Kyle Murphy (Edmonton-Strathcona)

VoteMurphy2011 · 12-04-2011, 05:53 PM

Hello Edmonton,

My name is Kyle Murphy and I'm running as an independent candidate in Edmonton-Strathcona. I am compelled to run in this election as an independent for a variety of reasons.

Most importantly, I am concerned with the lack of representation that Edmonton-Strathcona and the entire capital region as a whole is receiving in parliament from our partisan representatives. Incumbent MPs in and around Edmonton have done little to assert Edmonton's autonomy. Instead, they have only held party lines, voting as ordered by their party elites. As a result, Edmonton has been neglected as demonstrated by a few prominent events, such as the cancellation of the city's expo bid by the Harper Conservatives, or the call for NDP lead Jack Layton to halt Alberta's "tar" sands. In countless instances like these, our local representatives have not stood up to the actions of their party elites.

As an Independent candidate I can provide representation that reflects the will of the constituency and not the political motivations of distant party elites. Furthermore, I will focus on issues that are important to our riding such as ensuring federal funds for transit expansion and developing the oil sands and related industries in a sustainable manner. I would like to take this opportunity to answer questions from constituents. Please feel free to ask questions.

Please visit votemurphy2011.com to:
-View my full platform
-Volunteer
-View videos and links
-Join the Movement

Facebook: Vote Murphy 2011
Twitter: @votemurphy2011
Email: votemurphy2011@gmail.com

Today's Candidate Forum at the University of Alberta:
http://www.livestream.com/uasu/video...edium=ui-thumb

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from constituents about issues important to you.

Kyle Murphy

etownboarder · 12-04-2011, 05:55 PM

Damn. Why do you have to come split the vote in our only riding where we have any hope to get someone who isn't a conservative elected? This is incredibly important.

DiscoBandit · 12-04-2011, 11:11 PM

I agree. You don't have a chance to do anything but make it another conservative riding, you should use your organization, skills and abilities to push for Duncan.

You're really hurting the left.

North Guy66 · 12-04-2011, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VoteMurphy2011

Most importantly, I am concerned with the lack of representation that Edmonton-Strathcona and the entire capital region as a whole is receiving in parliament from our partisan representatives. Incumbent MPs in and around Edmonton have done little to assert Edmonton's autonomy. Instead, they have only held party lines, voting as ordered by their party elites. As a result, Edmonton has been neglected as demonstrated by a few prominent events, such as the cancellation of the city's expo bid by the Harper Conservatives, or the call for NDP lead Jack Layton to halt Alberta's "tar" sands. In countless instances like these, our local representatives have not stood up to the actions of their party elites.

Sorry but that is the reason why Edm-Strat elected Linda Duncan as the MP. The riding is now high-profile because it is a little orange blob in a sea of blue.

Since the Edmonton-area Conservative MPs take this city for granted, the voters in Edm-Strat will give Duncan a greater margin of victory than the last election when she ousted Rahim Jaffer. I've noticed tons of Linda Duncan election signs all over the riding, way more than the last time. There is even a big one right in front of my house.

But thanks for being engaged in politics. It's nice to see more young people involved. Perhaps next time around you can seek the Conservative representative nomination for Edm-Strat. You sound more engaging than Ryan Hastman.

whynow99 · 13-04-2011, 12:20 AM

See where this Mr. Murphy is in a couple years after this vote, to see if he was just a shill hired by the CONS to do exactly as mentioned.....to split the vote and keep this constituency for CONS.......they have done this many times before.

mnugent · 13-04-2011, 12:32 AM

^I was at the forum today. If you watch the recording of the forum today, available on the students union website, you'll know that wasn't the case. In fact Mr. Murphy took several shots at Duncan. Besides, I don't think that Mr. Hastman has much of a chance now:

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/...902/story.html

North Guy66 · 13-04-2011, 01:14 AM

^ Ryan Hastman is quite a work in progress. The gong show continues...

Quote:

In the most emotional appeal, Hastman was confronted by the widow of former mayor and Liberal MLA Laurence Decore, who chastised him for using her late husband’s name in politicking.

“It’s insulting,” said Anne Marie Decore in front of the 200 students and supporters. “He’s a man who is nothing like you.”

Hastman had used Decore’s name in a radio appearance, saying that like Decore, he was a fiscal conservative with a social conscience.
Hastman said he used the name out of respect.

