October 18, 2004 is Election Day in Red Deer.       Return to Election Forum 2004.      

Go to Question One - Question Three - Bonus Question.

Question Two

Our second question comes from Lyle Keewatin Richards:

"Would the concept of a "Genuine Progress Index" work for Red Deer and what measures would you use to assess the "health" of our community and its progress?"

Lyle adds this:

Dear Sirs/Madams:

Please take so time to look at the work of GPI Atlantic and their Genuine Progress Index. They use the Canadian Index of Wellbeing to measure the progress of a community over and above its GEP or the building permits it issues. Economic progress is too narrow a gauge to measure the "real" health of a community.

One example they gave on CBC Wildrose Form this afternoon was on poverty. Poor folks access the health care system at three times the rate more affluent people do. This, in turn cost society much more then if we raised the minimum wage or increased welfare rates. My personal example of this was, the young welfare mom who had to take her child to the hospital regularly for a $1200 a month supplement for his diet. This was needed because mom didn't have enough money on welfare to feed him properly.

Please browse the following from GPI's webpage and then follow the link to their site: http://gpiatlantic.org/

Thanks,
Lyle Keewatin Richards, Red Deer AB, (403)346-2029

Go to these replies:

1. Lloyd Baumgarten	2. Jeffrey Dawson	3. Larry Pimm
4. John Cockerell	5. Bob Kruchten	6. Ray McBeth
7. Dawna Barnes	8. Steve Cross	9. Lawrence Lee
10. Bev Heisler	11. Morris Flewwelling	12. Lynn Mulder
13. Cindy Jefferies	14. Frank Wong	15. Blake King
16. K.C. Pavlick	17. Phil Hyde	18. Lorna Watkinson-Zimmer
19. Roger Will	20. Dave Murphy

From Lloyd Baumgarten, candidate for Catholic School Board

Our city should be using the GP Index materials as a resource for policy formation to ensure a healthy future for all citizens in all respects. The 22 indicators of GPI ensure that policy makers don't let anything go unnoticed. There is a truism that what we evaluate is valued. Hence, policy makers guided by the GPI indicators will equate the value of social and environmental issues as economic indicators of success in line with the most common belief that econmic wealth is only financially related.Policies which enshrine the values of social and environmental aspects will ensure a positive legacy of the "good life" for members of future generations. Using financial economic growth as the only measure of the Alberta Advantage is foolhardy! Our volunteers, leisure centers, educational and health promotion are important aspects of our natural and social capital.

We can measure the health of our community by attacking at the plight of the homeless and providing more facilities; the hungry and the lonely with food and companionship (food bank, clubs,support groups and networks,); the illiterate with educational opportunities suited to their needs; policing and security to ensure safety for all; transportation that is affordable;recreation facilities open and accessible to all; arts and cultural venues to employ and entertain; a strong emphasis on life long learning and healthy living etc.

Many of these issues/indicators are already valued in Red Deer. The use of the GPI indicators would give structure to our future planning and ensure noone and no thing falls through the cracks.

[top]

From Jeffrey Dawson, candidate for City Council

This is a very interesting topic. I think it would give us (City of Red Deer), the David Thompson Health Region, the school boards and the province some interesting information however I believe the ability to bench mark against other communities in our region and province would be an asset similar to how it is done in Atlantic Canada. Comparing us to cities and towns in Atlantic Canada by itself would be pointless as I know without a doubt that we would score much higher, having lived in Atlantic Canada and having visited almost every corner of PEI, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Red Deer has a very high quality of life regardless of your social economic status. TD Economics has done several studies which look at the health and wealth of Canadian cities and have concluded that the Calgary-Edmonton corridor is the place in Canada to live. Here is their news released April 22, 2004 which describes their finding and information on how you can view the entire report.

[top]

From Larry Pimm, candidate for City Council

Intrinsically we know that there is more to life than material well being. That is true both for an individual or a community. We also understand that a sound and sustainable economy is the foundation that supports much of what we value beyond material success.  The concept of a genuine progress indicator is a good one because it attempts to recognize and highlight factors for a successful community that would otherwise go unnoticed and undervalued. One difficulty though is weighting various factors against each other. How should the value of volunteer work be weighted vis-a-vis air polution for example? The other
question we must ask is will such a report really drive change or will it only confer bragging rights on successful communities, somewhat like school report cards sometimes do? And finally, are the human and financial resources required to produce reliable information best used for this purpose, or could they be better used in another capacity. I don't have quick, easy answers to these questions, although I believe we must move beyond simple GDP to get a good handle on the question, "How are we doing?"

