Editor:
Minister Todd Loewen, you have denied Sarah Elmelgi, the MLA for Banff-Kananaskis and an expert on human-wildlife conflict, a seat on the Bow Valley Human-Wildlife committee. Really? You would rather appoint a nurse from the UCP fold who is not even in the area most affected by these issues than someone who actually has the expertise to be of value to such a committee?
This is insulting to all of the constituents in Elmelgi’s riding who voted for her because she could make a positive contribution to the issues facing this area. It is insulting to me and the rest of Albertans who frequently use this area and are deeply committed to doing everything possible to manage increasing conflicts better and keep both people and wildlife safe.
By ignoring an expert in this field, and we all know how the UCP hates experts, you are once again signalling your contempt for preserving our natural resources in order to pursue the UCP’s pro-development agenda. Albertans have already made it clear that parks and wild places are important to them, and that they will take action to defend them.
Elmelgi needs to be on this committee. The previous UCP MLA, Miranda Rosin, was on the committee. So, reconsider your decision, rectify your mistake and appoint Elmelgi. It is about time the UCP did something that actually made sense instead of pursuing petty revenge agendas that we see playing out in the UCP’s handling of our healthcare system.
Maura Hamill,
Calgary