But Decore wasn’t accepting that. “To try and ride the coattails of a man who has been dead 12 years is repugnant,” she said. “My husband’s ideals and beliefs were not like this Tory government or Mr. Hastman’s.”

Well, the Conservatives got their wish if the goal was to make us forget about Rahim Jaffer.

Mogwai · 13-04-2011, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etownboarder

Damn. Why do you have to come split the vote in our only riding where we have any hope to get someone who isn't a conservative elected? This is incredibly important.

What is wrong with having a Passionate, Educated and Engaged young person that doesn't necessarily want to align with a party want be involved in his community?

I understand the reasoning to not split the vote, it is also incredibly important to stand up for what you believe in, especially if you don't see that your values are represented by the parties - which Mr. Murphy is doing - rather than selling out to support someone just to play a numbers game???

If you don't agree with his platform, that is one thing, but to slag on someone for having the courage and drive to run for something he is passionate about is pretty low.

jmart81 · 13-04-2011, 08:04 AM

I find it funny that some of the people who complain about the un-democratic Tories are telling people not to run in a democratic election because it hurts their chances of winning. Show's that thought process is on all sides of the political spectrum.

Having said that, I really don't think Duncan needs any help to win, Hastman is helping out just fine. You think the Tories would parachute a better or more high profile person.

etownboarder · 13-04-2011, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mogwai

Quote:

Originally Posted by etownboarder

Damn. Why do you have to come split the vote in our only riding where we have any hope to get someone who isn't a conservative elected? This is incredibly important.

What is wrong with having a Passionate, Educated and Engaged young person that doesn't necessarily want to align with a party want be involved in his community?

I understand the reasoning to not split the vote, it is also incredibly important to stand up for what you believe in, especially if you don't see that your values are represented by the parties - which Mr. Murphy is doing - rather than selling out to support someone just to play a numbers game???

If you don't agree with his platform, that is one thing, but to slag on someone for having the courage and drive to run for something he is passionate about is pretty low.

There are a half dozen other ridings in Edmonton he could have run in where he wouldn't have meddled with one of Alberta's few chances of electing someone who isn't Conservative to Ottawa. I just wish Mr. Murphy had thought about that a little bit before choosing to split the vote. He could have lost in some other riding just as well as he will lose in Edmonton-Strathcona.

Redd Foxx · 13-04-2011, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mogwai

Quote:

Originally Posted by etownboarder

Damn. Why do you have to come split the vote in our only riding where we have any hope to get someone who isn't a conservative elected? This is incredibly important.

What is wrong with having a Passionate, Educated and Engaged young person that doesn't necessarily want to align with a party want be involved in his community?

I understand the reasoning to not split the vote, it is also incredibly important to stand up for what you believe in, especially if you don't see that your values are represented by the parties - which Mr. Murphy is doing - rather than selling out to support someone just to play a numbers game???

If you don't agree with his platform, that is one thing, but to slag on someone for having the courage and drive to run for something he is passionate about is pretty low.

Agree, plus I also agree with the comment that it seems mighty two faced to lament one party's undemocratic tendancies, then balst someone for embracing the very democracy you hold dear!

Whoever had the tagline that if you like to whine, go to Connect2Edmonton certainly hit it on the head. The very notion that some of you here would blast someone for running in an election is insane whining at its best!

Alex87 · 13-04-2011, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mogwai

Quote:

Originally Posted by etownboarder

Damn. Why do you have to come split the vote in our only riding where we have any hope to get someone who isn't a conservative elected? This is incredibly important.

What is wrong with having a Passionate, Educated and Engaged young person that doesn't necessarily want to align with a party want be involved in his community?

I understand the reasoning to not split the vote, it is also incredibly important to stand up for what you believe in, especially if you don't see that your values are represented by the parties - which Mr. Murphy is doing - rather than selling out to support someone just to play a numbers game???

If you don't agree with his platform, that is one thing, but to slag on someone for having the courage and drive to run for something he is passionate about is pretty low.

Agree 100% - great post.

If the guy is anti-Duncan and anti-Hastman (i.e. he doesn't fit in with one of the main parties in our riding) he has every right to run and he should be encouraged to do so. It is ridiculous to suggest that he shouldn't because he will split the vote in Hastman's favour, as though Linda Duncan somehow has divine right to her seat by virtue of the fact that she's not a Conservative. Personally I find the NDP and socialism in general to be utterly reprehensible and I cannot and will not vote for that party under any circumstance. I am extremely disconcerted at the notion I've seen in my riding that Duncan should win at any cost, especially since the NDP's platform probably wouldn't do any favours for the region.

