Jack Hayden

[smcgrath76]

Is the new minister of Ag in AB. From
Shirley McLellan's old riding of
Stettler/Drumheller.

[wilagro]

Yes, just Google "Jack Hayden Alberta" and read the political Wikipedia article.

[Kathy]

You gotta be kidding me!!!

Sh*$, we are in BIG trouble, boys!!!

Hayden is a follower, who does as he is told. You can't count on him to represent the people of his riding, or agriculture. He royally screwed us all over with Bill 19 and Bill 50..... he'll do whatever Mr. Stelmach's bosses tell him to do; and with a smile to boot.

[grassfarmer]

Come on Kathy how long is it since politicians were anything other than followers? That's why I laughed at all the criticism GG got as Ag minister - it's not as if they can actually run a department to their liking - it's all decided by the party, largely on the advice of the bureaucrats behind the scenes. The ministers names change but the bureaucrats don't - they are the people really running the show (on behalf of their corporate sponsors;o) )

[wd40]

Cabinet shuffle takes on a whole new meaning, maybe musical chairs.

[coppertop]

Is anyone willing to give the new Minister
a chance ? After George anything will be
an improvement. Jack understands all of
rural Alberta and knows the issues the
farming industry faces. Remember his
Ministry isn't just AG, it is also Rural
Development which has evolved into almost
anything these days.

[coppertop]

Is anyone willing to give the new Minister
a chance ? After George anything will be
an improvement. Jack understands all of
rural Alberta and knows the issues the
farming industry faces. Remember his
Ministry isn't just AG, it is also Rural
Development which has evolved into almost
anything these days.

[coppertop]

sorry for the double post, must be trigger
happy this morning.

[smcgrath76]

I think the bureaucracy in the back runs
the show (part of being in power with no
opposition for 40 years), but I also think
Hayden is somewhat of a move to appease
rural voters (or at least help them forget
the former minister). GG is not in
cabinet at all this turn around.

[sagewood]

Don't hold your breath for any change--I will believe it when I see it. They are going to balance the budget in 'three'--I think the new buzz word in Edmonton is 'free in three' (i.e. out of debt in 3 yrs.). To this end, they are going to make nice with the oil and gas boys and girls and get them to come back to AB. to play with their drills and pay royalties and thus make the Conservatives look like good managers by the election in 2012. Budget cuts to ag. programs is easy money for them to find to lessen the debt at this point. Cynical, just cynical.....

[coppertop]

John Knapp will remain as DM, and I am
optimistic that he and Jack can work
with the cattle industry. I think there
were times during the ALMS/Age
Verification initiative that John had to
hold his nose and go out and defend GG's
position.
I wish Ed would have put Jack in the AG
Portfolio in 2008.
This is a new opportunity for the
cow/calf sector to stand up and be
counted, let the new Minister know what
you see as positive changes that can
occur in provincial ag policy.
MLA's are being asked to get input from
the ag industry in their constituencies
so give your MLA a call with some of
your ideas for change.

[HFL]

Kathy........where do you get the idea that Mr. Hayden is a follower? He was a municipal councillor for years. He rose to the position of President of the Alberta Asscociation of MDs and Counties. He did a good job as President. He is a good guy and will do a great job as ag minister.

[sagewood]

Alas, I would call my MP and voice my concerns had he not made the decision to cross the floor and sit with the Wild Rose group--but don't let that stop the rest of you from emailing/phoning and meeting with your MLA's. At this point in time, my area is effectively muzzled and most certainly will have to rely on the rest of the Province to get the word to the powers-that-be.

[per]

Lol Sagewood, I feel you pain. My MLA might not be listened to as well, being the former Minister. We might just as well send our thoughts directly to the new Minister. A note of congrats and a few thoughts might be a plan.

[sagewood]

Excellent advice per, I believe I will do that very thing--thanks..hg