Dear Premier.....
A Christmas Letter
Why a dolphin? Because they’re friendly, loveable, gentle, and make us feel good. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of their very close and playful company when on the water, you’ll know what I mean.
Many of us with the good fortune of having Jackie Chalmers as a great friend, know the dedication that she imparts in our ongoing charge against the UCP agenda. With the relentless tenacity of a Jack Russell terrier coupled with the gentleness and poise of a dolphin, this lady really stands out for me as an icon of truth, understanding, sensibility, kindness, and at the same time, a force that will not give up.
When I talk to Jackie I am reminded of how, despite the number of times we have both hit the wall over these years, that we still need to pick ourselves up and carry on forward because of all that we believe in. Yes, it’s exhausting and if it weren’t for the glimpses of hope along the way and knowing there is clearly something better, it would be easy to bail. Thank goodness we have one another to prop each other up again…….and again…..and….
We recognize the “just wear them down” strategy that we are into now which is all the more reason to stand with Jackie and let the powers that be know that we are far from finished in this battle. We don’t take this crap lightly and have every intention of beating the bully. It wouldn’t be the first time and it clearly won’t be the last.
So with that in mind I’d like to share with you a Christmas letter from Jackie Chalmers to Premier Smith.
Thank you Jackie for your strength and inspiration.
Dear Premier,
In keeping with the sounds of the season “Do You Hear What I Hear?”
You won’t have to listen very hard. The cry from the electorate is loud and clear. The clarion call is manifesting in MLA recalls, as of today there are 20, including yours. Your fair-weather base at the UCP Convention recently showed its loyalty by “booing” the announcement of the Memorandum of Understanding with Prime Minister Carney. Instead of “Ring Christmas Bells”, perhaps the theme should be “For Whom The Bells Toll.”
“Do You See What I See?”
By my estimation you maybe haven’t seen anything yet.
There are urban and rural folks and First Nations communities counting on the government to protect our water and watershed. We vote. We only have one watershed, unlike British Columbia with its mountain ranges, hills, valleys and lakes.
Approving and then quashing the Corb Lund petition for protection of the Eastern Slopes is like a gut punch. Although we shouldn’t be surprised, the UCP Christmas gift last year was Brian Jean’s announcement of a new coal policy on Dec. 20th, totally unexpected, ho, ho, ho. Admittedly, we may have put too much faith in the Citizenship Initiative put forward by Corb Lund, but there is coming a “referendum” in about a year, give or take, that will give us all a ballot, something more powerful than any list of signatures. I look forward to that day.
During the raucous town hall, June 2025, in Fort Macleod attended by you and flanked by Ministers Sigurdson, Schulz and Jean you laid down the gauntlet, taunting participants to put forth a referendum question. Recently, Corb Lund took you up on it. Despite Bill 14, the government could have easily worded the transitional provision to continue with Lund’s petition. Why wasn’t that done? What are you afraid of? Your manipulation to avoid any impact that citizens might have is all too obvious. You used to boast of being a libertarian, but that has evolved into you being an authoritarian libertarian. “Think what you want, dear citizens, but make sure it aligns only with my agenda.”
A person’s integrity is measured by “keeping their word.” The actions, or more appropriately the inactions of your government could cause irreparable harm to the Eastern Slopes and our primary source of water. Protection of our Eastern Slopes is the primary issue that spurred me to write this letter. This is an old fight, one that is waged by the majority of Albertans and you know that.
Step up and do the right thing. Declare “NO!” to coal and then pass legislation for the protection of the Eastern Slopes. It is not too late to review your current trajectory, make decisions based on a clear and hopeful future for all Albertans. Make your actions match your glib equivocations.”
Sincerely,
Jacqueline L. Chalmers
Feel like we’re living in a crazy tv show here in Alberta. Think of the worst things the UCP can do and they’ll double down and do even worse than thought possible. As a strong Alberta NDP supporter (and for all you Alberta NDP haters, oil was at the low price of $40/barrel for their entire term in office) I do believe Alberta’s future is better with the NDP. They also achieved a thousand more things than the UCP has ever achieved - all the UCP does is fill their own pockets and those of their friends like Sam Mraiche. Disgusting.
Great letter, love the theme.
Unfortunately the only thing she actually hears are the voices in her head.
As fast as she can she intends to rape our environment, our natural capital, our human capital, our infrastructure and our faith in each other. She’ll salt the earth on her way out.
Mrs David Moretta once again I publicly offer to pay your moving expenses south of the 49th so you can be with the morally and ethically bankrupt people you so admire and desire. Resign by month’s end to collect on this offer.
Better yet, the People of Alberta (the 4.95 million you choose not to serve) would accept your resignation as a Christmas present to us all. Just 10 days to Christmas, you know what we want!