Premier and ministers meet with City council
City council met with Premier Alison Redford and a number of her ministers to discuss issues of importance in Airdrie, Jan. 25.
“We spoke about how we can work together to better our community,” said Mayor Peter Brown. “We had an open and honest and frank dialogue.”
Brown and his council spoke with Redford; Deputy Premier Doug Horner; Minister of Energy Ted Morton; Minister of Municipal Affairs Doug Griffiths; Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation Jack Hayden; Minister of Finance Ron Liepert and Minister of Service Alberta Manmeet Bhullar during a dinner meeting at City Hall.
Brown said the group spoke about 24-hour health care in Airdrie, education, Municipal Sustainability Initiative funds, overpasses, and sharing costs for multifunctional infrastructure.
“What we are envisioning is a school that isn’t just open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. but is used for community events, sports, post secondary and other functions so it is open until 11 p.m.,” he said.
“What I got from the premier was that they want to work more closely with municipalities, especially when it comes to dealing with growth. I am really optimistic for the future. I think the Province is very aware of Airdrie and our needs.”
Hayden said Airdrie is an amazing community and a hub of agriculture.
“Growing up in Calgary, Airdrie was one of my party spots,” he said.
“In my travels around the world, I have seen how fortunate we are. People are dealing with real problems of global recession and our biggest problem is growth. The best way for us to manage it is to get input from people like you.”
Airdrie has a huge potential for tourism, he added.
“The events in Airdrie fit right into the Travel Alberta campaign,” he said.
Alderman Allan Hunter said he was happy to hear the premier commit to getting the Minister of Health and Wellness Fred Horne in contact with Airdrie Regional Health Care Physician Attraction and Retention Committee.
“It can only be good when we are working with them with the same goal,” said Hunter.
The committee is made up of about 20 residents, local politicians, local doctors and other members with the goal of creating 24-hour health care in Airdrie.
Horner said it is important for the ministers to sit down and chat with local leaders about what is important in their region.
“We are invested in education, health care and infrastructure and all these things will help the province grow,” he said.
“I learn things from events like this and I think that is what Albertans want.”
Alderman Murray Buchanan said he thought it was a very productive meeting.
“The premier did a very good job answering our questions and it has been very positive,” he said.
“We were given answers about education and the level of funding we might expect in the future.”
Alderman Fred Burley agreed.
“We were able to express our concerns and they listened,” he said.
“It’s always good for the different levels of government to work together to get results.”
Alderman Ron Chapman said he was impressed with the premier.
“She was very personable and easy to talk to,” he said.
“It was a pleasure to meet with her.”
Liepert, Griffiths and Hayden stayed with council after the meeting and met with a small group of Airdrie citizens and local community organizations.
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