Yesterday, I saw a message come across Twitter that suggested their was a lot of Progressive Conservative party nominees running in Calgary Currie. I think having a lot of people interested in representing their neighbours is a wonderful thing. The more voices we hear during an election increases the chances for renewal in our province. This is especially true during the nomination process when members of political parties focus on defining their issues and interests. Participating in a political party at these moments is a vital way to make your voice heard.
To me, the Progressive Conservative party represents a progressive voice for the future of Alberta, one built upon the experiences of the past...both good and bad. This province has thrived for forty years because of the ability to manage the ebb and flow that exists between the public and private sectors.
We are a province wealthy in resources and energy, within a country rich in beauty, freedom and democracy. This is our good fortune by right of citizenship. Our provincial government recognizes the importance of balancing these complementary resources (public and private) and has been responsive to this delicate balance since Lougheed and throughout our PC history.
We are on the threshold of becoming a global leader politically, fiscally and environmentally because of the decisions made by this government and because we are open to learning from the decisions that we have made that have had less positive impact.
What does the PC Party mean to you? Tell your local candidate when he or she knocks on your door. It's the only way to help shape the party to reflect the changing province we live in.
I believe that in the upcoming provincial election, the party that reflects the voices of Calgary Currie the best will have the chance to represent you in the Legislature.
Let your voice be heard. Make sure to vote this spring, and make sure to have your say in helping to pick a candidate for Calgary Currie on January 28th.
Friday, 30 December 2011
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
A New Calgary, a New Alberta, and a New PC Party
Premier Redford has said "We are now going through a generational change in politics and business.We have to embrace the world in a way that we've never done."
A recent Bloomberg article noted that Calgary has the fastest growing immigrant population of any Canadian city, and will be quickly adding more as companies struggle to fill 100,000 oil industry jobs over the next eight years.
This news is not likely to surprise anyone in Calgary Currie. At St. Michael School, we have significant populations of students from Columbia, Venezuela, Sudan and the Phillipines, as well as smaller numbers of children from many, many other countries. Everyday I see families making the decision to call this city, and specifically Calgary Currie, home, in no small part because of the economic opportunities that Calgary offers in oil and gas, finance, and agriculture.
But there is another opportunity I see reflected in their faces - an opportunity to become involved in the political process of our city and province. The elections of Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Premier Alison Redford as leader of the PC Party points not only to the increasing multicultural nature of Calgary and Alberta, but more to the point, the gains the Progressive Conservatives have made in welcoming all Albertans.
To me, this is the moment that makes this year's election so exciting; the opportunity to be a part of a new generation reflective of our multicultural reality.
A recent Bloomberg article noted that Calgary has the fastest growing immigrant population of any Canadian city, and will be quickly adding more as companies struggle to fill 100,000 oil industry jobs over the next eight years.
This news is not likely to surprise anyone in Calgary Currie. At St. Michael School, we have significant populations of students from Columbia, Venezuela, Sudan and the Phillipines, as well as smaller numbers of children from many, many other countries. Everyday I see families making the decision to call this city, and specifically Calgary Currie, home, in no small part because of the economic opportunities that Calgary offers in oil and gas, finance, and agriculture.
But there is another opportunity I see reflected in their faces - an opportunity to become involved in the political process of our city and province. The elections of Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Premier Alison Redford as leader of the PC Party points not only to the increasing multicultural nature of Calgary and Alberta, but more to the point, the gains the Progressive Conservatives have made in welcoming all Albertans.
To me, this is the moment that makes this year's election so exciting; the opportunity to be a part of a new generation reflective of our multicultural reality.
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
This is meant to be a peaceful time of year, but like a lot of people I find that it takes a bit of time before I can relax and enjoy what the Holiday Season is all about.
The responsibilities of work and home need special attention during the Holiday Season, but it is always worth it.
Christmas can just roll by unless you take time to note it and its special significance.
As the Principal of a Catholic School, Christmas for me is one of the most significant dates in the Christian calendar.
But I don't think it matters what your religious or ethnic background is, this is a great time of year to reconnect with friends and family and take some time to think about what is really important in life.
For me, the priority is family.
Life is busy, and it's easy to get wrapped up in its ongoing whir.
This season I will make time to spend with my daughter, to enjoy the special bond that exists between a parent and child.
My Mother is also a special presence in my life, and my Dad has been a great inspiration throughout as well - he always told me I could do anything I wanted.
But don't get me wrong - I will still be campaigning!
After a very short break, I will be out attending functions and knocking on doors in Calgary-Currie, looking for support as I seek the PC nomination for the constituency.
That vote will be held January 28 at the Killarney Glengarry Community Centre (28 Ave and 28ST SW), so please come out and support me.
Christine Cusanelli
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
A new Alberta for a new millenium
One of the exciting things about this upcoming election season is the sense of change in the air. Under Premier Alison Redford, I see signs of a rejuvenated connection to between Albertans and their government. While this spirit is more noticeable with the PC supporters I talk to while campaigning for nomination in Calgary Currie, I have no doubt that the other parties are feeling a similar infusion of energy.
