Federal taxes are higher today than they were ten years ago, while billions of tax dollars are wasted each year on things like corporate welfare and a useless gun registry. Canada's democracy is weakened by judges who dictate social policy, and by politicians who cheerfully allow those same judges to get away with it.

Parliament is a rubber stamp, giving legal authority to what has already been decided behind the closed doors of the Prime Minister's Office and the Liberal Party caucus. An out-dated voting system gives Canadians arrogant majority governments which exercise next-to-absolute power, up to five years at a time.

Politicians can raise taxes at any time for any reason, with no accountability until the next election. And, of course, that next election might be years away, and it might be dominated by issues other than taxes. In short, Canadian taxpayers have no protection, citizens are powerless between elections, and there is precious little accountability for politicians.

So what should Albertans do?

Rather than complain incessantly about Ottawa, we Albertans should lead by example and clean up our own act at home, provincially.

Is Alberta really that different from Ottawa?

Before saying "yes," consider these facts:

Alberta's spending on government programs is 65% higher than seven years ago, while Alberta's population grew only 14% during the same period. So much for smaller government and fiscal conservatism. Premier Klein raised Alberta provincial taxes in 2002, despite his 2001 pre-election promise that "the only way taxes are going is down."

Like our federal Parliament, the Alberta Legislature is a rubber stamp, giving legal authority to what has already been decided behind the closed doors of the Tory caucus and the Premier's Office. In Alberta you can't hold your MLA accountable because you have no idea how he or she voted inside the party caucus meeting, which is where all the important decisions are made.

Like Canada's federal politicians, Alberta MLAs can raise taxes at any time for any reason - even if this violates a clear election promise. There is no effective taxpayer protection legislation in Alberta. Nor does legislation limit growth in government spending.

Just like federal elections, provincial elections are called at the whim of the Premier, for a date which benefits the government party. Alberta's out-dated voting system produces arrogant dynasties which, like our federal government, exercise next-to-absolute power up to five years at a time. Between elections, Albertans do not have the right to initiate and vote in referendums on important issues of their choice. And MLAs, like MPs, cannot be recalled, regardless of how corrupt, dishonest or incompetent they may be.

In the 1998 Vriend decision, supreme court judges ruled that a private Christian school could not fire a practicing homosexual who violated the terms of an employment contract which he had voluntarily entered into. In response, the Klein government did not use Section 33 of the Charter (the notwithstanding clause) to opt out of that court decision, but chose instead to condone and accept judicial activism.

Actions speak louder than words. We Albertans complain that taxpayers have no protection, that citizens have no power, that democracy is weak, and that politicians are not held accountable. But these complaints are as true provincially as they are federally. Implementing a positive and constructive Alberta Agenda would put far more pressure on Ottawa than complaints and rhetoric.

First, the Alberta Legislature should pass taxpayer protection legislation, requiring that any new taxes or tax increases be put to voters for their approval in a province-wide referendum. This law would put the onus on politicians to explain and justify why they want to take a larger share of Albertans' earnings. Currently, the onus is on taxpayers to explain and justify why they should be able to keep their own money. According to a 2002 JMCK poll, 83% of Albertans want taxpayer protection legislation.

Second, citizens' initiative legislation should be passed to give Albertans the right to initiate and vote in referendums on important issues of their choice. According to a 2001 Environics poll, 79% of Albertans want this legislation, but the Klein government has thus far failed to introduce it.

Third, spending control legislation should be passed to limit the annual growth in government spending to Alberta's population growth and inflation.

Fourth, the Alberta government should not hesitate to use Section 33 of the Charter (the notwithstanding clause) to opt out of bad court decisions, especially when judges impose their personal beliefs and social agendas. Democracy requires nothing less.

Fifth, democracy should be restored to the Alberta Legislature by having MLAs freely debate and vote on issues in full public view, not just inside their confidential party caucus meetings.

Sixth, Alberta should have fixed dates for elections, like B.C., to prevent the Premier and government party from timing the election for partisan advantage.

Seventh, Albertans should have the right to recall an MLA under certain circumstances. No person should be completely immune from getting fired for a period of five years, and MLAs are no exception.

Implementing this Alberta Agenda will accomplish infinitely more good than whining about Ottawa.