The CAMROSE BOOSTER, May 6, 2014 – Page 11
Ellen Parker looks ing forward to NDP leadership race By Dan Jensen
Ellen Parker is looking forward to the race for the leadership of the New Democratic Party of Alberta that was triggered last week when Brian Mason announced he would be stepping down Oct. 19.
Ellen Parker
“It will be exciting, I think, to have people step ahead and say yeah, I am willing to take on a greater role,” said Parker, who is secretary of the Wetaskiwin-Camrose NDP Association and a member of the party’s women’s council. “It will be exciting time as all leadership races are.” Mason believes it is time for a new leader to tackle the changing political landscape and lead the party into the next election. “The PCs won the last election with promises meant to appeal to prog ressively-m i nded Albertans,” said Mason in a statement April 29. “Their broken promises from that election have left many of their voters feeling betrayed and led to the collapse of their public support. And now, many Albertans are looking to the Wildrose as an alternative. But much like the PCs before the last election, the Wildrose is now pretending to be a moderate and socially progressive political party. However, there are hundreds of thousands of Albertans able to see through this deception who are looking for a new political home.” Parker believes that Mason, who represents the riding of Edmonton Highlands-Norwood, will stay involved with the NDP. “I can see him mentoring people just as he was mentored in the past by Raj Pannu and Ray Martin,” said Parker. “At one time we had three leaders in the legislature – the two former leaders as well as Mason – and we
had this wonderful rotation of leaders supporting each other, carrying on and offering their experience. I have no doubt that Brian will continue to do that with whoever takes over as the next leader. I can’t imagine him retiring outright. He is such a livewire and such a jubilant force. I see it as more of a change of role than a loss in any way.” Parker feels the time is right for a change in Alberta’s political scene. “It can only be healthy for any region to have new leadership and new parties in power,” said Parker. “We have four generations of kids who have gone through high school and never seen anyone but the PCs form government. I don’t think that is healthy. I go back to my childhood in B.C. When you have a new government, a new party come in, you get a spread of ideas and a mixture, and I think it renews everybody, including all the parties. I think it is very helpful for parties to be in government but also to be in opposition where they can practice strengthening their roots and do community service to understand what the needs are of those they represent.” Parker doesn’t see herself being involved in any upcoming federal of provincial elections. “I will continue to support people provincially and I would love to mentor new candidates but I really need to concentrate on taking care of family affairs and draw closer to home for a little while,” she said. “I know Bruce Hinckley is very involved with the Wetaskiwin-Camrose constituency NDP and I hope he will put his name forward again.” Mason, who squared off in a debate with Wildrose leader Danielle Smith in a debate at Augustana last fall, said a leadership race and a new leader are the best means to attract new people to the party. “The Alberta New Democratic Party is the only party in the province that can attract those voters disappointed with the PCs’ broken promises and has the political, organizational and financial capacity to make gains in the next election. We have a proven track record of standing up to the PCs and we’re ready to take on the Wildrose as well.”
This May, DONATE $2 and get your RED ball or puck
Your donation helps Camrose area kids get in the game.
92
KIDS�HELPED LAST YEAR
355 SINCE 2005
Donate today at your local Canadian Tire
6703 48th Avenue, Camrose jumpstart.canadiantire.ca Canadian Tire Jumpstart
@CTJumpstart
Congratulations
CTJS3342_5.6875x6.125_EN_M.indd 42
14-04-21 11:45 AM
JSE14-Camrose –
Docket: 157306
Camrose Booster
Ammabel Bocalan
Winner of a 50” Sony Bravia HDTV
Thank You
to all our clients for entering our draw, and for trusting us with your tax returns and bookkeeping needs. Payroll and Bookkeeping Services Available
780-679-2286 5014-50 Street, Camrose
Remember to wash your hands! By Murray Green
Monday May 5 was STOP! Clean Your Hands Day. This was a national event to remind people to wash their hands. Covenant Health St. Mary’s Hospital Camrose initiated a hand hygiene program in 2011. There are signs posted and hand sanitizer dispensers around the hospital
encouraging staff, patients and visitors to hand wash before going into a room and to wash their hands after leaving a room, all in an effort to reduce the spread of germs. That practice needs to be carried throughout the community. “Think of all of the surfaces that you come into contact with everyday like
cell phones, computer keyboards, bank machines and grocery carts,” said Catherine Turn, clinical safety coordinator at St. Mary’s. “Now, think of how many other people have touched those same surfaces. Remember, clean your hands to stay healthy, prevent the spread of germs and protect the ones you love.”