This is important, not just because it makes communities feel stronger, but because we have an upcoming generation of Albertans that need to feel included in the political process, that provincial politics is a meaningful way for them to make their voices heard. While the video below was created for an American audience, our own Albertans born after 1977 share many of the same concerns and characteristics, and like their American cousins, they are too numerous for us to ignore.
With Premier Redford, we arguably have our first Generation X provincial leader in Alberta. I too am a member of Generation X. As an educator, I am acutely aware that the so-called Millennials outnumber my generation in any given social situation. Whereas we grew up in the shadow of the baby boomers, the numerical superiority of the Millennials allow them to create their own social and cultural reference points. If we do not actively engage them in the political process, if we cannot convince them that politics can be for them and by them as well, then we risk losing them to indifference and apathy.
The party that can engage the Millennials will be the party that leads Alberta into the future.
This is important, not just because it makes communities feel stronger, but because we have an upcoming generation of Albertans that need to feel included in the political process, that provincial politics is a meaningful way for them to make their voices heard. While the video below was created for an American audience, our own Albertans born after 1977 share many of the same concerns and characteristics, and like their American cousins, they are too numerous for us to ignore.
With Premier Redford, we arguably have our first Generation X provincial leader in Alberta. I too am a member of Generation X. As an educator, I am acutely aware that the so-called Millennials outnumber my generation in any given social situation. Whereas we grew up in the shadow of the baby boomers, the numerical superiority of the Millennials allow them to create their own social and cultural reference points. If we do not actively engage them in the political process, if we cannot convince them that politics can be for them and by them as well, then we risk losing them to indifference and apathy.
The party that can engage the Millennials will be the party that leads Alberta into the future.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Diversification...the new relationship between Canadian provinces and the world
Canada will relinquish $630-billion in additional GDP over the next 25 years as is estimated by the Canadian Energy Research Institute. Does shipping lower value products for other countries to gain financially continue to make sense for Canada? In Alberta, the future of oil producers and pipeline companies appears to be working in tandem with our federal and provincial governments. Together, we need to use every available asset we have to diversify.
Making access to other world markets like Asia via a West Coast pipeline must be a national priority. Access to our East Coast pipeline is also an important part of the diversification of our resources. Former Premier Lougheed has expressed support of processing more of our national raw products which he believes offers more return to the Canadian economy. This is why Premier Redford's suggestion of the government investing in a kick start of upgrades to CNRL and Northwest might make sense for Alberta. The risk would be low. We know that bitumen is readily available, even over the long term, and unlike companies, the government can make the financial commitment to the anticipated volumes. Moreover, bitumen from more than one source is then possible and increases the likelihood of return.
So, it would seem that in light of the seemingly stalled Keystone XL Pipeline, Mr. Lougheed's point of view is very apropos. Let's throw in these ideas too: Capitalizing on existing Canadian refineries and refitting lines as well as building new lines to send and process raw bitumen into synthetic crude oil.
While Canada and the US will always be friends, it is clear that Canada is at the threshold of making a huge impact in the world. Alberta cannot make this happen alone but rather, as part of a country that is unified in using her resources effectively and in concert. If we can achieve national unity on this issue (and yes, agree that Kyoto is not for us), we can become the economic force that leads the world fecund in resources, and also, in ways of responsible reduction of emissions. This means we set the tone and agenda in Durban negotiations that can very well place us in a newly empowered position on the world stage as a country abundant in resource and highly ethical in guarding it's environment.
A respectful process is critical. Developing policies and concurrently honouring the roots of our aboriginal people, environmental groups and all stakeholders is a challenge that we must take on. We are a country resplendent in richness that can ensure high quality of life not only for ourselves and our children but, perhaps around the world.
Monday, 28 November 2011
Grade 12 Diploma Exams: Just a Point...of View
Credit is due to our Minister of Education. Thomas Lucaszuk, is stepping up in true PC style and showing Albertans what it looks like when our Government says there will be change. We will listen, we will discuss, we will make the decision that is right for Albertans. Those decisions will be pragmatic and fiscally minded, no doubt. This kind of transparency can only produce a level of ownership from stakeholders that will make our Education System a herald among jurisdictions.
I sent out a reply to our Minister tonight and thought I'd add my comments to the article in the Calgary Herald on Grade 12 Diploma Exams. Here is my FB comment in reply to our Minister's request for feedback on Standardized tests nationwide:
There is an importance to be placed on the value of diploma results to inform our practice: they offer appropriate feedback to teachers for assessing taught and learned outcomes, standardized tests allow for educators to reflect on their practice, for schools to set goals towards improvement, jurisdictions can demonstrate accountability etc...the question is the weight of the diploma and whether an exam which is worth 50% of a students' grade 12 mark is truly valid and reliable...do they measure what a student has learned and are these results reliable over time. basic research elements.