Also, as far as splitting the pro-Duncan vote, it probably goes both ways to a certain extent: I was planning on voting Conservative to get Duncan out but I will give a long look at Kyle Murphy's platform. Being represented by an independent would mean we have someone working for our riding and not for the interests of a political party. Also, despite being just one vote in the House, that could go a very long way in a minority situation.

Mogwai · 13-04-2011, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etownboarder

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mogwai

Quote:

Originally Posted by etownboarder

Damn. Why do you have to come split the vote in our only riding where we have any hope to get someone who isn't a conservative elected? This is incredibly important.

What is wrong with having a Passionate, Educated and Engaged young person that doesn't necessarily want to align with a party want be involved in his community?

I understand the reasoning to not split the vote, it is also incredibly important to stand up for what you believe in, especially if you don't see that your values are represented by the parties - which Mr. Murphy is doing - rather than selling out to support someone just to play a numbers game???

If you don't agree with his platform, that is one thing, but to slag on someone for having the courage and drive to run for something he is passionate about is pretty low.

There are a half dozen other ridings in Edmonton he could have run in where he wouldn't have meddled with one of Alberta's few chances of electing someone who isn't Conservative to Ottawa. I just wish Mr. Murphy had thought about that a little bit before choosing to split the vote. He could have lost in some other riding just as well as he will lose in Edmonton-Strathcona.

But he lives in this riding...its silly, it really seems that some people have become so blinded by the 'politic-ing' side of things rather than the value of a candidate -regardless of who they are- based on their merits.

etownboarder · 13-04-2011, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mogwai

Quote:

Originally Posted by etownboarder

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mogwai

Quote:

Originally Posted by etownboarder

Damn. Why do you have to come split the vote in our only riding where we have any hope to get someone who isn't a conservative elected? This is incredibly important.

What is wrong with having a Passionate, Educated and Engaged young person that doesn't necessarily want to align with a party want be involved in his community?

I understand the reasoning to not split the vote, it is also incredibly important to stand up for what you believe in, especially if you don't see that your values are represented by the parties - which Mr. Murphy is doing - rather than selling out to support someone just to play a numbers game???

If you don't agree with his platform, that is one thing, but to slag on someone for having the courage and drive to run for something he is passionate about is pretty low.

There are a half dozen other ridings in Edmonton he could have run in where he wouldn't have meddled with one of Alberta's few chances of electing someone who isn't Conservative to Ottawa. I just wish Mr. Murphy had thought about that a little bit before choosing to split the vote. He could have lost in some other riding just as well as he will lose in Edmonton-Strathcona.

But he lives in this riding...its silly, it really seems that some people have become so blinded by the 'politic-ing' side of things rather than the value of a candidate -regardless of who they are- based on their merits.

Maybe if he wanted to be considered a serious candidate/option to voters in Edmonton-Strathcona, he should have been out door knocking for the past few years to get his name out. I've never heard of him before now and I haved lived in Windsor Park for years. I also consider myself relatively well read and informed on civic, provincial and federal politics. It's a bit late in the game now to be starting on things.

mnugent · 13-04-2011, 05:19 PM

^
Well etownboarder
I find your opposition quite sad and very disingenuous. The very first thing you said was that you were concerned with Mr. Murphy splitting the left vote. Now you're attacking him personally and questioning his commitment because you've never met him.

Most independent candidates don't have the means or money to compete with candidates from parties. It says a lot more about someone who fundraises their own money and runs their own campaign than someone who flies in party hacks from across the country to do it for them.

The youth turnout in Canada during the last election was sadly around 35%. Edmonton-Strathcona is lucky enough to have three candidates, including Mr. Murphy who are putting in the hard work and commitment it takes to run in a federal election. To slander someone running against a candidate you're supporting because you consider yourself "relatively well read and informed on civic, provincial and federal politics," is frankly a bit smug.

If you were well read about civic, provincial and federal politics you'd appreciate every single candidate running in the election. Since you are so well read, I'm sure you wouldn't mind doing some more reading:
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/...441/story.html

etownboarder · 13-04-2011, 05:29 PM

Meh, think what you like... it doesn't bother me. What does bother me is the lack of advance planning it seems like Mr. Murphy undertook prior to making a decision to run in Edmonton-Strathcona. I applaud his effort and wish him luck. Discussion over.

