Pre-Budget Rally in Lethbridge

Press Release

Media Advisory from "Join Together Alberta," Lethbridge Chapter

What: Pre Budget Rally Tuesday, February 9, 2010 2:00 p.m.

Where: Outside Office of Greg Weadick, MLA Lethbridge West: 408 8th Street, Lethbridge, AB.

Organizers expect scores of angry Albertans to gather outside the office of Lethbridge West MLA, Greg Weadick, to protest against anticipated cuts to the provincial budget. The protest is timed to coincide with the reading of the budget document by the new Minister of Finance, Ted Morton.

Morton’s budget is predicted to cut $2 billion in spending mainly in education, health and social services. Spokesperson Bev Muendel-Atherstone observes that middle and lower income Albertans pay some of the highest taxes in Canada because of the unfair flat income tax.

The protest will have two focuses, Health care and Education.

Muendel-Atherstone further points out that, in 1993, there was one hospital bed for every 200 Albertans, but that, now, there is one hospital bed for every 480 Albertans. During that time the population grew by 15%. Furthermore, in the 2008 election, Mr. Stelmach promised to create 600 long term care beds; however, they have been and continue to cut this level of care. Rally participants will demand that Mr. Stelmach keep his promise and bring in more R.N.'s and more LTC beds, NOT more cuts.

On education, rally participants, a number of whom are expected to be students, will point out that most students must work full-time while studying full time. They’ll point out that it is unfair to download the province’s revenue needs onto students, while giving oil companies royalty relief and corporations tax relief.

Bev Muendel-Atherstone Box 21031 Lethbridge, AB. T1K-6X4 Cell (403) 330-2654; Phone (403) 329-4746