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has done some interesting work in this area with their Quality of Life studies. Unfortunately, these studies tend to concentrate on large urban centres, Edmonton and Calgary in Alberta's case, so you have to do a fair bit of "reading between the lines" to apply the findings to Red Deer. For those who are interested, these studies can be found at the following web site. http://www.fcm.ca/

[top]

From John Cockerell, candidate for Public School Trustee

I went to the designated website giving information on the GPI index, and promptly added it to my list of favourites. Lyle Keewatin Richards recently won the Mayor's Recognition Award for Community Service, and this question and research helps explain why.

We MUST incorporate an index such as this, and I think we can start right now by forming a City Commission to begin the discussion on coming up with the criteria for rating ourselves. We don't need the rest of the country to start first. We can lead by example. We can judge ourselves, then do what is necessary to exceed the minimum benchmark standard.

As a potential school trustee, I would like to see a modified GPI index for the schools, but only after consultation with the other board members, school administration and teachers.

[top]

From Bob Kruchten, candidate for Catholic School Trustee

From a Christian viewpoint the health of the community can be measured by how well the we look after the least of our brothers and sisters. It appears we all need to do some work in this regard and that includes me.  As a trustee I would emphasize care, concern and programs for the least privileged of our society.

[top]

From Ray McBeth, candidate for Mayor

Some form of index could be useful. However, some study should take place before an appropriate basis for such an index is decided upon, to make sure that it takes adequate account t of the variable that affect citizens of Red Deer. (Ex: The price of natural gas many not be as significant a factor in Victoria as it is in Red Deer.

[top]

From Dawna Barnes, candidate for City Council

Lyle, Your questions speaks to much of the research that Dawna Barnes & Associates did just this past spring when examining the Diverse Leisure Opportunities in our downtown. The question of measuring those less tangible, non-materialist contributors to our community wellness was a key focus and speaks to one of the recommendations in our report. That being the need to enhance outcome-based programming that focuses on the bigger picture in meeting the needs of a diverse community. The Social Planning Department of the City of Red Deer, DTHR, FCSS and other agencies are already doing something along the lines of GPI as they implement outcome based model. By focusing on outcomes (vs. outputs), we are essentially focusing our efforts on improving GPI factors. Outcome based models do involve benchmarks and measuring outcomes or GPI factors. As you know, it is a very new approach to looking at things. There is a lot of work to do on educating everyone, including professionals, on the benefits of outcome based programming.

I am pleased to be working once again this year on the coordination of Opening Doors, the Community Conference that brings together a cross sector of our not-for-profit agencies together to network and learn new strategies. One of the sessions being offered this year is titled "Reveal the Value, Celebrate the Impact ", together delegates will explore measurement tools and evaluations that will assist them in revealing and celebrating the contributions and value of their programs and services. We know the intrinsic value of those activities that bring value and wellness to our community. This conference will begin to offer the community the opportunity to learn this real way of measuring its value.

This years conference is scheduled for Nov. 4 & 5, 2004 the theme is "Think Global, Act Local" . I hope we shall see you there.

[top]

From Steve Cross, candidate for City Council

Thanks Lyle for your Question. Subsequent to doing some research regarding GPI Atlantic, I believe that the concept of a Genuine Progress Index could indeed work in Red Deer. Similarly, the Municipal Development Plan outlines principles of sustainability to managing growth and resources so that the fiscal, social, and environmental components are addressed in such a way to ensure sustainability for future generations. We certainly have in our midst, agencies and organizations driving positive change in our Community employing the evaluation model in respect to Social and Environmental sustainability. However, I think most of us would agree there is always room for improvement. The vision in our Strategic Plan states that we are committed to providing service and opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all, and with the spirit to make it happen. To me, “all” is a key word. The question is how well are we really doing in realizing this vision affecting the desirability to live in Red Deer and make Red Deer our home long term?

As a member of Council, I would welcome new strategies/tools, which would help us better measure and improve upon the overall health of our Community and better promote equal opportunities for all.

I suggest that we not lose sight of the GP Index concept and within a reasonable length of time look at doing a feasibility study/needs analysis and see what we come up with.

[top]

From Lawrence Lee, candidate for Public School Trustee

In my view Education is a great example of why an index of this nature is important to the community. How does one evaluate the value of a sound education? My concern would be with how an appropriate matrix would be attained. With the proper feedback from the local community in terms of parent councils, focus groups, surveys, and public forums information can be aligned to the Red Deer's needs in this area. In the position of School Board Trustee it would be a priority to address any impact to the learning environment of our children.