VoteMurphy2011 · 13-04-2011, 06:21 PM

I am pleased to see that so many are passionate about Edmonton-Strathcona. I encourage people to take a look at my platform on votemurphy2011.com, or ask me questions before discounting my candidacy. I strongly believe that I am putting forward new ideas, which are separate from the large party’s platforms. Viewing Edmonton-Strathcona as a blue or orange riding is a narrow-minded way to engage in politics. I am running in this election because I feel that I can provide better governance through independent and objective thinking.

My candidacy is not about vote splitting, it’s about providing better representation than either the Conservatives or the NDPs. Ryan Hastman has essentially admitted defeat, and Linda Duncan has done little more than tokenistic efforts within Parliament. While I believe Ms. Duncan’s intentions are well placed, they have done little to advance the interests of the Edmonton-Strathcona constituents. During the all candidates forum on Tuesday, Ms. Duncan stated that her party’s efforts consisted of tabling legislation, and advocating only once in the House of Commons for Edmonton’s Expo bid. I believe that tabling legislation that has a high likelihood of failure is an exercise of tokenism. I would prefer to speak about my own ideas rather than the inadequacies of the other candidates, however several people on the message board have made it necessary to assert my differences from both Ms.
Duncan and Mr. Hastman.

Alberta’s economy is driven by oil and natural gas production, which provides a high standard of living for all Albertans. I support the sustainable development, and expansion of this vital sector of Canada’s economy. Should it be conducted in a more environmentally sound matter? Certainly. But it is essential to realize that continued growth with environmentally friendly measures within these industries is vital to
Alberta’s prosperity.

I value post-secondary education and its importance within the Edmonton-Strathcona area. As a Journeyman refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic, as well as a 3rd year political science student at the University of Alberta, I advocate for more affordable access to post-secondary education by channeling more fundingdirectly to students.

I appreciate feedback and hope to be hearing from more Edmonton-Strathcona constituents.

VoteMurphy2011 · 30-04-2011, 08:57 AM

With two days left before the election, I want anyone in Edmonton-Strathcona, and Edmonton as a whole to consider your options. For years now, Edmonton has been represented by backbench MPs who fail to adequately represent their constituency. They go to Ottawa and are told how to vote by their party elites. While there is a duality in a MP's duty between representing local interests and considering national concerns, the role of the former has significantly diminished in Edmonton.

The most recent example of this lack of representation is Edmonton's Expo bid. No MP in Edmonton made a serious effort to land this bid. As the Conservatives knew that spending money in Alberta's capital would not produce any political gains, local Conservative MPs were barred from supporting the bid that would have seen over $2 billion invested in Edmonton.

At the university forum two weeks ago, I asked Linda Duncan what she did to support Edmonton's expo bid. She replied that she stood up once in the House of Commons. For billions of dollars invested in Edmonton-Strathcona and neighbouring ridings, standing up once in the house of commons is not good enough. A strong representative would have created public awareness of this issue. They would have gone to neighbouring ridings and asked the constituents if they were content with their representatives failing to support the bid. Instead, no Member of Parliament in Edmonton represented the needs of the city. While this is just one example, it represents a continual pattern of weak representation.

As an Independent MP, the only people I'm accountable to are the constituents. I'm socially progressive, and fiscally responsible.

I'm focussing on two issues this election campaign.

Firstly, the sustainable development of the oil and natural gas industries. While I believe the oil and natural gas industries are the backbone of Alberta's economy and should be expanded, I believe they can be expanded in a more sustainable fashion. For example, future development must pay more attention to water preservation and land reclamation. Its saddening to hear the NDP talk about halting the oil sands. Firstly, it's a completely unrealistic "solution" that would never happen. Secondly, it polarizes and sensationalizes the issue so that it's impossible to have an intelligent discussion on possible environmental solutions.

The second issue I am emphasizing this campaign is increasing accessibility to post-secondary through affordability. Instead of increasing transfers from the federal government to the provincial government as the NDP and Conservatives support, I believe that the federal government should provide grants to students who complete their post-secondary degree (diploma/degree/ticket).

Please visit votemurphy2011.com to view my full platform. Or simply ask me a question:

Facebook: Vote Murphy 2011
Twitter: @votemurphy2011
email: votemurphy2011@gmail.com

Thanks for your time.

