Richard Gotfried

Richard Gotfried 高 飛

MLA, Calgary-Fish Creek

403-278-4444 • calgary.fishcreek@assembly.ab.ca • www.calgaryfishcreek.ab.ca

 Facebook: facebook.com/GotfriedMLA   Instagram: richardgotfried
 Twitter: @GotfriedMLA

With long, relatively balmy nights drifting behind us, I know that I speak for many who will share my yearning for epic sunrises, glorious sunsets and the humbling fury of a summer storm.  I hope each of us took time to connect with community and loved ones in the great outdoors.  With September comes a sense of returning to routine and the Alberta Legislature is no different.  While we are not scheduled to officially sit in the Legislature until October, regular committee meetings are in full swing and the business of the fall agenda fills the days of all MLAs. 

Alberta’s official birthday is September 1 and this year marks 114 years since joining Confederation.  Alberta currently has the 4^th largest population in Canada and consistently has one or the highest growth rates in Canada in spite of recent economic challenges.  Did you know that the average age in Alberta is the lowest in the country at 36.7 years?  Alberta’s changing demographic has also shifted significantly from rural to urban centres.  Now over 81% of Albertans live in an urban area with the highest concentration in the Edmonton/Calgary corridor.  Looking at the changing statistics and demographics is important when analyzing how, when, what, and where to deliver services and care to Albertans. 

As in Alberta, the Federal Government also studies movement in population.  The Federal Government has legislation requiring a review of population distribution every 10 years, with the next review slated for 2024.   This review applies to seat allocation in the House of Commons and my hope is that the next review will also include seat allocation within the Senate, where Alberta’s representation is severely lagging.  While the merits of the Senate can be debated, right now Alberta needs more representatives in Ottawa to tell our story on the national front.  I will continue to tell Alberta’s great story, and my ask of each of you over the coming weeks is to do the same given the importance of the next general Federal election for Alberta’s, and Canada’s interests.  Let us all work towards the strengthening the Alberta Advantage which strengthens Canada.  #theWorldNeedsMoreAlberta #theWorldNeedsMoreCanadianEnergy

As always your feedback allows me to better represent you, so please reach out to my office or join me at my next MLA Café as we discuss the importance of pipelines to our future 7-8:30pm Monday, September 30^th.

Richard Gotfried 高 飛

MLA, Calgary-Fish Creek

403-278-4444 • calgary.fishcreek@assembly.ab.ca • www.calgaryfishcreek.ab.ca

 Facebook: facebook.com/GotfriedMLA   Instagram: RichardGotfried
 Twitter: @GotfriedMLA

With a big, Calgary-style Yahoo, summer is upon us!  Make plans this summer to take an Alberta break and enjoy the great outdoors.  Currently the Legislative Session is scheduled to continue through July, with a Stampede constituency break.  Stampede will be packed and busy, so the best time to reach me at my office will be Fridays during session.  Feel free to call or email us to make an appointment.

It has been a busy start to the 30^th Session of the Alberta Legislature.  Bill 1 – the Carbon Tax Repeal Act has been given Royal Assent and this burdensome tax on everyday living is now a thing of the past.  I am confident that this will make a significant difference in affordability for individuals and families throughout Alberta, not to mention schools, recreation centres, Seniors residences and places of worship.  Alberta remains committed to high regulatory standards and reducing our environmental footprint.  Heavy emitters in oil and gas will still have levies to pay, and as a government Caucus, we will be searching for ways to encourage living by the 4 R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle and repair. 

Two legislative items I would like to highlight that I believe will help stimulate growth and investment are Bill 3, the Job Creation Tax Cut Act and Bill 7 the Municipal Government (Property Tax Incentive) Amendment Act.  For economies to grow and provide the social services we all enjoy, businesses must see economically viable opportunities to invest.  Investment in money, time, and human capital is what Alberta needs to get the economy back on track and lowering the corporate tax rate enables businesses to keep operating in an increasingly competitive environment; both with other provinces and internationally.  Bill 7 provides a unique opportunity for local municipalities to market themselves on a broader scale and compete for new business coming to the province, which in past was often lost to US jurisdictions.  Governments do not create jobs but can help foster a business-friendly environment.  All of us know someone who has been out of work for an extended period of time who have become downtrodden and discouraged.  Creating viable opportunities for employment offers hope and optimism.