What are these exams truly for? If it for accountability, then let's create exams that reflect that. We are often funded based on results and what these results show ie: class size does not impact test results at the grade 6 level=less funding for class size contingency teachers. I would argue that the standardized tests, as they are currently designed show more about measuring accountability and therefore dollars are contingent upon good results. If truly we want to measure and place value on what a child has learned, that ought to be done with an emphasis placed on formative rather summative assessment. (At this point, I accidentally pressed RETURN...of course as an educator, I was horrified that I might find a spelling mistake...and I did!)
So, now, I will create the rest of a reply in this blog. It will be brief (ish) and I'll try to keep the teacher speak to a minimum...
Currently, our children in grade 12 write a Standardized Diploma exam in each of the core subjects. It is worth 50% of their final mark. Those are some pretty interesting odds and there are few gambles in life that are worth that kind of pay out or loss. But, most importantly, are they really worth the gamble...do they really measure Post Secondary preparadeness? Do they really measure what our children have learned when true learning can only be shown over time by way of siginificant concepts? As educators if we are not constantly asking ourselves "How will I know they have learned", we are missing the point. That question leads us to reflection on our practice in the classroom and helps us sharpen our teaching tools. It allows us to assess student knowledge at a given time, to differentiate for the individual and to foster engagement and interest within our students.
Todays teacher is up against some pretty steep competition...technology has changed the way our children gain knowledge. Do our standardized tests reflect that? In the age of the "Google Effect" where it's no longer necessary to know historical facts, isn't it presumptuous to assume that a multiple choice test is really an important factor in discerning between the 17year old who is ready for University or not. Does anyone remember the AC/DC formula?
Now, I don't profess to know the answer as to how to measure knowledge via a set standard. But, I do believe there is a way to get closer to it than we are. I'm feeling refreshingly optimistic that with the open minded and transparent approach of our Government, we might very well be able to lead the country towards this standard. And that is not only levelling the playing field for our children who seek post secondary studies. It also gives them more choice of institutions to attend.
I'd love to hear about your views...How will I know they have learned?
I sent out a reply to our Minister tonight and thought I'd add my comments to the article in the Calgary Herald on Grade 12 Diploma Exams. Here is my FB comment in reply to our Minister's request for feedback on Standardized tests nationwide:
There is an importance to be placed on the value of diploma results to inform our practice: they offer appropriate feedback to teachers for assessing taught and learned outcomes, standardized tests allow for educators to reflect on their practice, for schools to set goals towards improvement, jurisdictions can demonstrate accountability etc...the question is the weight of the diploma and whether an exam which is worth 50% of a students' grade 12 mark is truly valid and reliable...do they measure what a student has learned and are these results reliable over time. basic research elements.
What are these exams truly for? If it for accountability, then let's create exams that reflect that. We are often funded based on results and what these results show ie: class size does not impact test results at the grade 6 level=less funding for class size contingency teachers. I would argue that the standardized tests, as they are currently designed show more about measuring accountability and therefore dollars are contingent upon good results. If truly we want to measure and place value on what a child has learned, that ought to be done with an emphasis placed on formative rather summative assessment. (At this point, I accidentally pressed RETURN...of course as an educator, I was horrified that I might find a spelling mistake...and I did!)
So, now, I will create the rest of a reply in this blog. It will be brief (ish) and I'll try to keep the teacher speak to a minimum...
Currently, our children in grade 12 write a Standardized Diploma exam in each of the core subjects. It is worth 50% of their final mark. Those are some pretty interesting odds and there are few gambles in life that are worth that kind of pay out or loss. But, most importantly, are they really worth the gamble...do they really measure Post Secondary preparadeness? Do they really measure what our children have learned when true learning can only be shown over time by way of siginificant concepts? As educators if we are not constantly asking ourselves "How will I know they have learned", we are missing the point. That question leads us to reflection on our practice in the classroom and helps us sharpen our teaching tools. It allows us to assess student knowledge at a given time, to differentiate for the individual and to foster engagement and interest within our students.
Todays teacher is up against some pretty steep competition...technology has changed the way our children gain knowledge. Do our standardized tests reflect that? In the age of the "Google Effect" where it's no longer necessary to know historical facts, isn't it presumptuous to assume that a multiple choice test is really an important factor in discerning between the 17year old who is ready for University or not. Does anyone remember the AC/DC formula?
Now, I don't profess to know the answer as to how to measure knowledge via a set standard. But, I do believe there is a way to get closer to it than we are. I'm feeling refreshingly optimistic that with the open minded and transparent approach of our Government, we might very well be able to lead the country towards this standard. And that is not only levelling the playing field for our children who seek post secondary studies. It also gives them more choice of institutions to attend.
I'd love to hear about your views...How will I know they have learned?
Sunday, 27 November 2011
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