In December 2010, I wrote a column in the St. Albert Gazette entitled, ‘Bring On 2011’ in which I listed 12 wishes for the new year. It is time for a midyear progress report.
The first item was the struggle to build a better future for children, and it might well be at a crossroad, at least in the Middle East. Nationally, I remain modestly hopeful we won't lose our focus on the importance of literacy for Canadian children as we struggle for a sustainable, affordable public education system. At home, hats off to our library.
Second — President Barak Obama is still taking baby steps towards reaching his potential. Getting rid of Osama Bin Laden was a gamble that paid off. Let's hope he will accomplish more than being a successful assassin.
Third — Our prime minister has successfully climbed his Mount Everest and has a majority of seats in the House of Commons. His next political mountain is the slippery slope of Senate reform. Once he controls that bedchamber, he will be in a position to rule without ever having to enter Parliament. Whether he has a new coffee mug for UN visits is now immaterial.
Fourth — Stephen Lewis’ call for more aid to Africa is being addressed. However increasing our spending by dropping bombs on Tripoli does seem to be a peculiar way to address AIDS in that country.
Fifth — Alberta Health is trying to allow more local control of health dollar spending by reinstating zones. Sounds a lot like going back to regions. Dr. Stephen Duckett is not pleased. We still suffer from an overburden of constipated middle management, but it is a start.
Sixth — Helping children with learning disorders remains a challenge. The Edmonton and Calgary School boards are moving chairs on the decks of the good ship Alberta Learning. I doubt it will help much but at least the issue is not being ignored.
Seventh — We are going the California route by spending more on prisons than education. We should build one in St. Albert as part of our desire to increase the non-residential tax base.
Eighth — Global warming is too complicated for the new Conservative government. Forget it.
Ninth — Learning more about our history is actually happening. Well done, Founder’s Walk and MusĂ©e HĂ©ritage Museum.
10th — The consequences of body checking in minor hockey are being tackled (so to speak). Hockey Canada officials still refuse to act on the facts. Next year I will wish for them to have MRIs of their own brains.
11th — Volunteerism in St. Albert is still available, a key factor in our high ranking as a place to live in Canada.
12th — City council meetings are more civil this year. Watching council move from a governance board to a management board where the mayor is chairman, chief executive officer and chief financial officer is interesting.
In closing this review, I am pleased to report that one of my new year’s personal wishes was positively granted. I played the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland and my cost-per-stroke ratio remains wonderfully low.
Alan Murdock is a local pediatrician who is involved with the Arts and Heritage Foundation.