This summer challenge yourself to visit a new museum, provincial park, festival or other attraction.  The list is endless.  Create your own Alberta Bucket list from the list of extraordinary places Alberta has to offer.  One item to put on your “must do” list is my 4^th Annual Stampede BBQ Saturday July 6^th 11-2pm in the office parking lot.  Come for Spolumbos, games, face painting, carnival games, music and more.  As always your communication helps me to better represent you and my door is always open.

Richard Gotfried 高 飛 MLA,

Calgary-Fish Creek

403-278-4444 • calgary.fishcreek@assembly.ab.ca • www.calgaryfishcreek.ab.ca

Facebook: facebook.com/GotfriedUCP Instagram: richardgotfried Twitter: @GotfriedUCP

I am humbled by the opportunity to represent the constituents of Calgary-Fish Creek for another four years. I am sad to say good bye to the good people of Canyon Meadows, but truly look forward to connecting with residents of Sundance and Midnapore at upcoming community gatherings. As we move forward after the election and experience a change in government, please know that my office serves ALL residents, irrespective of political affiliation. My staff and I stand ready to assist with personal issues within provincial jurisdiction and are grateful for close working relationships with MP Stephanie Kusie and City Councillor Peter Demong. Please feel free to connect with us via phone, email, or on social media.

The first day of the 30th Legislature began May 21st. We anticipate the session to go until the end of June, or perhaps into July. Jason Kenney has a full platform of legislative commitments focused on getting Albertans back to work and our economy moving forward. The message that Premier Kenney has been taking to Ottawa and the world is Alberta is #OpenForBusiness, #TheWorldNeedsMoreCanada, and that our country needs #PipelinesForProsperity.

For generations, Alberta has welcomed those with great ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and a willingness to work hard. We will continue to foster these values in the Legislature with a renewed commitment to future generations and care of the vulnerable and honoured Seniors. Further, all of us must be outspoken Ambassadors for Alberta on the national and world stage. Each of us has a role to play in our dedication to a better Alberta – with a renewed sense of selflessness, a willingness to give back, and an eye to serving within our communities. That is what has and will continue to make Alberta a great place to make a living, grow a family, and build a great life!

I will be hosting my first post-election MLA Café (a town hall-style gathering) in the near future. Look to social media or sign up for my email distribution for notification on topic, time and place. Your honest feedback and communication always helps me to better represent you. Remember, your voice matters! Please SAVE THE DATE for my 4th Annual STAMPEDE BBQ on Saturday July 6th 11am-2pm at my office at 1215 Lake Sylvan Drive SE. Once again we promise warm hospitality, great food, fun games, and lively music. Giddy-Up!

Richard Gotfried 高 飛

MLA, Calgary-Fish Creek

403-278-4444 • calgary.fishcreek@assembly.ab.ca • www.calgaryfishcreek.ab.ca

 Facebook: facebook.com/GotfriedMLA   Instagram: RichardGotfried
 Twitter: @GotfriedMLA

Learning about Alberta’s democratic process helps all of us to understand what to expect as we move into an election period.  A pivotal role is played by the Lieutenant Governor, appointed for 5 year terms as the Queen’s representative.  Hon. Lois Mitchell is Alberta’s 18^th Lt. Governor and began her duties on June 12, 2015.  While the role of Lieutenant Governor is largely symbolic and ceremonial, Her Honour is the Vice-Regal representative of the monarch in Alberta and fulfils key roles in the election process. One such duty is reading of the Throne Speech.  The start of the upcoming session (5^th Session of the 29^th Legislature) will be March 18^th.  The Throne Speech will be delivered by the Lieutenant Governor on this day, and is historically an opportunity for the Premier and the governing party to provide an overview of their priorities for the session ahead.  It is uncertain how long this session will last prior to an election call, but for an election to be called the Premier must ask the Lieutenant Governor to dissolve the Legislature and drop the “writ”.  Other official duties include giving royal assent to Bills after third reading, discontinuing session semi-annually, and approving orders in council.  The office was established when Alberta entered Confederation in 1905.  The Lt. Governor no longer occupies the former official residence, now known as “Government House”, while much of her time is dedicated to performing ceremonial duties at events and overseeing awards programs such as the Alberta Order of Excellence. 

