Dunvegan – Central Peace candidates faced questions from voters in an all-candidates forum in Falher on Feb. 20 with (from left) Hector Goudreau (Progressive Conservative), Nathan Macklin (New Democratic Party), Dale Lueken (Wildrose Alliance), and Bob Woken (Liberal) taking centre stage.

Candidates vying for the position of MLA in Dunvegan-Central Peace laid all their political cards on the table at last Wednesday’s all-candidates forum in Falher. About 90 residents from throughout the region converged at Club Alouette for the event, hosted by Falher and Area Chamber of Commerce. Smoky River Regional Economic Development Officer Greg Radstaak served as the moderator. All candidates (including incumbent MLA Hector Goudreau, Alberta New Democratic Party representative Nathan Macklin, Wildrose Alliance candidate Dale Leuken and Alberta Liberal Party hopeful Bob Woken) were formally introduced by Radstaak prior to being given a five-minute window of opportunity to present their political campaign platforms to residents. Speaking first was Woken, who touched base on the importance of focusing on the promotion of a research and development program to address alternative power sources. “This program will also cover a large number of agricultural programs, all designed to take some of our agriculture power away from the multi-nationals and put it back where it belongs – with enterprising growers and thinkers,” Woken says. He also discussed the Liberal Party’s intent to renew the use of additional agricultural offices in the province, many of which were closed by the Progressive Conservative government. “Yes, the old-fashioned agricultural offices with local staff are part of our plan,” said Woken, who also voiced his support to re-regulate electricity. Another item of focus he touched base on was the Heritage Trust Fund and a Liberal plan which would involve using money to make money. “Alberta cannot forever fund itself by using oil to make money. We need to make our money grow because oil will not.” Speaking second was Macklin, who said he was pleased as a candidate to provide voters with a viable option for the kind of change that he believes most Albertans want. “Albertans want change that sees ordinary families, instead of rich oil and gas companies, benefit from our energy resources,” he said in his opening comments. “Change that protects public safety instead of simply acting as a rubber stamp for industry and change that is committed to keeping Alberta nuclear-free.” “Nuclear energy is not safe, clean or competitive with renewable energy or conservation practices,” he explained, adding that securing a prosperous future means looking beyond fossil fuels towards a green energy plan including solar, wind and geo-thermal alternatives. He said Alberta’s NDP supports organizations which would work hand-in-hand with farmers to put the brakes on predatory market pricing involving input and transportation costs. “The corporations dominating the agriculture industry have been making record profits while farmers continue to struggle. We must support organizations that provide market power to farmers such as The Canadian Wheat Board and farmer-owned co-ops. Macklin, who expressed a deep desire to represent the region as the agriculture critic if elected, also eluded to plans by his party to put an end to “taxpayer-funded corporate welfare” while ensuring that all financial assistance goes directly to the farmers. Next was Goudreau, who thanked his supporters prior to announcing his own aspirations. “Over the past seven years you have given me your confidence and support, allowing me to voice your concerns in the Alberta Legislature.” “Unlike Mr. Macklin, however, I don’t aspire to be the agricultural critic. I aspire to be the agricultural minister of the future.” Goudreau went on to talk about the strengths of the province and the challenges which lay ahead for government. “Alberta is a province which has experienced tremendous growth and with this growth comes challenges in infrastructure, health and social services. We also face challenges to balance resource extraction and environmental concerns and challenges to ensure that young Albertans have accessible, affordable education.” He said that under the leadership of Premier Ed Stelmach, the Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta is taking steps to manage Alberta’s growth while balancing competing demand. “With an eye for long-term planning, as a team we are creating an economic environment that encourages new business opportunities, while introducing tough, but achievable environmental standards.” On the issue of nuclear power, Goudreau said the government is in the process of establishing an expert panel to examine the pros and cons surrounding the use of nuclear power. “This panel will engage in a very comprehensive and objective research into the use of nuclear power with a focus on Alberta.” “The panel will not provide recommendations either for or against the use of nuclear power, but rather help lay the foundation for an informed and meaningful discussion with you as Albertans while providing us with the research needed to make a future decision on this issue.” Rounding out the candidates was Lueken, who made his intentions as the next MLA in Dunvegan-Central Peace, and his party’s plans, crystal clear. “I’ve never been the type of person to back down from a challenge and that’s why I’m here speaking to you tonight as the Wildrose Alliance candidate,” Lueken said. He said one of his most pressing priorities as MLA would be to push for an immediate downsizing of the government body, shrinking the number of ministers in the legislature by one-third. “We all know that the amount of over-management within our provincial government has a direct correlation to the over-spending of our tax dollars.” Leuken also spoke about the lack of current government accountability. “When we talk about our government, the big question that arises is in relation to accountability. Accountability needs to be reinstated in our government system. It is not alright for government to think they answer to no one and that they have a free ride for four years after being elected,” he explained. The Alliance hopeful said there is an immediate need to address urbanization before rural Alberta disappears, adding that one way of achieving that is by making it easier for innovation and ambition in the form of small business ideas to become reality. “We need to take down the walls and barriers that are holding us back and start building bridges to help people realize their dreams.” On the issue of tax reform, Leuken said one way to help rural Alberta prosper is through the Alliance’s plan for rural tax credits. “We would like to implement a tax system that allows 10 to 20 per cent of the region’s income tax dollars to come back to that specific region. “Coupled with our rural tax program we would also apply the fair share program, a program designed to ensure that the wealth of the region – or a portion of that comes back to the region.” In regard to the use of nuclear power, he had this to say. “Nuclear power cannot be allowed to “muscle” its way into our economy. In my opinion, nuclear power should be the last consideration as a viable alternative for power generation.” The focus of the forum then shifted to a question-and-answer period which focussed on everything from nuclear power, to post-secondary education costs, health care and the need for improved railway transportation services to effectively market agricultural products.