By Ryan Barlow
Alex McBrien is a student at the University of Calgary currently finishing his graduate studies in communication and culture. He is 24 years old and has lived in Calgary since 1990. He was a rower and hockey player at the University of Ottawa, where he completed his undergraduate degree.
McBrien wants to see an Alberta that is economically prosperous and culturally rich. He wants Alberta to reach its full potential. He proposes a different approach to politics and a vision of renewal for Alberta that isn’t offered elsewhere.
“Post-secondary education is the key to having a competitive economy. We need to have universal access for qualified individuals. It is a basic right to have that access,” said McBrien. “We need innovation in our economy and to diversify we need an educated workforce. Democratic engagement will also increase [because of post-secondary education].”
The Alberta Party platform on post-secondary includes conducting a comprehensive review of the student finance system to reduce the financial barriers that may deter Albertans from pursuing a post-secondary education at trade schools, colleges, technical institutes and universities, implementing a tax credit to offset a portion of the housing costs incurred by post-secondary students and their families, expanding industry-based job training and apprenticeship programs to address shortages of trained workers in specific industries and ensuring that the student finance system can accommodate the unique needs of adult students.
Voting takes place on April 23. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. If you reside in Varsity, you can vote at 300 Lounge Varsity Courts, 3735 32 Avenue NW. To be able to vote, you must be 18 years or older on election day, be a Canadian citizen and must have had Albertan residency for six months immediately proceeding the election.