Thomas The Tank Engine

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Ward A, Edmonton Public School Trustee Candidate, 15902-100A Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5P 0L8

May XXIst, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

There seems to be a lack of accountability towards Alberta's great train & rail line past. In particular, our prominence with Father Albert Lacombe and the North West Territorial stature we used to have. David, we need to encourage students II visit the Alberta & Edmonton Railway Museum in Northeastern Edmonton. As well as railway structures throughout Calgary & Alberta.

These old trains are being allowed to rot and thats a shame. Students should be educated in all aspects of our mechanical past. In particular those who are interested in welding, industrial arts & the like, such as automotives. The kids today should be allowed to fix the trains in exchange IV school credits & their meals & transport costs from the facility being provided. Without trains, this nation would not be built. This Province wouldn't have accepted great immigrants such as my father & his family.

So in order II chart a course to our future, we need II have the Alberta students of today fix up our trains from the past. Too bad Pierre Berton wasn't still around, he'd back me up on this strongly.

Regards,

Rory

Source: The National Dream & The Last Spike by Pierre Berton., & Thomas The Tank Engine.