The “writ” or election period is four weeks, and during that time, I will no longer be acting in the capacity of MLA, but rather I have earned the honour and privilege of being your UCP candidate for the area.  The office will remain open and functioning during this time and my capable staff will be happy to assist you in any capacity.  However with apologies, the one service I will not be able to perform during the election writ is notarizations, oaths and certified true copies.  For 2019, the election boundaries will be changing.  Calgary-Fish Creek will continue to include the communities of Lake Bonavista, Bonavista Downs, Queensland, Diamond Cove, Deer Ridge, Deer Run and Parkland, while I welcome Midnapore, and Sundance to the fold.  I am however sad to say farewell to the many friends I have made in Canyon Meadows, who will now join Calgary-Acadia.  Should you have any questions regarding the upcoming election, Elections Alberta is the governing authority that will oversee the process.  Their website has information and contact details of interest at www.elections.ab.ca. 

As always, your feedback helps me to effectively represent you.  My last MLA Café prior to the election will be Friday March 8^th at my office from 10-11:30am.  Come for coffee and conversation as I seek your insights to move our great province back to the Alberta Advantage!  As always, I thank you for the privilege of representing you.   Richard Gotfried, MLA Calgary-Fish Creek

Richard Gotfried 高 飛

MLA, Calgary-Fish Creek

403-278-4444 • calgary.fishcreek@assembly.ab.ca • www.calgaryfishcreek.ab.ca

 Facebook: facebook.com/GotfriedMLA   Instagram: RichardGotfried
 Twitter: @GotfriedMLA

In the fast-paced, digitally enhanced, real-time world we live in, I try to reflect on information that is enduring and relevant when writing this newsletter almost a month prior.

February is here and although there is still snow on the ground, I am dreaming of Spring, Summer, and camping season.  Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca is the online reservation system for provincial parks.  The opening dates for 2019 online bookings are February 4^th -group sites, February 11^th -comfort camping, February 19^th -regular sites, and February 25^th -backcountry camping. Experience Alberta’s natural beauty this season!

As in past years, all provincial museums throughout Alberta will be free on Family Day, February 18^th.  Watch my Facebook page or contact my office for the latest information on times and locations.  One great museum close to home is the Glenbow.  One of the current permanent exhibits of the Glenbow museum is dedicated to Alberta’s history, “Mavericks: An Incorrigible History of Alberta”.  It tells a rich history of our First Nations, homesteaders, fearless explorers, energy resources, and a coming of age in the West.  For more information visit www.Glenbow.org. 

I love ALBERTA.  While I was blessed to be been born here, there are many that have chosen our great province as their home and now share my passion.  I remind myself of the great honour and privilege of representing you, the people of Calgary-Fish Creek. As February is associated with love, please make time to reflect on what you appreciate most about Alberta.  Throughout Alberta Lunar New Year celebrations also abound with the Chinese, Vietnamese and other communities celebrating new beginnings.  Gung Hei Fat Choi and Chuc Mung Nam Moi to my many friends in those communities across our great province. 

It is anticipated that there will be a Spring election between March and May.  During the writ, or election period, the Constituency Office will function fully in serving area residents, while I humbly and diligently seek re-election in my capacity as UCP candidate for Calgary-Fish Creek. 

As always your comments and feedback help me in appreciating the issues that matter most to the residents of Calgary-Fish Creek.  My MLA Café for February will be Monday, February 4^th from 5-7pm.  Please feel free to stop by and share your opinions, as I continue my commitment to being accessible to all whom I serve!