Alberta is no stranger to political parties trying to buy
votes. Former Progressive Conservative Premier Ralph Klein once “shared” the
provinces oil revenue with Albertan citizens. This political move increased the
sales of I pods and other consumer electronics across the province.
Once again Albertans could be looking at getting a little
bonus from the government. Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith has promised to
give Albertans a similar energy dividend of about $300. These “Danielle dollars”
are being heavily criticized by other parties, especially the current P.C
government.
Retiring Medicine Hat PC MLA Rob Renner argues that there
are other expenditures that need to be looked after before giving Albertans
cheques. He said, “Until you can actually have the money in the bank, people
are satisfied you have met the needs that are required, then you shouldn’t be
talking about sending them back [cheques].”
Alison Redford, when refereeing to the dividends, said, “it
is another daily announcement that just doesn’t add up.” The Wildrose party
similar to the Progressive conservatives want a balanced budget. However, can the
Wildrose achieve a balanced budget as well as the promised to increase the heritage fund to $200 billion dollars in twenty years? Furthermore, can Wildrose do this while
sharing Alberta’s resource wealth with Albertans by just giving them cheques? Share
your opinion on “Danielle dollars” and the Wildrose pledges.
