Can’t Stop Alberta Tour reaches Taber

By Heather Cameron
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Taber and the Town of Taber Green Room will serve as a stop on the ‘Can’t Stop Alberta Tour’ hosted by the Alberta Institute.

“The Can’t Stop Alberta Tour, hosted by the Alberta Institute, is an opportunity to bring our ideas to every corner of Alberta,” Josh Andrus, the Executive Director of Project Confederation, said. “The tour exists to inform Albertans about the pressing issues in K-12 education, our relationship with Ottawa, and our energy industry, and also to hear from Albertans about their concerns.”

The event was held on Oct. 11. from 6 – 9 p.m.

Andrus says that ‘The Can’t Stop Alberta Tour’ is an eight-week tour with 24 stops and each stop is a little bit different, with local guest speakers and slightly different topics. So far, Andrus says, the tour has been to Camrose on Sept. 5, Fort McMurray on Sept. 6, Bonnyville on Sept. 7, Lloydminster on Sept. 8, Oyen on Sept. 11, Medicine Hat on Sept. 12, Brooks on Sept. 13, Strathmore on Sept. 14, Edson on Sept. 18, Grande Prairie on Sept. 19, Barrhead on Sept. 20, Sherwood Park on Sept. 21, Rocky Mountain House on Sept. 25, Drumheller on Sept. 26, Stettler on Sept. 27, and Innisfail on Sept. 28. 

After their visit to Taber, Andrus says, the Tour will visit Cardston on Thursday, Lethbridge on Friday, Red Deer on Oct. 17, Vulcan on Oct. 18, Airdrie on Oct. 24, Calgary on Oct. 25, and Edmonton on Nov. 1.

The tour, Andrus says, is intended to be both interactive and informative, with plenty of time for audience questions and participation.

Project Confederation has been represented at every tour stop, Andrus says, and Jeff Park, the Executive Director of the Alberta Parents’ Union, is also attending most stops as well.

Andrus states that Project Confederation is a think tank that aims to make long-lasting structural changes to the Constitutional order of Canada. 

“We are a grassroots movement that works to change the entire political discourse of this country,” Andrus said. “We aim to speak directly to Canadians, spark debate on important constitutional issues, and ultimately change the kinds of policies that voters are demanding, so that political parties will be forced to follow. We’re looking to show people that change is possible, and help them understand why it is necessary.”

Andrus states that the tour has been very warmly welcomed into the communities they have visited and that people have expressed their appreciation that the tour has come to people in smaller centres, rather than travelling to Calgary or Edmonton.

“Attendees are learning a lot, both from Project Confederation, and from our guest speakers,” Andrus said. “People are walking away from our events more informed about Constitutional reform, the proposed Alberta Pension Plan, the ways in which we can get a fair deal for Alberta, and how we can reform the education system to support the students it serves, rather than the adults who work in it. We’re really thrilled to finally be able to visit some of the places in Alberta we haven’t made it to in a while. Meeting new people is always exciting, and we learn a little something at every tour stop, too.”

For more information about the Alberta Institute or the remainder of the Can’t Stop Alberta Tour, visit: https://www.albertainstitute.ca/events. 

“When we wrap up, we’ll have a better understanding of the kinds of concerns Albertans have, and the questions they have about some of the policies we’ve put forward. We’ll be refining our communications strategy to address any of those concerns. Change is only possible when we’re informed, and we’re glad that Albertans are so engaged.”