[top]

From Bev Heisler, candidate for Catholic School Trustee

As you will see from my answer I would be the first to admit that I would need more time to research the workings of a GPI even though the website was very informative and well done. If indeed the GPI is in effect under a different name then my thought would be why reinvent the wheel, therefore saving administrative costs. However, on the other hand any measure that would help get aid to those in most need (especially children and their families) in a more timely manner would be a valuable tool or as the GPI appears, a valuable collection of information.

[top]

From Morris Flewwelling, candidate for Mayor

I believe the Genuine Progress Index (GPI) would work well for Red Deer. It would provide a better perspective on our community well being than just relying on the traditional economic indicators. The economic indicators are useful to measure growth and activity and are generally statistics that are easy to gather and count. The GPI indicators are often a little more difficult to determine and, therefore, we have tended not to use them.

We are very conscious in Red Deer of our community well being. I think that a number of measures could be introduced to determine such things as air quality, natural and treated water quality, sustainability issues around our groundwater supplies and river basin health, measures about the effectiveness of our waste water and solid waste treatment, our recycling programs as well as health issues and family income and housing issues.

As aspiring political leaders, I believe that we all want to have a safe, clean and affordable community where our quality of life is maintained and made sustainable. Any measure that will help us understand and improve our score would be welcome. Red Deer has a tradition of good environmental stewardship and a reputation as a caring and compassionate city. Let's see if we measure up! I think we would be amazed at how well we were doing and I think that we would be encouraged to try harder.

[top]

From Lynn Mulder, candidate for City Council

My answer is brief, not because I am not interested but because I really don't know enough about the Genuine Progress Index. I would be very interested in
learning more in the future - I do believe it is very important for Red Deer to be able to guage the health and well being of our community. I would look forward to learning more about this in the future.

[top]

From Cindy Jefferies, candidate for City Council

I listen to CBC Radio regularly and I caught part of the interview with Ron Colman. My response was one of excitement - finally, a measure that measures more than economic success! It is long overdue and something I welcome. I believe the Genuine Progress Index would work in Red Deer. It would give us a far more accurate picture of how we are really doing. In my opinion, one of the best ways to judge the success of a community is by looking at how well the needs of the neediest members of that community are addressed. If we were to apply the GPI to Red Deer I think it would be beneficial to consider components under all of the broad categories outlined in the Nova Scotia GPI: time use (could we include time spent fundraising?), natural capital, environmental quality, socioeconomic, and social capital. I believe it is important to consider information under all of these categories in our decision making processes. When we focus on economic gains alone, I think we make decisions which may not be in the best interest of our natural resources, environment and social infrastructure. While we may appear to be 'winning' when we look at economic indicators in the short term, I am seriously concerned about the longer term implications of this model. There is so much more to consider. For me, the last paragraph of the CBC Radio clip sums it all up: "If we measure and count what really matters to Canadians, we'll value our social, economic, and environmental assets properly, and they'll get the attention they deserve. Then we can act effectively to ensure that we leave a better Canada for our children".

I think this type of information is timely and needs to be considered. It is an approach we would benefit from moving toward. I would be interested in discussing it further.   Thanks for the question Lyle.

[top]

From Frank Wong, candidate for City Council

I have reviewed the information on “Measuring Genuine Progress: Toward a New Canadian Index of Wellbeing” and found it to be most interesting. Prior to this I had the notion that Red Deer was doing quite “well” and that we are going to have another record breaking year of building permits exceeding $200,000,000.00 for a fourth consecutive year and experienced tradesmen had to be imported.   The concept of the “Genuine Progress Index” would certainly work for Red Deer. Possible measures could include:

• number of clients that access the Food Bank, People’s Place and Inn From the Cold programs
• number of clients that access the Women’s Shelter
• crime rate, and
• percentage of park or recreation areas and environmental reserve (natural) areas that the City enjoys

The question now is the cost and expertise required in preparing such an “Index”.

I recall that a few years ago, the City was going to conduct a study on how satisfied Red Deer citizens were and which the media labeled “The Happy Report” which never proceeded.

On Friday, October 1, I received a package of material from the City’s Legislative & Administrative Services Department and noted an item under Investment In Services –   a report or study on “Economic and Quality of Life Benefits” that is to be initiated this fall (and a completion anticipated next spring) at a cost of $25,000.00. Maybe the concept of the “GPI” could somehow be included in the study.

