Rob Breakenridge: Government needs to end the charade of Alberta Next
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There's something to be said for a government that's genuinely interested in citizen feedback on important issues, but that assumes there's not a preferred or predetermined outcome. In that case, then, they needn't bother.
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For example, the government is already altering some of the survey questions that deal with an Alberta Pension Plan, a Provincial Police Force, and an Alberta Revenue Agency. In all three cases, there was no option for respondents to disagree with the proposals (although folks who had already completed the survey aren't allowed to complete it a second time).
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These are consequential and expensive changes, and Albertans deserve to be consulted before we go down these paths. However, it seems like those decisions have already been made, and this whole exercise is about providing cover.
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The first two Alberta Next town halls were held in July, with three to follow in August and five more in September. There's still time for the government to ease up on the message control and allow this to be a genuine consultation.
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Even though some of the survey questions will finally offer a 'none of the above' option, there's still the issue of the government-produced videos that must be viewed before taking part in the surveys. These are clearly not objective and neutral presentations of the facts.
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The video that accompanies the questions about an Alberta Provincial Police Force was skewed enough to prompt a response last week from RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme. Again, there could be benefits to Alberta transitioning community policing to a provincial force. There could also be benefits to ending contract policing altogether and refocusing the RCMP on federal policing responsibilities.
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But it's also a question that deserves a thorough and honest discourse. As the commissioner's three-page letter details, Alberta Next is falling short in that regard.
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