Re: “Uniting the Left: Can a new political party save Alberta’s floundering opposition?” by Adrian Morrow, May 22-28, 2008

In response to Adrian Morrow’s article, I would like to be clear about my position on democratic renewal in Alberta. Since the March provincial election, I have heard from many constituents and other Albertans who are not satisfied with the current political reality. Like many of them, I am committed to open discussion of our parties and electoral system. Everything is on the table. It is essential that politicians and citizens recognize the profound cost of our failing democracy and work together to re-engage each other in a healthy political process.

I would like to be clear that my intention is to engage citizens, renew the Alberta Liberal party, and make it more relevant to Albertans, not necessarily to form a new party to take on the Conservative government.

In the last election, 22 per cent of the total electorate chose another Tory majority government with 85 per cent of the seats. Almost 60 per cent of Albertans simply did not vote and we need to know the reasons. My goal is to reinvigorate democracy and public trust, and make politics more relevant to Albertans.

Gatherings are already taking place in homes, community centres and coffee shops across Alberta. I would encourage Albertans from all backgrounds to engage in creating a healthy political future for the province. I intend to support these discussions wherever I can and would be pleased to hear from anyone.

Dr. David Swann, MLA for Calgary-Mountainview, Liberal critic for Environment, Sustainable Resource Development and Aboriginal Affairs.