"Speak the speech I gave thee trippingly on the tongue"

Ah yes - a little of the Bard never hurt anyone! This is the speech that I delivered during our All Candidates Forum on February 26, 2008. Many thanks to the wonderful Doug McKeag.


Thank you to the Strathcona Community Association for the invitation to participate in this community forum tonight.

The fantastic turnount tells me that democracy is alive and well in Calgary-West! It's time to make sure that democracy is alive and well in Edmonton!


The energy that I am feeling from you tonight is very similar to what I've been feeling the past couple of weeks as I've talked to people on their doorsteps. I have been treated very respectfully and I've been asked some really deep questions from people who are finding that their overall quality of life is deteriorating. The things that we used to be able to count on are falling apart. You are wondering why you can't trust your medical system to be there for you, why our schools are scraping by on bake sales and fundraisers...well, these are really good questions. Basically, you are asking me if there is a better way to get things done. You are telling me: it's time.


Alberta is a very rich province that is entering it's golden age. Right now, we have our chance to build the Alberta of the next 25 years. Every one of you has a list of about 9 or 10 things that you think could be improved. I know because you are telling me. Well, let's start to think about the province we want. Get the province we want. Help to build the communities that we want to live in.


Folks, it's time. Time to demand schools that are excellent for our children. Schools that offer inspirational programs in all areas, including arts, culture and sport. Schools that are freshly painted and well maintained. Schools that don't have leaky roofs. It's time to demand an education system that is enthused and excited about education.


It's time. Time to demand the health care that you deserve and that you need, when you need it. Health care that is compassionate, timely and efficient. A health care system that respects the people who work in it - our nurses, our doctors and our technicians. 12 hour waits in emergency rooms - not good enough. 2 year waits for hip replacements - not good enough. It's time to demand a health care system that isn't in a constant state of emergency.


Folks, it's time. Time to demand accountable government. You are telling me, on your streets and in your neighbourhoods that you are ready for a change. You want new ideas and new voices in the legislature. You want your government to work more than 45 days a year. You want a government that explains the decisions it makes, on YOUR behalf. Just like how you plan your own lives, you want a government that plans for the present and the future.


When your government is accountable, the right decisions are made at the right time. Schools are built where you need them, when you need them. Hospitals are not torn down, they are built where you need them, when you need them. And, in an accountable government, complex decisions like oil and gas royalities are discussed in a transparent and intelligent manner.


So: if you could change things, what would you change?


I'm listening. Tell me about it. You know what's going on, right where you live. You know the changes you need.


This is the commitment of the Alberta Liberal's and this is my personal commitmenet to you: to bring the government back to the people.


Let's remember something here - this is YOUR government. If your government is not listening to you, well, make the first change. Elect someone who will listen to you. March 3 is your chance for change. Let's get together. Let's make things better. It's time.


Thank you.

Fresh flowers from a friend on a chilly minus 35 evening defrosted my body and my heart. I am deeply touched by the outpouring of support and affection from my friends in Calgary.

We have been out door knocking, jumping into the cars to warm our toes and back out onto the sidewalks talking to the good folks of Calgary-West. We are getting good response and many positive "shout outs" of "good for you" and "good luck".

Great times - simply great!

En Pointe

Play the "post parade" my friends because the election writ has been dropped and we are off to the races! I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support and encouragement from folks all over the city, the province, the country and heck..even a few Democrats from south of the border.

We open our campaign office on Saturday, February 9 and if you are in Calgary, please drop in and help out. The address is 3411 17th Ave SW.

My best friend in the whole universe, Cynthia, recently gave me a coffee mug with the following:

risk more than others think is safe

care more than others think is wise

dream more than others think is practical

expect more than others think is possible

Right on! We are social innovators. Hear your own calling. Be still and watch the patterns emerging all around you. Then, find your way into the pattern to make a change. Or, as my friend Frost would say, "Reach - you feel me?".

Frost gave me a hiphop name a few years ago. It's Trax. In my journey, I manifest my name. It's like that great poem by TS Eliot, "The Naming of Cats".....the ineffable sound of your very own name.

Be well, my friends.

