Election foreseen by MLA Weiss

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A provincial election is possible before mid-summer, Norm Weiss, MLA for Lac La Biche-Fort McMurray, said in an interview, March 24.

"Concern about the impact of the world oil price situation on Fort McMurray will be a central focus of the newly formed riding in Fort McMurray," Weiss said.

"People in Fort McMurray don't realize that we're not immune to the world oil pricing situation; I think it's time they recognize this. A reduction in provincial royalties on synthetic crude oil could be a way of alleviating pressures on the local oil industry" he said.

"If the province has to share in that load, I think we should, too. The downward trend in oil prices is a critical situation," Weiss sated.

He explained that the Progressive Conservative government is committed to maintaining the existing level of services to the people despite falling revenues. "I believe we can still do this without sales tax or any form of increased taxation," he said.

"As the premier had indicated, there will be a deficit position in the budget statement. A provincial deficit would be preferable to any reduction in social services," Weiss stated.

Unity House, a battered women's shelter which has recently been threatened by provincial funding cuts, would certainly be regarded as a campaign topic, according to Weiss, who recently said, "I intend to work with them for them to see that the new facility becomes a reality."

Local concerns on the Highway 63 improvements and the completion of the family YMCA complex, would certainly prove to be important components of the campaign.

Weiss also said he supports an increase to the industrial tax transfer (the payments Improvement District 18 and the oil sands plans make to Fort McMurray) if a needs study indicate it's needed.

"I believe it is equitable, but if the study reveals disparities, I would be willing to work to change that," he said.

Economy and unemployment are critical issues, Weiss stated. "The most important thing is the overall stability of the community and employment. I believe that the development of the tar sands is a major issue, and the continued development in the oil sands industry should remain a priory despite global fluctuations over which the province has no control."