12-04-2011, 05:53 PM	#1
VoteMurphy2011 First One is Always Free Join Date: Apr 2011	Kyle Murphy (Edmonton-Strathcona) Hello Edmonton, My name is Kyle Murphy and I'm running as an independent candidate in Edmonton-Strathcona. I am compelled to run in this election as an independent for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, I am concerned with the lack of representation that Edmonton-Strathcona and the entire capital region as a whole is receiving in parliament from our partisan representatives. Incumbent MPs in and around Edmonton have done little to assert Edmonton's autonomy. Instead, they have only held party lines, voting as ordered by their party elites. As a result, Edmonton has been neglected as demonstrated by a few prominent events, such as the cancellation of the city's expo bid by the Harper Conservatives, or the call for NDP lead Jack Layton to halt Alberta's "tar" sands. In countless instances like these, our local representatives have not stood up to the actions of their party elites. As an Independent candidate I can provide representation that reflects the will of the constituency and not the political motivations of distant party elites. Furthermore, I will focus on issues that are important to our riding such as ensuring federal funds for transit expansion and developing the oil sands and related industries in a sustainable manner. I would like to take this opportunity to answer questions from constituents. Please feel free to ask questions. Please visit votemurphy2011.com to: -View my full platform -Volunteer -View videos and links -Join the Movement Facebook: Vote Murphy 2011 Twitter: @votemurphy2011 Email: votemurphy2011@gmail.com Today's Candidate Forum at the University of Alberta: http://www.livestream.com/uasu/video...edium=ui-thumb Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from constituents about issues important to you. Kyle Murphy

13-04-2011, 12:20 AM	#5
whynow99 Partially Addicted to C2E Join Date: Apr 2009	See where this Mr. Murphy is in a couple years after this vote, to see if he was just a shill hired by the CONS to do exactly as mentioned.....to split the vote and keep this constituency for CONS.......they have done this many times before. __________________ Dave Rutherford is a small, small person....sucking up to get a Government appointment obviously.

13-04-2011, 05:19 PM	#15
mnugent Partially Addicted to C2E Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Edmonton	^ Well etownboarder I find your opposition quite sad and very disingenuous. The very first thing you said was that you were concerned with Mr. Murphy splitting the left vote. Now you're attacking him personally and questioning his commitment because you've never met him. Most independent candidates don't have the means or money to compete with candidates from parties. It says a lot more about someone who fundraises their own money and runs their own campaign than someone who flies in party hacks from across the country to do it for them. The youth turnout in Canada during the last election was sadly around 35%. Edmonton-Strathcona is lucky enough to have three candidates, including Mr. Murphy who are putting in the hard work and commitment it takes to run in a federal election. To slander someone running against a candidate you're supporting because you consider yourself "relatively well read and informed on civic, provincial and federal politics," is frankly a bit smug. If you were well read about civic, provincial and federal politics you'd appreciate every single candidate running in the election. Since you are so well read, I'm sure you wouldn't mind doing some more reading: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/...441/story.html Last edited by mnugent; 13-04-2011 at 08:59 PM..

12-04-2011, 05:55 PM	#2
etownboarder Addicted to C2E Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Old Strathcona	Damn. Why do you have to come split the vote in our only riding where we have any hope to get someone who isn't a conservative elected? This is incredibly important.

12-04-2011, 11:11 PM	#3
DiscoBandit Partially Addicted to C2E Join Date: Aug 2010	I agree. You don't have a chance to do anything but make it another conservative riding, you should use your organization, skills and abilities to push for Duncan. You're really hurting the left.

13-04-2011, 12:32 AM	#6
mnugent Partially Addicted to C2E Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Edmonton	^I was at the forum today. If you watch the recording of the forum today, available on the students union website, you'll know that wasn't the case. In fact Mr. Murphy took several shots at Duncan. Besides, I don't think that Mr. Hastman has much of a chance now: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/...902/story.html

13-04-2011, 08:04 AM	#9
jmart81 Partially Addicted to C2E Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Edmonton	I find it funny that some of the people who complain about the un-democratic Tories are telling people not to run in a democratic election because it hurts their chances of winning. Show's that thought process is on all sides of the political spectrum. Having said that, I really don't think Duncan needs any help to win, Hastman is helping out just fine. You think the Tories would parachute a better or more high profile person.

13-04-2011, 05:29 PM	#16
etownboarder Addicted to C2E Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Old Strathcona	Meh, think what you like... it doesn't bother me. What does bother me is the lack of advance planning it seems like Mr. Murphy undertook prior to making a decision to run in Edmonton-Strathcona. I applaud his effort and wish him luck. Discussion over.

