MLA for Drumheller-Settler Rick Strankman has introduced his first private members bill to level the playing field during elections in Alberta.
    However, the governing party promptly rejected it.
     Strankman introduced Bill 203, Election Amendment Act, focusing on restricting government advertising during the election.
    During a by-election in the fall of 2014, then Education Minister Gordon Dirks authorized the addition of modular classrooms for a school shortly before the election was called.  The Alberta Ethics Commissioner acknowledged that he used his office for partisan purposes, but did not violate the province’s legal definition of Conflict of Interest.
    The bill was introduced also Thursday, and then was debated on Monday.
    “It was presented and then we go through the house to hear opinions on whether to support it or not,” said Strankman.
    He was not sure how his bill would be received. He said many of the sitting MLAs had not been elected at the time of the 2014 by-election.
    “I have mixed opinions about it…they are inexperienced and they could play a role in how this is received,” said Strankman.
    This discussion did not go well.  At second reading.
    “It’s confusing that Premier Notley has decided to turn her back on a promise to support legislation banning government announcements during elections,” Strankman said in a press release. “Last election, Albertans said loud and clear they wanted to see politics done differently in this province. The NDP’s decision to kill this bill is baffling and deeply disappointing.”
    He said that Notley had in fact campaigned on making such reforms, citing a website article from December 2014, when the NDP introduced its accountabilities priories, including the ‘Dirks Clause,’ to “fixing the Elections Act to prohibit MLAs from using government resources during elections or by-elections.”
    “This was an easy opportunity to pass a law that all well-meaning legislators support,” Strankman said. “I really thought the NDP could look past partisanship on this one, but apparently not.”

In support of the Alberta Transportation’s Traffic Safety Plan, throughout the month of November, the Drumheller RCMP will be actively conducting enforcement associated to pedestrian safety.
    In 2014, 47.9% of the drivers involved in pedestrian casualty collisions, failed to yield the right of way to the pedestrian. Within Drumheller, this continues to be a community concern. Police wish to remind the public that both the drivers of motor vehicles and pedestrians alike have responsibilities associated to shared usage of our roadways.
    With reduced daylight and the increased likelihood of inclement weather, pedestrians are encouraged to take precautions to increase their safety. This includes wearing clothing that has reflective markings, cross roadways at marked cross walks, activating the signals at crosswalks where lights are involved, extend your arm out in the direction you wish to cross to advise drivers of your intention, pause until you have established eye contact with each driver, then proceed while maintaining a visual of traffic in each direction.
    Additionally, pedestrians are encouraged to remove earbuds of iPods, carry your skateboard and/or walk your bike to give more time to be seen while crossing the road.
    Drivers are reminded to adhere to the posted speed limit in town including playgrounds and school zones. Drivers are also reminded to ensure all equipment including lights and brakes work effectively. All motor vehicles should have good winter tires to give them the best opportunity to stop when needed. As you approach a crosswalk, be diligent to looking out for pedestrians and stop to allow them to cross.
    In addition to enforcement, Drumheller RCMP will be speaking to young people in schools to give them the tools to be more safe while crossing our streets. With Christmas just around the corner, let’s work together to ensure everyone is safe on our roads.
    Finally, drivers failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk can expect to receive a ticket that carries a fine of $776. and four (4) demerit points.