Firearms and freedom, racism and a basic income program
Writing an Alberta Constitution, taking gun control from Ottawa and expanding the Sikh helmet exemption to “objectors” who choose to opt out are all part of the Freedom Conservative Party’s platform for more provincial freedoms
Leader Derek Fildebrandt released the plan Friday. He called for the creation of an Alberta Charter of Rights and Responsibilities that would include rights to property, firearms and self-defence, and a right to self-determination designed to strike down so-called “nanny-state” laws.
“Alberta should be the freest place in the world, and we are committed to giving Alberta a constitution to do this,” he said in a statement.
The FCP plan would also allow reasonable consumption of alcohol in public spaces like parks, reduced censorship powers of Human Rights Commissions, ban photo-radar, allow for reasonable defence against aggressive grizzly bears and expand the Wilderness Carry permit to hunters, hikers and mountain climbers.
LIBERALS PROMISE A BASIC INCOME PILOT
Liberal leader David Khan announced in Calgary Friday his party wants to see a basic income pilot program to assist Albertans living in poverty.
Basic income — set payments provided to low-income individuals regardless of employment status — “is not a handout,” said Khan.
Its cost would be offset by savings in health care, social services and justice, combined with economic growth, according to the party. Khan cited a survey of basic income participants in Ontario, in which 45 per cent of people reported fewer health problems and 28 per cent indicated they stopped relying on food banks.
“Our plan is a hand up.”
He said the party would consult with experts before such a program is implemented.
FORD INTERVIEWED
A former UCP candidate who resigned after private Facebook messages surfaced in which she expressed white nationalist rhetoric appeared on a Calgary radio show Friday morning.
Caylan Ford, who was running in Calgary-Mountain View, spoke with former Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith, who hosts a radio program on 770 CHQR. Ford accused a former acquaintance with ties to the UCP of trying to bring down her campaign.
In the Facebook messages, Ford stated she was “saddened by the demographic replacement of white peoples in their homelands” and suggested that white supremacists face a double-standard compared to other “Islamist” terrorists.
In a subsequent 10-page essay provided to Postmedia, Ford wrote “I don’t hold hateful views. I don’t sympathize with white supremacy, I unequivocally condemn terrorism” and that she was “absolutely gutted to think that this has caused anyone feel hated or unwelcome.”
Smith was criticized on social media for not pushing Ford hard enough during the interview. She said Friday afternoon she’ll address that on her Monday show.