CALGARY, AB (October 3, 2011): Today, the Wildrose Caucus released its Children and Families policy aiming to assist, rather than hinder, Alberta families as they deal with crisis issues and seek to spend more quality time with their children.

With the children and families policy, the Wildrose Caucus has now released its full policy book which proposes ideas and solutions for 15 different policy areas. They are all available online.

“Wildrose has released by far the most policy of any political party in Alberta,” Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith said. “No other party has put in the time and effort listening to Albertans and crafting clear, values-based policies for the issues we face. Our 132-page policy book, with 250 different policy points, reflects what Albertans have told us they want to see and that’s why I’m confident that we have the best ideas for Alberta.

On the children and families policy, Smith said, “Alberta families are the building block of our society and are at the core of what makes this province one of the best places to live in the world. Our policy is a sensible approach making sure Alberta families have a strong system to protect our most vulnerable during times of crisis, yet gives families the room to flourish without too much government interference.”

The full policy may be found here (insert link)

Highlights of the policy include:

• Encouraging the federal government to accelerate their plan to allow income splitting between parents.
• Reviewing federal and provincial tax law to identify other ways in which the law unfairly penalizes families with children.
• Making sure social workers are not overburdened by reviewing caseload management.
• Investing in proven community organizations and programs that work to prevent, assist and treat victims of addictions and abuse. A significant amount of gambling revenues will be reallocated for these investments.
• Making the office of the Children’s Advocate independent and accountable to all children in the province.  A report will be tabled in the legislature once a year.
• Immediately proclaiming the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Amendment Act, 2009.
• Addressing the cultural needs of First Nations, Inuit, Aboriginal and Metis to ensure a clear direction and mandate that allows all aboriginal children to stay connected to their family and their community.

Smith said that the current government has spent too much time dithering on the issues that matter most to families.

“Whether it’s their refusal to change a tax system that punishes parents for staying at home with their children, or their reluctance to bring in important child care reforms, this government has put Alberta families in the back seat,” she said.  “This policy reflects the need to put Alberta families in charge by prioritizing spending on the services which matter most, giving relief to our social workers, and protecting our most valuable and precious resource in society – our children.”

The Wildrose Caucus stands for free enterprise, less government, increased personal freedom and democracy.