During a time when so many politicians seem to be reluctant to say what's right in favour of what's popular, Alberta Party Leader Greg Clark might just be among the few exceptions.
"All options should be on the table" to return to prosperity, he recently announced.
Alberta is on an unsustainable fiscal path that risks the province's future, and bold action is required to get back on track, he said.
"We can no longer afford to avoid difficult conversations or to rule anything out, even if it's politically unpopular."
The NDP government's path does not strike a balance, and the result has been a cycle of perpetual deficits and unsustainable debt. But on the other side of that token, the Wildrose direction devastates public services and shifts the financial deficit to a human and infrastructure deficit, he said.
"I think there's a better path, but to get there we need to consider all options and most importantly, ask Albertans what they think along the way."
Some of his ideas include but are not limited to the following: constraining government spending without cutting frontline services; freeze public sector wages; continue strong capital investment with priority on projects that can be deployed quickly; a revenue-neutral carbon tax through cuts to personal, corporate and small business tax; and to evaluate revenue options that provide stable funding to core public services in good times and bad.
A strong economy, efficient government, clean environment as well as innovative education and health-care systems are within our grasp, he said.
"We can continue to have a world-leading energy industry while also taking a step into the next economy."
Despite all the fear mongering, embracing that "next" economy ó which is likely a reference to a more diversified energy industry that is not so overwhelmingly dependent on the volatile fluctuations of the fossil fuel boom-bust cycle ó is crucial.
"All of this is possible if we're willing to think differently. It's time for Albertans to do what we've always done: ask difficult questions and not be afraid of the answers."
What's popular is not always right. Altogether too many politicians seem to be beating the populist drum in a desperate appeal to either the far left or far right.
So it's refreshing to hear a leader like Clark, who is apparently willing to propose politically unpopular solutions to return the province to a prosperous path, attempt to find common ground.
However, we doubt he'll venture so far as to suggest a provincial sales tax!
ó Simon Ducatel, editor
