Member Update: Friday, Oct. 29, 2004

EDMONTON — It is important for AUPE members to cast their ballots in the Nov. 22 provincial election, says AUPE President Dan MacLennan.

“With more than 60,000 AUPE members across Alberta, we can make our voices heard,” said MacLennan. “But we can’t be heard if we don’t bother to vote.”

It is AUPE’s policy not to tell members how to vote, MacLennan noted, but it is important for members to be informed about the issues and to use that information when they mark their ballots on Nov. 22.

“As we said during the federal election, members need to ask specific questions of the candidates on their positions and those of their respective parties, especially on issues that have an impact on union members and working people,” MacLennan said.

“Members may also need to consider voting strategically if they are voting not only for a specific candidate or party but against a certain party or candidate,” he added.

One AUPE member has committed to running as a candidate in the 2004 provincial election. Brad Smith, of Local 050/001, is campaigning as a candidate in the constituency of Edmonton-Calder. Click here to visit Smith’s Website.

Nine members of AUPE were elected in the province-wide municipal elections held on Oct. 18. Click here for full coverage of their election.

Click on the links below to read the policy platforms of the Alberta parties that are expected to run candidates in the Nov. 22 provincial general election.

• Alberta Liberal Party
• Alberta New Democratic Party
• Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta
• Green Party of Alberta
• Alberta Social Credit Party
• Alberta Alliance Party

Click here to read the special Alberta election Web page run by CanWest Newspapers (Edmonton Journal, Calgary Herald).

Other election coverage pages may be added as they go on line.