Edmonton Journal

Raj Sherman announces tour dates
By Keith Gerein Thu, Jan 13 2011 COMMENTS(0) Capital Notebook
In an announcement that might seem more befitting a rock star than a politician, a series of dates has been set across the province for "town hall meetings" featuring MLA Dr. Raj Sherman.

Sherman, of course, was arguably the biggst newsmaker of the fall legislature session, in part for his criticisms of how the Stelmach government has handled problems in hospital emergency rooms. He was removed from the Tory caucus and at one point alleged the party was engaging in a secret campaign to smear his reputation.

With health care again expected to be a major issue in the spring session, the now independent MLA is going on a five-city tour to discuss the subject with Albertans. The advocacy group Friends of Medicare, an organization run by NDP candidate David Eggen, is hosting the events. The group says these town hall meetings will feature speeches by Sherman along with "non-partisan" discussion.

The schedule is as follows, though venues have not yet been finalized:

Calgary on Jan. 29 at 1:30 p.m.

Red Deer on Feb. 8 at 7 p.m.

Lethbridge on Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

Medicine Hat on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.

Grande Prairie on Feb. 26 at 7 p.m.

In addition to these dates, Sherman also plans to host community meetings in his home riding of Edmonton-Meadowlark. In part, these meetings will help Sherman to determine his political future. He has already declared that he will run again in the next election though he hasn't decided if he will choose a new party or continue on as an independent.