Turning the Ship of Government Around? (Part 1)

Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Since the dramatic election results of May 5th swept the NDP into power after the 44-year long reign of the Progressive Conservative Party, there have been a multitude of changes in the government and in Alberta. The NDP brought in political financing changes, announced the protection of the Castle area, and restored funding to education and health, among many other things. But for some, who have waited their whole life to see this government change, change has been slow. Turning the ship of government is taking time, the speaker will argue, because there is just so much to change and some things are very hard to change. With an eye to the last six months, and an emphasis on the 2015 Budget, the speaker will argue that the changes brought by the NDP government are monumental because they reflect a wholesale shift in the reasoning utilized for decisions. The NDP are taking a new approach to government and the speaker will discuss how that new approach is reflected in the budget documents and in decisions reached over the last six months. Speaker: Honourable Shannon Phillips MLA Shannon Phillips was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Lethbridge-West, on May 5, 2015. On May 24, 2015, Ms. Phillips was sworn in to cabinet as Minister of Environment and Parks and as Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. She also serves as Deputy Government House Leader. Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Ms. Phillips worked with the Alberta Federation of Labour as a policy analyst for five years. Ms. Phillips received a bachelor of arts with honours in political science in 1999 and in 2002 she completed her master of arts, both at the University of Alberta. Moderator: Mike Spencer Date: Thursday, November 12, 2015 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (lower level of the Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea at the presentation)