The spring sitting of the Alberta Legislature was originally scheduled to last until this week, but the Tories pulled the plug in April, months early. While Tories are working the BBQ circuit, we’re still following the issues. This is one of the last questions we would have asked as the spring session came to a close: 

The Premier has talked about accountable and transparent government since 2006, but this administration’s actions fail to live up to the Premier’s rhetoric. Once again, Albertans with concerns about development in the industrial heartland have been spied on – and to make matters worse, armed security guards provided by the province were present until a public outcry forced the Solicitor General to withdraw them this morning.

To the Premier:
1) Can the Premier explain how the presence of armed sheriffs fostered democratic participation and dialogue in Strathcona County? Doesn’t the presence of provincially-provided armed guards give the province the appearance of endorsing the corporate position on the issue?

2) Can the Solicitor General offer definite proof that the ERCB or Alberta Sheriffs didn’t provide an undercover presence at public hearings in Fort Saskatchewan?

3) Mr. Speaker, the Official Opposition has called repeatedly for an independent Utilities Consumer Advocate to investigate this kind of corporate misconduct. When will you take steps to put the public interest ahead of private profits?

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