Voters looking for substance not sizzle
Posted Apr 10, 2012 7:37 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Alberta election campaign might be more than two weeks old, but most of the attention has been on things like the positioning of tires on the Wildrose bus or an assault at the door step.
Some political analysts believe Thursday night’s televised leader’s debate will be the deciding factor for a number of voters as to who will get their “X” on April 23rd.
Politicians are running out of time to get their message out, but most of the parties have rolled the majority of their platform policies covering things from accountability to health care.
While stumping in Calgary, NDP leader Brian Mason issued a warning about the health care policies of both the PC and Wildrose parties saying they would open the door to two-tiered medicine in the province.
The Wildrose would guarantee wait times for key medical procedures, while allowing a mix of public and private services.
The Tories would expand family care clinics with leader Alison Redford looking to fast track patient evaluation in the E.R.
Alberta Liberal Leader Raj Sherman believes the cure for health care starts with expanding both home and seniors care, believing that would free up more hospital beds.
The Alberta Party is pushing to shift the focus of health care from treatment to prevention.
On Education, the Tories have rolled out the most expensive promise committing $2.4-billion to build 50 new schools while renovating 70 others.
Wildrose leader Danielle Smith isn’t promising more money for schools, but says she would give local school boards more control over decision making.
The Liberals would boost funding for both ESC and ESL programs while ending school fees and eliminating university tuition.
The NDP promises to cap the cost of child care programs while offering tuition and tax relief to post secondary students.
Political analysts recommend voters put a few minutes aside and do their homework by visiting the websites of the various political parties for a complete rundown on their platforms and policies.
