An estimated 700 protestors from all over Alberta came to Red Deer to urge the Stelmach Conservative's to stop the cuts to health care, education, seniors, and social services. This message was aimed at the 1,300 Conservative delegates at the Capri Hotel in Red Deer.

Unfortunately the Conservatives barricaded themselves in the hotel. The entrance of the Capri Hotel was surrounded by security guards. To the protestors disappointment, Ed Stelmach nor any other Conservative MLA came out to address the concerns of the protestors. Laughably there was a section the size of 2 parking stalls reserved for the protestors. 

 

David Eggen, of the Friends of Medicare, said that Stelmach held a press conference at the same time the protestors were going to march by the Tory convention in an attempt to deflect attention away from the protestors. The best line of the day was when Eggen noted that the Conservatives should cut carbon emissions instead of health care.



There were 3 bus loads from Calgary that attended the rally. Women Together Ending Poverty was out in full force.



There were many lively protestors dressed up with messages to our government. There was also a great drum beat for the protestors to chant to.



The Raging Grannies from all over Alberta collaborated for songs supporting public health. The crowd favourite was one to the tune of O' Canada.

Ryan Gaeke, from the Disability Action Hall, said that the Alberta government is planning to cut the salaries of front-line care givers, who provide care and programs for adults with disabilities, by 10% to 15%.

Disability Action Hall members led a spirited chant asking for the government to stop the cuts.



For the sake of our future, stop the cuts!