David Wallbridge

Today is a heavy day.  We’re concerned with the anti-trans bills that were tabled today.     As a politician I will tell you that I have been in every corner of this province these last four months. We’ve talked to Albertans of every background and I will tell you that punching down on trans kids does not appear in the Top 50 of the things Albertans are concerned about.    We knew today’s bills would be about punching down on vulnerable youth.  We were surprised that, on Halloween, they also resurrected the COVID bogeyman of the past, weighing these bills down with all kinds of anti-health conspiracy theories.    Yet, a quarter of this government's legislative agenda this fall is anti-trans legislation, something no one is asking for. The only bills about education and health care this session are bills to satisfy people who may or may not vote for the Premier this Saturday. There is nothing about hiring more education assistants or putting more money to the lowest funded per student education system in the country. There is nothing about improving access to emergency rooms or hiring more family doctors.    As an uncle, and as a teacher, I know today is a rough day for young people. Albertans from across the province will be asking themselves, “Is there is a place for me here? Is this a place where I can grow up and have a decent life and live an authentic life with dignity and opportunity?”   And I'm not just talking about trans kids.    Every single kid who maybe thinks they are different in some way, in other words, every kid, is asking themselves one question today: “Am I next?”   This Premier doesn’t act like a Premier. She has no interest in governance. She’s acting like the Premier of a party, not of a province. This callous and cruel act that they are bringing forward today doesn't help anyone, except perhaps Danielle Smith at her leadership review.    To the kids being targeted by this hate and misinformation, know that you are not alone. You are loved, and Alberta’s New Democrats will always stand with you.    To the families, friends and allies of everyone in Danielle Smith’s crosshairs, please hold your loved ones tight. Let them know that no matter what this government does, they belong here and will fight for them and with them.    Albertans deserve so much better.