With the Alberta provincial election fast approaching, Calgary-Varsity candidates were anxious to meet students and win their support. The Students’ Union hosted a forum for them to do just that Tue., Feb. 26.
“The word ‘campaigning’ comes from the French word for war,” said Dr. David Taras, opening the forum.
Alberta Progressive Conservative candidate Jennifer Diakiw faced plenty of criticism from other candidates but did her best to support her position.
“Post-secondary education is very important to me,” said Diakiw. “Although I believe the PC government has come a long way, I know we can do more. Change is the theme in this election. The government of Stelmach is not the Klein government.”
Alberta Liberal candidate and incumbent Harry Chase disagreed with the sentiment, stating the Stelmach has been part of the PC party for 15 years. He indicated his 34 years of teaching experience would allow him further insight into the needs of PSE. He explained that more funding to education would ultimately result in addressing other election issues including health care.
“How do you save money?” said Chase in regards to the current PC government. “Close university seats. How do you get more doctors? Open them up.”
Chase also encouraged students to vote strategically in order to encourage positive change. Diakiw felt the Conservatives have made recent progress regarding this issue.
“3,000 seats in four years is a very good step in the right direction,” she said.
New Democratic Party candidate Tim Stock-Bateman addressed the concerns of converting Mount Royal College into a university.
“It takes all kinds of academic institutions to create a vibrant community,” said Stock-Bateman. “We don’t want to increase university spaces by decreasing college spaces.”
Green Party candidate Sean Maw agreed with this sentiment.
“There is a role for colleges that is separate than university,” he said. “It isn’t just university education that is important, we need to maintain that.”
All parties expressed concern over the current issue of affordable housing for students and other residents in the Calgary area.
Diakiw mentioned continuing to work with current Students’ Union projects.
“Inter-institutional housing is one of the creative ways we have to look at this problem,” she said.
Alberta Wild Rose Alliance candidate Brennan Lylte focused more on the off-campus housing issues.
“It’s my belief that there are a lack of [rental openings] therefore landlords charge what they want because there are no other places to go,” he said.
Lylte explained the Wild Rose Alliance would focus on cutting administration costs and increasing admission to PSE institutions that increasing funding.
All candidates urged students to go out and vote, regardless of their support. The election takes place Mon., Mar. 3.