David Shepherd

MLA for Edmonton-City Centre • Shadow Minister for Public Safety & Emergency Services • Cyclist • Musician • Lover of Good Coffee • Comic Book Geek •

[David Shepherd @DShepYEG]

After 6 years of promises, it’s inexcusable that people who want to voluntarily seek help & treatment still face waits of over 6 weeks to access it.

Our friends, family & neighbors in need, our frontline responders, our communities, deserve better. #ableg

[David Shepherd @DShepYEG]

It’s been 6 years, two Premiers & 5 Ministers of Mental Health & Addictions (3 full, 2 assoc.) since the UCP first promised to build these centres.

Meanwhile, 1000s of Albertans have died from opioid poisonings & those who want help still face long waits to get it. 1/2 #ableg

[David Shepherd @DShepYEG]

This is also true in Edmonton where last year we had 50% of Alberta drug toxicity deaths.

I spoke with firefighters recently about how much of their time is taken responding - a municipal cost due to the UCP’s refusal to treat the crisis with the urgency it deserves. #ableg

[Naheed Nenshi @nenshi]

“While municipalities and first responders are stepping up to respond to an urgent public health issue that falls squarely in the province’s jurisdiction, Albertans are paying the price. More overdose calls mean greater pressure on emergency services, higher costs for municipalities, and fewer resources available when families need help in an emergency." - Janet Eremenko, Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Addiction

https://t.co/bvrNl8h9HN

[Alberta NDP @albertaNDP]

The UCP AI data centre plan:
1. Pander to billionaire tech bros, ignore Albertans, approve projects.
2. ⁠Plan to build these massive data centres in people’s backyards decreasing home values. (Walk that back only after community outrage)
3. Panic after seeing NDP consultations, launch last-minute UCP sales/apology tour.
4. The premier again declares data centres are coming, whether Albertans want them or not.

Albertans deserve a government that is committed to real public consultation. The Alberta NDP will be that government.

[Sean Amato @JSJamato]

"Our premier and public safety minister, yet again, prove to Albertans they are sadly playing to their right-wing base...Mike Ellis’s callous disregard for the harsh reality of hate crimes is not evidence-based; it’s wrong."

"Yet again, they overstep..." #ableg #cdnpoli

[Alberta NDP @albertaNDP]

Danielle Smith called for a massive $130 million separatism referendum knowing Elections Alberta doesn't have the resources to run it.

This is going to be a mess with long voting lines. Request your mail-in ballot NOW!

https://t.co/gHzhWtHHLK

[Naheed Nenshi @nenshi]

After such an amazing turnout at our last AI data centre consultation meeting, we've added a virtual session to be able to hear from even more Albertans!

RSVP for our Red Deer session on August 12 or the virtual session on August 19th: https://t.co/4s2pYF4GCe

[David Shepherd @DShepYEG]

Here’s a simple thing the UCP could be could be doing - fixing a provincial system actively hurting Albertans & their families.

Instead, they’re obsessed with bike lanes, stripping support from Albertans with disabilities & blowing $130M on a non-binding referendum. #ableg

[Court Ellingson @CourtEllingson]

The UCP's disability support system is failing #Albertan families

1) There's no bridge between FSCD to PDD & AISH, which puts people at risk

2) Families must re-approve, decades-old approved care

3) Parents forced to pick between their kid's support & their job

#ableg #abpoli

[Naheed Nenshi @nenshi]

Don't be fooled by the UCP's new copycat consultation sessions, they've already approved AI data centres and don't care what you think.

If you want to actually have your opinion listened to, register for the Alberta NDP's consultation sessions happening throughout the month!

[Naheed Nenshi @nenshi]

I’m thinking of our neighbours and friends in B.C. who are facing devastating wildfires. All of Canada stands with you, and we are ready to help in any way we can.

To everyone who has been forced to leave their home, we are giving you all our love and praying for a safe return home.

Times like this also make me grateful for the community we live in. To the firefighters, first responders, volunteers, and emergency crews working around the clock to keep people safe and fight these fires: thank you. Special gratitude to the Albertans who are helping on the frontlines. We are proud of you all.

[Sharif Haji @SharifHajiMLA]

My office is flooded with calls from Albertans stuck renewing licences.

They are losing online health records for weeks.

Renewing a passport is easier than this "red tape reduction" chaos.

This government is not cutting red tap, they are tying it in knots.

[Raghu Venugopal MD @raghu_venugopal]

It’s incredible that Alberta’s physicians have to so openly and squarely rebuke the Alberta Smith government. Let the record show Alberta’s physicians stood up for the average Albertan. @Albertadoctors

[Doreen Rabi, M.D. @doreen_rabi]

She pressed for the firing of AHS leaders that were openly critical of her government.

AND demands NDAs of all new health care leaders.

So sure, she is all about free speech.

[David Shepherd @DShepYEG]

“I don’t see there’s any need for the provincial gov’t to chime in.

…I think police were just doing their due diligence to highlight there’s an avenue where police may or may not play a role in terms of if it’s a crime or not.”

- Irfan Chaudry, former YEG Police Commissioner

[CTV Edmonton @ctvedmonton]

EPS had no intention of this ‘turning into a political hotcake’: Analyst on Alberta government’s reaction to hate crime post https://t.co/L7Mml2GLt7

[City of Edmonton @CityofEdmonton]

Cariwest starts downtown today!

Review nearby construction projects to avoid delays and find the perfect spot for tomorrow’s parade: https://t.co/gXpqoX1m5Q

[Naheed Nenshi @nenshi]

Albertans need access to care when and where they need it, but the UCP would prefer to only give it to those who are willing to pay.

[Sean Amato @JSJamato]

You should probably delete this now that you’ve launched a knockoff of our AI data centre consultations.

Btw, a respectful & democratic approach would’ve been to consult Albertans BEFORE you start approving projects for foreign billionaires. #ableg #cdnpoli

[Alberta NDP @albertaNDP]

Hey @ABDanielleSmith and @nateglubish glad to see you’re going to talk to Albertans about your AI data centre plans, you’re welcome to join us at our next one in Red Deer on Aug 12.

https://t.co/71Dtwp17AS

[Sean Amato @JSJamato]

This is not just racist — it’s a lie.

Indigenous men & women helped build Alberta. Many went to war & died for Canada.

My grandfather, a residential school survivor, built a business, raised a family, and paid taxes his entire life.

Shame on anyone who defends this hate.

[Naheed Nenshi @nenshi]

Albertans are rightly concerned that the premier is approving AI data centres without consultation and without fully disclosing how they'll affect our communities and our utility bills.

Hearing your voice is critical as we develop a thoughtful plan for these projects. Please RSVP to the Alberta NDP's upcoming consultation sessions in Red Deer and online, and have your say.

[David Shepherd @DShepYEG]

Full article on the white supremacist rally here:

https://t.co/pmbgFWd6uN

[David Shepherd @DShepYEG]

Canada's most prominent white supremacist group just held its 2nd annual national meeting right here in Alberta.

RCMP have rightly been tracking.

Will Public Safety Min. Mike Ellis condemn this as quickly & loudly as he did police asking the public to report hate? #ableg

[David Shepherd @DShepYEG]

Because racialized, indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+ communities deserve the same level of vocal public support as the UCP’s political base.

Particularly when the UCP’s policies & posturing so often dismisses their concerns & makes their lives harder for partisan political gain. #ableg