Good Morning,

Welcome to the Members’ Weekly Digest, a newsletter that summarises news, events and activities in one place for Alberta Party members.

Was this email forwarded to you? Become an Alberta Party member to receive the weekly digests.

Can't see the images? View the digest online.

Leader's Update

Update from Jacquie Fenske

Hear Jacquie’s take on the news this week in Alberta.

I believe in Albertans. No matter the challenge, I know we will overcome. It is in our DNA.

That’s why when I saw stories about a new hydrogen project, a net-zero alliance among Alberta oil sands producers, and the growth and opportunity for agriculture in Alberta I was excited, but not surprised.

Albertans will continue to prosper. We will continue to lead the world in energy, agriculture, and innovation. We will continue to lead the country in charitable donations and hours worked.

We’ve been through a dark period. For too many it’s not over. But there is good news, and a path forward. All we need is the leadership to take us there.

The Alberta Party is prepared to provide it, and this week I wanted to thank you for being members and making sure there is a place for Albertans who truly want to lead.

Stay Safe,

P.S. Read my interview with CBC on the future of the Alberta Party.

Upcoming Events

June 22 at 7:30 pm, Let’s Talk Municipal Issues: In Light of Covid-19 and Government Funding Cuts

Join our Shadow Cabinet and several municipal affairs experts from around Alberta to talk about what vibrant, thriving communities could look like and how we could get there.

RSVP to Attend

All Alberta Party events are listed on the events page.

Need to renew? Purchase an Alberta Party membership to receive the digest every week!

Count me in!

This Week in Alberta

Provincial politics in Municipal politics

The UCP released their controversial referendum question on equalization this week. The question will ask Albertans if they think the section in the constitution dealing with equalization payments should be removed from the constitution. Alberta doesn't have the power to remove this section from the Constitution.

The question is an ineffective piece of political theatre and comes with a steep cost to local democracy. Experts say there is virtually no chance it will result in changes to the Canadian constitution. Jacquie had some thoughts and we released a statement highlighting the impact this has on the local elections this fall:

"Kenney is making those critical elections not about local issues but about him and his fight with Ottawa. October should be about potholes... Instead, it is going to be about stoking the Premier’s ego through his farce of a referendum."

Our release was well received by municipal leaders, resulting in many calls and meetings with Jacquie as well as some media coverage. The Alberta Party supports the efforts of elected officials and candidates who sign the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Local Democracy Pledge, as they strive to keep local elections local.

Hydrogen energy investments

The federal and provincial governments announced it has signed an agreement with private industry that could lead to a new hydrogen energy plant near Edmonton. The $1.3 billion project is the first step to commercialization of this new energy industry.

We have continually advocated that the hydrogen industry be fast tracked. In support of this, last winter we hosted a forum with industry experts on hydrogen in Alberta.

In December, Alberta Party Shadow Cabinet Minister Robert Trembley published an article in Energi Media highlighting the urgency to capitalize on the demand of this low carbon industry.

UCP Missteps

Jason Kenney and the UCP were dealt many blows in the last week:

1. First, senior members of the caucus demanded (and got) an apology from the Premier for the ‘Sky Palace’ dinner.
2. Second, former Wildrose Leader Brian Jean called for (and hasn’t gotten) Jason Kenney's resignation.
3. Third, a Leger poll showed Albertans have given Jason Kenny a failing grade (and the lowest out of all provinces).

All this pointless infighting does is distract the media, voters and elected officials from the real work the government should be doing. This is a direct result of the Premier’s failure in leadership.

As Alberta moves into this next phase of the pandemic we want to see the government’s focus stay on Albertans. The government needs to support small businesses and make sure the economic recovery happens for all Albertans.

affordable child care

One of the few policies to be passed at the NDP’s policy conference was to adopt universal $10-a-day child care.

While we are happy to see more parties support a comprehensive approach to early child care, working parents need to have choice in child care. Universal programs, such as the $10-a-day policy, generally do not allow for this kind of choice.

The Alberta Party's Children First Plan, a popular, well researched and affordable child care policy, is designed for supports to follow the child. It includes a caregiver tax credit and proposes creating a new Ministry of Early Childhood. You can read the full policy here.

Want to see the latest Alberta Party news before Sunday? Check out our news page throughout the week for updates.

This Week in Agriculture

The world of agriculture always has a lot happening but this week we saw some interesting analyses, news and opportunities.

• EIA teams up to ‘ag-celerate’ food exports. Manufacturing centre to address gaps, help local, small businesses
• Food is the new oil, even if most of the world—including Canada—hasn’t realized it yet
• Crop and cattle prices are going strong
• Research project helps Alberta grain farmers improve storage methods

Interesting Reads

This article from the McGill Max Bell School of Public Policy discusses shifting attitudes towards nuclear energy and compares this to historical shifts in attitude towards immigration and free trade.

Have you seen a great article or video about stories the Alberta Party should cover? Send your links to [email protected] to include them in future Digests.

Get Involved with the Party

Reach out to Tristan who leads the Volunteer Engagement Team for opportunities within the party to volunteer.

• Become a monthly donor
• Sign up to volunteer
• Join our Shadow Cabinet Feedback Group
• Join your Constituency Association

On Facebook? Check out the Alberta Party profile picture frame! Go to your profile picture and click add frame — search for Alberta Party and click apply.

Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and tell your friends about how the Alberta Party has a plan to make Alberta work!

If you have any questions or concerns, you can get in touch by replying to this email or using the button below.

See you next week,

Alberta Party Team