Mr. Speaker, the premier of Alberta mistakenly subscribes to the notion that meetings of provincial premiers are the best means of defining change to our Confederation.
The premier of Alberta calls the premier of Quebec a great Canadian. Why? Because he needs his support to grant federal powers and erode national standards. He does this without consultation, without the consent of any Albertan but himself and perhaps his cabinet.
What about the great Canadians who live and work in Alberta, those who have positive and constructive suggestions for the renewal of our Confederation? Does he value what they think? Does he even ask what they think?
The most powerful message that I have heard from Albertans is that there is a need to be inclusive, to fully involve the people of Alberta. It is their collective wisdom that will build bridges of accommodation and understanding between people, provinces and regions.
Our Edmonton East Unity Roundtables included 300 people. A constituent of mine summed up the sentiments beautifully when he said-