[top]

From Blake King, candidate for City Council

Using the Canadian Index of Well-being, or something similar to measure the prosperity of a community is something we should consider. We would definitely learn more about ourselves as a community. Many quality of life measurements are overlooked as we judge the affluence of a city.  There are many reasons we are more prosperous than other similar cities.  For example, the industry in Red Deer has many residents working considerably longer hours, providing more income per household, but reducing quality family time. Our average income per household being higher than similar centres can cause us to focus less on poverty and similar issues. The concept of cause and effect and the outlying ripples of any decision are not always observed. I think our community and the
people within it could benefit immensely from adopting an understanding of this system; at the very least a greater awareness of problem causation and a better understanding of how to implement changes where they are actually needed will arise.

[top]

From K.C. Pavlick, candidate for City Council

Thank you for that question Lyle. I wish I had a more intelligent answer than this, but the truth is I do not know what the "Genuine Progress Index" is.

Do I support physical fitness, sports, healthy eating and wellness? Yes. Yes. Yes. And Yes.

I have never claimed to have all the answers or even to fully understand all the issues. However, you have brought this information to my attention and I will learn more about it.

[top]

From Phil Hyde, candidate for City Council

The idea of measuring the "health" of Red Deer is a good one. I am not sure that the Genuine Prgress Index is the appropriate one or not as I have not read enough or taken enough time to study it properly. That said however, I believe that the health of our citizens and businesses overall is just as important as the health of development in Red Deer.

Some of the indicators of the health of Red Deer should include the impact of Red Deer on the local environment, the numbers of people accessing the food bank, as well as the numbers accessing all social agencies for assistance. The crime rates and the impacts of crime on our citizens and businesses to name a few. These measuremnents are just as applicable to businesses as they are to individuals and both groups are extremely important to the overall health of Red Deer.

[top]

From Lorna Watkinson-Zimmer, candidate for City Council

This one, Genuine Progress Index, is a new one for me.

I was interested to read about the measurement in the Atlantic Region. I believe we all know that material things do not make us happy. The 'Globe and Mail had a survey our just lately asking the question,' "Which area of Canada is the happiest?" One of the poorest provinces came out on top, Newfoundland. Alberta, the province of no debt and oil, fared very poorly.

I believe we do measure the Genuine Progress Index even if we do not call it that. In our schools we have concerned staff who are advocates for the children. The David Thompson Health Region has services within their mandate that focus on the needs of people. Our churches do a tremendous job in meeting the needs of their congregation and the larger community. The City of Red Deer with the many social services, recreation opportunities, and cultural programs adds to the varied mix that contributes to a quality of life for our citizens. These are but a few agencies that measure and assist in the quality of every day living for our residents.

It troubles me that in this province of plenty we have: food banks, homelessness, and other vices of life. In view of that, one would imagine that we, in Red Deer, are not doing too well with the 'GPI' measurement. I believe we are doing a good job of recognizing the inequalities of our society but that does not mean we couldn't be better.

[top]

From Roger Will, candidate for City Council

like the sound of a "Genuine Progress Index" for Red Deer but one of my concerns would be exactly how the information would be compiled and the costs associated with that. If these were reasonable in nature, it would be a wonderful tool to have. It certainly would be nice to have a measure that is not strictly economic in its scope. I would look to further review how some things such as the environment or quality of life are measured and whether or not the same factors should be used here in our community. It's good to have several ways to measure our community in terms other than dollars and cents.

[top]

From Dave Murphy, candidate for Public School Trustee

Yes,I believe the concept of a "Genuine Progress Index" would work in Red Deer. The value of a community is more than what an economic balance sheet can provide. If we view our community in terms of assets of human, social, and natural capital then we would be in a better situation to identify and solve our problems .

Too often we focus on our deficits instead of what we have as resources in our community.   A "health index" could give us a better appreciation of how the social fabric of our community is intertwined with our economic prosperity. Some examples of indicators could include: physical activity levels, number and hours citizens volunteer, the degree of involvement in recycling or the number of citizens who are involved in learning. Once we have determined appropriate indicators it would then be important to review our current status and identify changes needed to positively impact the health of our community.

I am proud of the fact that many of these concepts are already being dealt with through our health and social services (for example: healthy families, homelessness housing plan, policing plan) . However, I believe it is also important to bring a wide variety of stakeholders and the community together to identify even more initiatives and programs as we strive for a healthy and vibrant Red Deer.

[top]

If you have questions about Election Forum, please email electionforum@rdpl.org.

Election Forum 2004 | Information for Candidates | City Election section