I was disappointed to read Amanda Stephenson’s editorial from July 13, entitled Failure of leadership.
For the past four years I’ve witnessed the way Premier Ed Stelmach dedicates his days, evenings, and weekends to help make life better for Albertans. But, even with the best of intentions he can’t be everywhere all the time.
The storms happened as the premier was leaving for his family vacation overseas. Even so, Premier Stelmach was among the first on the phone to me after the storms, asking about my constituents, sharing his concern and expressing his commitment to helping you rebuild your homes, businesses and communities as quickly as possible. And we kept in touch with the premier while he was away as he wanted to be updated on the situation.
Within hours of the storms, ministers and government officials were on site, touring the flooded areas to see the damage, and to get a sense of what needed to be done. I felt it was important for the ministers to see the extent of the area this event affected. I saw firsthand the devastating impact these storms had on southern Albertans and have spoken to people who have lost everything.
Our government worked hard to develop a disaster recovery program, the likes of which this province has never seen. On July 6, Treasury Board met to discuss the assistance package and Premier Stelmach called a special cabinet meeting to approve the funding for what has become the largest Disaster Recovery Program (DRP) we have ever issued. The premier was instrumental in ensuring the $200 million, 2010 Southern Alberta DRP, would be up and running as soon as possible to get help to those who need it most. In addition, the province is supporting producers with $300 million in aid for lost cropland.
I understand this has been a stressful time for our community and I admire the courage and determination with which people have carried on. Be assured that Premier Stelmach, the Alberta government and I understand the loss you’ve experienced and are working to ensure you get the tools and the funding you need to rebuild your lives.
Len Mitzel
Medicine Hat
(The writer is PC MLA for Cypress -Medicine Hat.)
To read all the commentary published in today's newspaper, go to http://online.medicinehatnews.com or http://archives.cedrom-sni.com
Len Mitzel, Rob Renner (and this Premiere) along with many County Officials were overwhelmed with the flooding and incompetent in their response - and I'm being more than generous in stating that FACT. The Health and Safety of our fellow SE Albertans continues to be at risk and has NOT BEEN ADDRESSED ADEQUATELY. Many people are facing being homeless for the foreseeable future, being exposed to environmental risks (barrels of farm chemicals which were washed away are seeping into the ground water just metres from several homes) and raw sewage (or the more "gentle term" which the Premier's Communications fellow used in my conversation with him yesterday "brown water") is still in the basements of many. Inspectors and adjusters have not been out to the majority of places (according to Irvine residents). Amanda was not being "inaccurate" or "unfair" she was speaking the TRUTH!
The treasury board met July 6 the flood happened June 18 They should have been meeting at least by June 19th. If any business had a crisis they sure would not have waited 2 to 3 weeks to discuss doing anything the problem would have been looked at right away. Even BP with there oil spill tried to act right away. They at least made an attempt however unsuccesfull to fix the problem. I hope after the next election Len that you and your buddy can see have fast the government reacts when you are both standing in the unemployment line