Having chosen a career in the government

Thanks for the note. You mention having chosen a career in the government. That is a noble choice, it is my contention the political side of Ottawa and Edmonton have dumbed down so far, that when they make policy, the ka-ka that hits the fan from poor policy or law, hits the poor bureaucrat square in the face.

Over 32 years of involvement in all things political, either in communications, campaigning, or organizing, I am seeing a trend to have studies, reports, or reviews tailored from the beginning to meet a particular preconceived policy matter or view of the government of the moment, and not for the future. Or the studies, reports, or reviews are expected to solve a problem right now, with no vision to the future, that is just over the horizon.

I have seen many innovative studies, reports, or reviews written and produced by many people both inside and outside for government that would have put Canada at the top of the heap when it comes to being an advanced technology, exporting, and visionary country. You must know of a handful of ideas that have gone elsewhere because Canada is just not friendly to an idea is not related to one of our traditional industries, especially in Alberta.

They get shelved because the political side of government has lost their vision and spine for innovation.

The story I like to tell to illustrate this, " is what do you think would have happened, if Ralph Klein or Paul Martin were Prime Minister instead of Sir John A. McDonald, when someone said, 'hey lets build a railroad across Canada!?'"

What would happen if someone in Alberta came up with the idea of a space industry? A launching pad for rocket ships? Alberta is perfect, and it has the brain power. Think about Kazakhstan before you giggle at this idea.

There is also the issue of Canadian's not liking to brag of our achievements.

The message that Network 2020 must use to sell itself, is that Alberta and Canada are fast becoming the loser in the race to be innovators, creators, and adopters of technology in the world. If we keep on the trend, our children will only have McDonald's, Wal-Mart and 7/11 jobs.

We also need to show parents, that with a true visionary technology strategy for both Alberta and Canada, we can assure them that the technology programs the governments are funding at post-secondary schools, will produce graduates that can compete in the world, and that those jobs can be found in the smaller centres of the country as well as the large urban centres.

Take a drive out of Edmonton and take a look at the small towns that are dying because the good paying jobs are leaving for Edmonton or Calgary and leaving little for highly trained kids to return to work at. This also goes for the towns, villages and hamlets near St. Johns, Newfoundland.

That is also where the nub of my thrust is, when working in the political communications and government relations area. Turn to the common denominator that all politicians understand. The voters in their ridings, who are the moms and dads of those highly trained students.

As I mentioned before the government can do this without spending anymore money, but spending the money they do spend, smarter.

As a complete change in subject, I just saw a film at Calgary's International Film Festival this week called, Souvenir of Canada. If you want a giggle while you are having your brain tweaked and your nostalgic bone tickled, go see it if it gets to Edmonton. IT is a film by Douglas Coupland, a Canadian writer from Vancouver. Very good.