Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend tonight's meeting.

We are gathered here to begin our campaign to elect an NDP candidate to the Alberta Legislative Assembly representing West Yellowhead. A provincial election is anticipated as early as next spring and the NDP is going to be ready. We already have well over 60 candidates nominated towards our goal of fielding a full slate of 87.

Inspired by the historical showing in the last federal election where we picked up 103 seats and the sudden passing of leader Jack Layton early last summer, NDP supporters across Canada and especially in Alberta have found new energy. Add to this the election of an arrogant Stephen Harper majority government and over 40 years of Progressive Conservative government and you have a recipe ripe for change.

Our job, and my job, is to provide a viable alternative to the status quo. An alternative that sets us apart from what promises to be a crowded field of candidates.

Let's begin with fundraising.

I am only accepting $1 donations.

Money has come to dominate politics in Alberta undermining our one person - one vote system. Is it any wonder that nearly 1/2 of Albertans no longer bother voting?

Limiting donations to an amount that literally anyone can afford not only brings politics back to the people but allows young and old to be involved in a meaningful way knowing their contributions will be equal in value and importance. Everyone has the opportunity to be my "biggest financial supporter"!

It provides voters with the opportunity to send a clear message to those in power and seeking power, that democracy is indeed more important than money.

It shows that we are different and not satisfied with the status quo. That we are prepared to offer more than just talk and promises prior to the election. That we have principles and are willing to back them up with action.

Although $1 sounds like a token amount, it is what every other larger denomination(10, 100, 1000 dollars and so on) consists of and like people's votes, when added up can create significant impact.

In the case I am elected as your next MLA representing the NDP, limiting donations and broadening our support will make me both more objective as a representative and more accountable to you AND the public interest. With no corporate or large donations, I will be beholden only to the very people I am seeking to represent.

And finally, if we are successful in our effort, it could, and likely will become a model for people in other jurisdictions to bring democracy back to it's roots and out of the hands of those using money to obtain power and power to reward money.