Click here for the Wildrose Party’s responses to the party survey.
Calgary-Acadia – Richard Jones
Calgary-Bow – Tim Dyck
Calgary-Buffalo – Mike Blanchard
Calgary-Cross – Hardyal Singh (Happy) Mann
Calgary-Currie – Corrie Adolph
Calgary-East – Jesse Minhas
Calgary-Elbow – James Cole
Calgary-Fish Creek – Heather Forsyth
Calgary-Foothills – Dustin Nau
Calgary-Fort – Jeevan Mangat
Calgary-Glenmore – Paul Hinman
Calgary-Greenway – Ron Leech
Calgary-Hawkwood – David Yager
Calgary-Hays – Wayne Anderson
Calgary-Klein – Jeremy Nixon
Calgary-Lougheed – John Carpay
Calgary-Mackay-Nose Hill – Roy Alexander
Calgary-McCall – Grant Galpin
Calgary-Mountainview - Shane McAllister
Calgary-Northern Hills – Prasad Panda
Calgary-North West – Chris Challis
Calgary-Shaw – Jeff Wilson
Calgary-South East – Bill Jarvis
Calgary-Varsity - Rob Solinger
Calgary-West – Andrew Constantinidis
Calgary-Buffalo – Mike Blanchard
1. What has been your favourite experience with the arts in your constituency (or in Calgary)?
Considering it is the most densely populated riding in the city, Calgary-Buffalo is likely the most vibrant when it comes to the arts. There are so many great experiences it would be difficult to single out just one. One of my favourite events is the Calgary Folk Festival. I’m a huge fan of live music, especially when performed outdoors.
2. What do you value most about the arts?
The value of arts and culture is primarily about quality of life. With governments under increasing pressure to reduce spending and decrease taxes, arts and culture are often some of the first areas our political leaders tend to overlook. I think that approach is short-sighted. Yes, we have to balance spending priorities but vibrant communities are more than just bricks and mortar. Great musical, theatrical and other artistic events and institutions that enhance our quality of life also help add to the economic boost that tourism provides to Alberta’s economy.
3. What do you think is the greatest need regarding the arts in your constituency? How do you plan to address this need?
We need to find ways to encourage and attract talented artists to stay in Alberta. World-class artists can be some of the best ambassadors we have, greater than any political delegation. One of the greatest needs of any arts project is funding. Right now, from a dollars-and-cents point of view, it’s more lucrative for donors to give money to political candidates than to worthy cultural institutions. Wildrose would increase the tax credit for groups that fund arts and culture to be at least or more generous than those offered to political parties.
4. Any other comments?
The film industry is just one of many examples of how the current government has made it difficult for talented Albertans to stay here. I have many friends and acquaintances working in the film industry. Unfortunately, some have left the province to look for better opportunities. Many film projects choose other provinces over Alberta because government has failed to match tax credits offered in other jurisdictions. As a society, our focus on arts and culture should reflect public views. Our political leaders need to be aware of that. One key bit of ideology that attracted me to run for Wildrose in the first place is the ability to place the needs and desires of my constituents ahead of the party. In other words, if there is any issue (not only affecting the arts) that residents view as important, and in contrast to Wildrose policy or views, I would side with my constituents.
Calgary-Varsity – Rob Solinger
As a father of someone who has danced for over 15 years I fully appreciate and value the contribution that the arts can make to a community.