13-04-2011, 06:21 PM	#17
VoteMurphy2011 First One is Always Free Join Date: Apr 2011	I am pleased to see that so many are passionate about Edmonton-Strathcona. I encourage people to take a look at my platform on votemurphy2011.com, or ask me questions before discounting my candidacy. I strongly believe that I am putting forward new ideas, which are separate from the large party’s platforms. Viewing Edmonton-Strathcona as a blue or orange riding is a narrow-minded way to engage in politics. I am running in this election because I feel that I can provide better governance through independent and objective thinking. My candidacy is not about vote splitting, it’s about providing better representation than either the Conservatives or the NDPs. Ryan Hastman has essentially admitted defeat, and Linda Duncan has done little more than tokenistic efforts within Parliament. While I believe Ms. Duncan’s intentions are well placed, they have done little to advance the interests of the Edmonton-Strathcona constituents. During the all candidates forum on Tuesday, Ms. Duncan stated that her party’s efforts consisted of tabling legislation, and advocating only once in the House of Commons for Edmonton’s Expo bid. I believe that tabling legislation that has a high likelihood of failure is an exercise of tokenism. I would prefer to speak about my own ideas rather than the inadequacies of the other candidates, however several people on the message board have made it necessary to assert my differences from both Ms. Duncan and Mr. Hastman. Alberta’s economy is driven by oil and natural gas production, which provides a high standard of living for all Albertans. I support the sustainable development, and expansion of this vital sector of Canada’s economy. Should it be conducted in a more environmentally sound matter? Certainly. But it is essential to realize that continued growth with environmentally friendly measures within these industries is vital to Alberta’s prosperity. I value post-secondary education and its importance within the Edmonton-Strathcona area. As a Journeyman refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic, as well as a 3rd year political science student at the University of Alberta, I advocate for more affordable access to post-secondary education by channeling more fundingdirectly to students. I appreciate feedback and hope to be hearing from more Edmonton-Strathcona constituents.

30-04-2011, 08:57 AM	#18
VoteMurphy2011 First One is Always Free Join Date: Apr 2011	With two days left before the election, I want anyone in Edmonton-Strathcona, and Edmonton as a whole to consider your options. For years now, Edmonton has been represented by backbench MPs who fail to adequately represent their constituency. They go to Ottawa and are told how to vote by their party elites. While there is a duality in a MP's duty between representing local interests and considering national concerns, the role of the former has significantly diminished in Edmonton. The most recent example of this lack of representation is Edmonton's Expo bid. No MP in Edmonton made a serious effort to land this bid. As the Conservatives knew that spending money in Alberta's capital would not produce any political gains, local Conservative MPs were barred from supporting the bid that would have seen over $2 billion invested in Edmonton. At the university forum two weeks ago, I asked Linda Duncan what she did to support Edmonton's expo bid. She replied that she stood up once in the House of Commons. For billions of dollars invested in Edmonton-Strathcona and neighbouring ridings, standing up once in the house of commons is not good enough. A strong representative would have created public awareness of this issue. They would have gone to neighbouring ridings and asked the constituents if they were content with their representatives failing to support the bid. Instead, no Member of Parliament in Edmonton represented the needs of the city. While this is just one example, it represents a continual pattern of weak representation. As an Independent MP, the only people I'm accountable to are the constituents. I'm socially progressive, and fiscally responsible. I'm focussing on two issues this election campaign. Firstly, the sustainable development of the oil and natural gas industries. While I believe the oil and natural gas industries are the backbone of Alberta's economy and should be expanded, I believe they can be expanded in a more sustainable fashion. For example, future development must pay more attention to water preservation and land reclamation. Its saddening to hear the NDP talk about halting the oil sands. Firstly, it's a completely unrealistic "solution" that would never happen. Secondly, it polarizes and sensationalizes the issue so that it's impossible to have an intelligent discussion on possible environmental solutions. The second issue I am emphasizing this campaign is increasing accessibility to post-secondary through affordability. Instead of increasing transfers from the federal government to the provincial government as the NDP and Conservatives support, I believe that the federal government should provide grants to students who complete their post-secondary degree (diploma/degree/ticket). Please visit votemurphy2011.com to view my full platform. Or simply ask me a question: Facebook: Vote Murphy 2011 Twitter: @votemurphy2011 email: votemurphy2011@gmail.com Thanks for your time.