next three years. Meanwhile the provincial government has sought to institutionalize corporate welfare through the use of crown corporations, designed to minimize public transparency and accountability. As for consumer prices, Trudeau’s carbon tax and Alberta’s industrial carbon tax are both driving up the price of everything Albertans purchase.. Drew Barnes croppedDrew Barnes .My challenge to Alberta’s MLAs is clear: Go home and listen to your constituents. They know what is needed. If our province is ever to achieve its full potential, we need to get back to the small government, free market fundamentals that made Alberta strong and free in the first place..Yes, change of this sort will never appeal to the vested interests and government insiders who benefit and profit from the status quo. So what? Our province doesn’t belong to them. Alberta belongs to Albertans..The grassroots are speaking. Whether change is possible comes down to one question: Who is listening?.Until the last Alberta election, Drew Barnes represented the constituency of Cypress-Medicine hat.
