The transcript for this witness testimony is currently in production by our volunteers. It will be available soon here on this page and as a downloadable PDF.

Summary

Drew Barnes testifies about his experiences as an MLA during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges he faced in representing his constituents’ concerns. He discusses the lack of influence backbench MLAs had on government policy, particularly regarding COVID-19 measures. Barnes explains how the federal government’s control over provincial funding has led to a loss of provincial autonomy in areas like healthcare and education. He advocates for political reform, including the implementation of Swiss-style direct democracy, proportional representation, and increased local decision-making. Barnes also highlights the need for more choice and competition in education and healthcare systems. He emphasizes the importance of political change to address the current issues in Canadian governance and to restore hope among citizens, particularly the youth.

Credentials

Drew Barnes served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 2012 to 2023, representing the electoral district of Cypress-Medicine Hat. He was initially elected as a member of the Wildrose Party, which later merged to form the United Conservative Party. Known for his principled stances, Barnes was eventually removed from the UCP caucus in 2021 due to his criticism of government policies, including COVID-19 measures and equalization payments. Throughout his political career, Barnes has been a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility, government accountability, and increased provincial autonomy for Alberta.