Circle Game

It's official! I am the nominated candidate for the Alberta Liberals in Calgary-West. On Wednesday, January 16 the official nomination meeting was held, and true to form, I delivered a rousing speech written for a 1,000 seat packed auditorium to a cozy room of 5o ardent supporters. Good times!! We start hitting the hockey rinks, bus stops, grocery stores, gas stations and houses next weekend. We have a Winnebago as our portable campaign HQ which will feature big signs "Vote Beth Gignac Alberta Liberals - It's All About You".

And, it is true. The community is always the expert. People know what is required for their neighbourhoods, children, families, schools and economy. And, the Alberta Liberals have consulted with Albertans and have developed a solid, creative, modern plan for the present and the future. It is fiscally and socially responsible.

If you are interested in learning more about Kevin Taft and the Alberta Liberals plan for our great province please visit our website at http://www.albertaliberal.com/


In the meantime, if you would like to join my campaign team, drive that Winnebago, get our signs on lawns or help with doorknocking, just respond on this page and we will get in touch with you.

Hope all is well in your world - it sure is fun in mine!

Calgary Peleton Project

Flex and ride! This is a photo from the 07 MS Ride wearing our team Spidey jersey. Now, the team was two strong - Stavros and I - and we had a great time!

This year, I've been invited to join an inspirational group of people to ride in support of Wellspring Calgary. This adventure will take us from Calgary to Philadelphia. Yup. Cool, huh?

If you know someone who is in treatment for cancer, please look for a Wellspring in your area. You can find out about ours by going to http://www.wellspringcalgary.ca/ The programs and staff are wonderful. I've had a very close friend attend many programs at Wellspring Oakville and can attest to the invaluable support the centre provided to her during her healing process.

Of course, this is a fundraising event and each of the 30 members of our team must raise 10K - 5K in corporate sponsorship and 5K in donations. The unique thing is that 100% of your donations go directly to fund programming at Wellspring! Check out our event and goals by heading to http://www.cancervive.ca/

My training started last night. The ride goes something like this: there are 6 teams of 5 riders. Each team rides for approx 100km per shift. The shifts operate back to back and the ride should take 12 days to complete. On arrival in Philly, we will be participating with the Lance Armstrong Foundation in a major event.

If you find yourself getting excited by this story and you would like to volunteer, we will need drivers of our support vehicles! Yup - you could drive across the country on a soft seat!! Think about it - have an adventure of your own and maybe next year you will want to ride the bike too.......never say never.

It's a Dog's Life

Yup - life in the fast lane sure can make you sleepy! Hailey, the Executive Dog, has returned to rule her household in sunny Calgary. Of course, all that air transport is exhausting so a full day of rest and relaxation was required.

However, she is back in fine form today with plenty of running, jumping and barking at squirrels. Soon enough, the "H Bomb" will be joining me in our campaign trailer or running with me through the beautiful parks in Calgary-West. I will share my learnings - both personal and professional - with you on this site. Keep surfin!

The Freshness - Rumi

When it's cold and raining,

you are more beautiful.

And the snow brings me

even closer to your lips

The inner secret, that which was never born,

you are that freshness, and I am with you now.

I can't explain the goings,

or the comings. You enter suddenly,

and I am nowhere again.

Inside the majesty.

Paradox

As Marvin Gaye would sing, "ain't it peculiar, peculiar as can be". Suddenly, you find yourself at home in a strange place and that strange place is right inside you. Kinda like the moral of my favourite movie, "The Wizard of Oz". Now, if only I can get shoes like that to wear with my leather jacket....hmmmm....there really would be no place like home!

Evidently, the cosmos have been brewing a special mix for 2008 cuz I am gonna be some kinda busy! First up will be the Provincial election in Alberta, Canada. I am proudly representing the Alberta Liberals in Calgary-West. I strongly believe that Alberta must become more transparent in its government and thereby become more accountable to the people.

It is vitally important for Albertans to become fully engaged in the wonderful democracy that makes our country strong. And, it is equally important for Canada to have a strong and engaged Alberta.

With great wealth comes great responsibility. Wealth in human and natural resources. Wealth in free speech and religious practice. Wealth in health and education.

Good enough is not good enough. Canadians and Albertans must demand excellence and expect excellence from all levels of government.