By Curtis Galbraith

Provincial Election

UCP promising new addiction treatment beds, including some for Grande Prairie: NDP promising cuts to small business taxes

May 15, 2023 | 1:31 PM

The United Conservative Party is promising more addiction treatment for Grande Prairie if the party is re-elected on May 29.

Leader Danielle Smith says this would include 700 new beds in 11 new treatment centres.

The idea for these recovery communities was first announced in late 2020 and the most recent Alberta budget includes $155 million to establish these facilities.

“We call these centres recovery communities with free admission to any Albertan who needs it. The first of these recovery communities opens this week in Red Deer, with one opening in Lethbridge this summer, with more to come in communities like Edmonton, Calgary, and Grande Prairie.”

The province had said in late February that the one in Red Deer would be open in March with the Lethbridge one set to open this spring.

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The UCP is also promising five new mental wellness centres with 75 beds each and to bring in legislation that would allow a parent, family member, doctor, psychologist, or police officer to ask a specifically appointed judge from a non-criminal court to issue a treatment order, meaning addicts would go to treatment rather than jail. Smith says this would be a last resort.

The NDP is promising a reduction in small businesses taxes if the party forms the next provincial government.

Leader Rachel Notley says this would eliminate taxes for 100,000 small businesses in various sectors. Notley says this could save some businesses $10,000 a year, depending on their finances.

“Alberta’s small business owners have been through the wringer over the last few years and they deserve better from their government. By eliminating this tax, we can help thousands of local businesses get back on their feet, and we can support aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams,” says Notley in a release from the party.

Notley also promised not to raise personal income taxes and to not bring in a provincial sales tax.