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:
- First, senior members of the caucus demanded (and got) an apology from the Premier for the ‘Sky Palace’ dinner.
- Second, former Wildrose Leader Brian Jean called for (and hasn’t gotten) Jason Kenney's resignation.
- 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.
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