Local MLA Genia Leskiw made a promise to herself and her constituents to bring every Alberta minister to this area before her first term in office ends in 2012.
To bring 10 provincial ministers to town on the same day was never part of the plans, but she's thrilled that's exactly what will happen on Tuesday when Leskiw, MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake, hosts a Conversation With the Ministers.
All 10 ministers will visit the Lakeland Inn in Cold Lake starting at 9 a.m. for the public meeting, which is expected to last one hour and 45 minutes. The Town of Cold Lake will be the official host.
After a lunch break, they will move on to the Centennial Centre in Bonnyville, with the afternoon session scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. The Town of Bonnyville will be the official host.
"Our government started these Cabinet tours the year before last and it was so successful not only with the public, but with MLAs and the cabinet ministers, that they continued last spring and summer," said Leskiw. "We had a Cabinet tour scheduled for Cold Lake and Bonnyville several months ago, unfortunately, the ministers got fogged out and could not attend.
"That's why I'm so pleased to be able to invite 10 provincial ministers to our community. When elected in 2008, I made a vow to bring every provincial minister to the Bonnyville and Cold Lake area and I'm proud to say that following this visit, there will only be four ministers who haven't visited our area."
Provincial ministers scheduled to participate in the Cabinet Tour to Bonnyville and Cold Lake on Tuesday include :
• Len Webber, Minister of Aboriginal Relations.
• Cindy Ady, Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation.
• Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit.
• Jack Hayden, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
• Frank Oberle, Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety.
• Gene Zwozdeksy, Minister of Health and Wellness.
• Alison Redford, Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
• Yvonne Fritz, Minister of Children and Youth Services.
• Hector Goudreau, Minister of Municipal Affairs.
• Dave Hancock, Minister of Education.
The ministers will each introduce themselves and discuss their portfolio, before the floor will be opened to members of the public to ask questions, said Leskiw.
For the final 30 to 45 minutes, the ministers will sit at separate tables and answer questions from members of the public in a less formal setting, she said.
"I just think this will be a great opportunity to have average Albertans have the rare opportunity to speak directly with ministers and ask questions about issues that are important to them," she said. "It also allows the ministers to meet with people in smaller communities and understand the concerns and issues affecting them."
Vic Sadlowski will act as the master of ceremonies for the meeting being held in Bonnyville.
