Open Letter to Central Albertans
Opinion
INTEREST RATE SHOCK
Open Letter to The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
January 4, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Red Deer – Mountain View, AB
The economic collapse as a result of COVID-19 lockdown measures has pushed the real interest rate to record lows. This rate however, is very misleading given our current economic environment.
- Baby boomers are retiring and are reducing the pool of available investable funds.
- Reduced number of people in the workforce will result in higher wage demands.
- Inevitable higher taxes required to repay significant debt brought on by lockdowns.
- High likelihood of reduced outsourcing in order to protect domestic supply chains.
- An economic plan that focuses on “green” incentives and destroys Canada’s oil and gas industry.
- Inflated housing prices across Canada despite a poor economic outlook.
- High consumer debt levels pre-COVID-19.
- Long running Bank of Canada policy which encourages consumption over investment.
Your government has indicated that it is considering adding an additional $100 billion in stimulus spending once the “virus is under control”. As the Canadian economy is already flooded with record government spending, the potential for inflation is very real.
Considering the above, the return of high interest rates, as seen in the 1980’s, is entirely possible. While we may not see record high mortgage rates of 21.46% as posted in August 1981, even small increases in rates could result in significant interest rate shock for many Canadians.
Increases in inflation and interest rates would impact low-income families most adversely. Most notably, these individuals may struggle to pay for food, shelter and healthcare, all of which are basic necessities.
COVID-19 has already resulted in the biggest transfer of wealth in human history. I am strongly urging you to end the pursuit of a “green economy” and commit to a drastic reduction in red tape to allow the private sector to begin generating wealth, something the government is only able to redistribute.
Sincerely,
Jared Pilon
Candidate for Red Deer – Mountain View, AB
https://www.jaredpilon.com/
February 26, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Red Deer – Mountain View, AB
I spoke with an Alberta government official in mid-December 2020 re: the status of the proposed recovery community facility in Red Deer, as originally announced in mid-July 2020. I was informed that the project is bogged down in the bureaucratic process. The official hoped that there would be a public update prior to Christmas but this has yet to occur.
With that being said, I wanted to propose a project that I came across that may be beneficial for Red Deer and Central Alberta.
To my knowledge, the project originated in Albuquerque, New Mexico and is called “There’s a Better Way”. Please see this YouTube link for a short video on the project.
In a nutshell, the program aims at providing flexible work opportunities to those experiencing homelessness in order for them to earn some cash and be better connected with services. The ultimate goal of the program is to provide a base for which these individuals can move into permanent housing and full-time employment.
I truly feel that giving people the dignity of work makes an immense difference in their life. This is very evident in 2020-21 as many people have lost their jobs, their businesses and ultimately, their sense of purpose in life.
I have reached out to representatives from Safe Harbour, Turning Point and the Mustard Seed as I feel their involvement would be crucial. All three organizations expressed interest in pursuing a similar program for Red Deer. The major concerns they expressed in seeing this program get off the ground were twofold:
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Funding for staff to facilitate the project along with funding to employ individuals through the program.
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Partnership with the City of Red Deer to provide opportunities to complete manual labour tasks within the community. (cleaning up garbage, shovelling snow, etc.)
I reached out to the City of Red Deer (including the Mayor and all city councilors) along with Red Deer North and South MLAs on February 10, 2021 to discuss the merits of the program in light of the delays to the proposed recovery community facility. I have yet to receive a response.
For 2021, Red Deer City Council is recommending funding of $516,974 for Urban Encampment and Debris Cleanup on Public Lands. My initial thoughts were to see if the “There’s a Better Way” program could be funded through an allocation of some of the funds earmarked for the rough sleeper and drug debris cleanup. Additionally, the program could be funded through private sector donations to the previously noted organizations. Amounts donated to these organizations would qualify for a donation tax credit regardless of whether the funds were donated personally or via your corporation.
If you, your organization or anyone you know feel that there would be an opportunity for a program such as this to operate within Red Deer, I would love to discuss this further with you.
Thank you in advance for your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Jared Pilon
Libertarian Party Candidate for Red Deer – Mountain View, AB
Open Letter to Premier Jason Kenney
February 23, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Red Deer – Mountain View, AB
On August 1, 2016 you began your “Unite Alberta Truck Tour” in a blue Ram 1500. Your mission: to consolidate conservative support by uniting the Tories with the Wildrose Party. We all know the results of the truck tour and how the tour carried over to the 2019 United Conservative election platform: “Getting Alberta Back to Work”.
It is now February 2021, four and half years after you launched the truck tour. Even though Albertans have suffered through the past year with COVID-19, the three pillars of your 2019 election platform are still of the utmost concern to Albertans: Jobs, Economy, Pipelines.
When the UCP government took office in 2019, no one could have foreseen the significant challenges that would be presented to both your government and Albertans just one year later. These challenges however, should be viewed a rallying point rather than a crutch.
Moving forward, Albertans are looking for strong leadership. We want to see drastic reductions in red tape. We want a government that champions our interests within Canada and to external markets. Simply put, we want jobs, a strong economy and pipelines. We are not interested in more panels and consultations. We do not want the ideological policies of those in Ottawa dictating our future or our children’s futures.
To secure our financial future, public sector bureaucrats, specifically those on Alberta’s “sunshine list”, need to share in the economic downturn that the private sector is currently facing. Alternative routes to get oil to market, not subject to the Canada Energy Regulator, need to be explored immediately. Small businesses need a concrete plan for reopening and a guarantee that no further lockdowns will be imposed.
Polls suggest that the conservative base is fragmented again. Albertans know what happened the last time this occurred. Premier, it is time to be the guy in blue truck again. Albertans are counting on you.
Sincerely,
Jared Pilon
Libertarian Party Candidate for Red Deer – Mountain View, AB
https://www.jaredpilon.com/
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