(Alberta NDP)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Provincial Politics

Alberta NDP releases alternative throne speech ahead of fall session

Nov 25, 2022 | 3:39 PM

The Alberta NDP released an alternative throne speech on Friday that describes its priorities for the Fall Session of the Alberta Legislature, namely affordable living, protecting and strengthening public healthcare, and building a resilient jobs economy.

“Albertans have also made it clear what it is they need, but the government isn’t listening,” said Joe Ceci, MLA for Calgary-Buffalo. “We want Albertans to know that the Alberta NDP is listening and be confident that we will be right there, providing that stability, focused on what Albertans need so that we can build a better future together.”

The Alberta NDP says it is firm that the first priority of the government right now must be to support Albertans and provide stability in health care, the economy, and household budgets.

The Opposition says the current energy revenue windfall must be handled carefully, both to support families today, and to drive prosperity in the years to come.

“We have enlisted the expertise of former ATB Senior Economist Todd Hirsch, who is talking to business, workers, and economic leaders across Alberta about the best way to rebuild: to leverage Alberta’s strengths, create jobs, and build a more resilient economy,” said Kathleen Ganley, MLA for Calgary-Mountain View.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

“We’ll use his recommendations and the priorities of Albertans to build a responsible fiscal plan. Economic growth must mean exciting opportunities and good-paying jobs for everyone, regardless of the price of oil.”

The Alberta NDP says it also plans to release a new jobs and investment plan that will ensure Alberta is an energy economy in every sense of the word.

“We must balance investment in traditional sectors and new opportunities — this is what our framework will do. We will bring forward legislation this session to enshrine investment certainty for Alberta’s economic future, said Ganley.

The NDP says their Alternative Throne Speech addresses plans to release next steps for a revitalized downtown Calgary, specifically with regards to establishing a new post-secondary campus, as well as promising further work and consultation on a comprehensive plan for the future of Edmonton’s downtown.

The Opposition says it is also committed to addressing housing, safety and downtown business development in all of Alberta’s urban centres and is committed to further road and infrastructure priorities in the Industrial Heartland, in southern Alberta and across the province.

When it comes to the crisis in health care, the Alberta NDP says they will be relentless in pursuing and proposing real solutions.

“We will bring forward legislation, carried by our Leader, that ensures public health care is protected and strengthened, and that establishes health care service standards,” said Ceci.

The Alberta NDP says it will introduce the first major plank of their healthcare platform for the coming election, which is expected to focus on investment in community-based, family care. The party says this commitment is hoped to ensure Albertans can access family medical care, when they need and where they need it.

“Ending the chaos in hospitals, clinics and EMS will require significant investment, collaboration and respect with frontline workers, and a focus on science and proven solutions,” said Ceci.

On affordability, the Alberta NDP says it will press for measures that will last past the next election and keep costs down during what they describe as the worst cost of living in 40 years.

“For example, a rate cap on electricity and a real natural gas rebate that kicks in at a lower price to ensure Albertans can afford to keep their homes warm and the lights on,” said Irfan Sabir, MLA for Calgary-Bhullar-McCall

“This session, we will also bring forward legislation to impose a freeze on automobile insurance in order to get a handle on massive rate increases Albertans faced almost immediately after the last election. We will also bring forward a vote in the legislature on launching an investigation into the skyrocketing price of groceries and how to improve competitiveness in a bid to lower costs at the checkout.”

The Opposition also vowed to fight to rectify what they say was the UCP government’s failure to address the damages caused by cuts in 2019 in funding for Albertans living on AISH and also pursue support in the legislature for the establishment of a Seniors’ Advocate.

“We will work day and night to lower costs for Albertans with a responsible and intentional affordability plan,” said Sabir.

The Alberta NDP says their work on health care, affordability and building a resilient economy will be wide-ranging and substantial this fall, and they will also continue to pursue other matters of great importance to Albertans:

• “Properly funding public, Catholic and Francophone schools, to supporting student mental health and to developing a quality curriculum that prepares every Alberta student for their future.”
• “A legislated ban on coal mining in the beautiful Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Proper funding for provincial parks that doesn’t come at a cost to families visiting them.”
• “Opposition of the Sovereignty Act, which will destroy jobs, chase away investment, and stifle our economy at a critical moment.”
• “Stand against any move to threaten Albertans’ retirement security by pulling out of the Canada Pension Plan.”
• “Stand against wasting hundreds of millions of dollars on a pointless provincial police force and advocate for real measures to keep communities safe and improve the justice system.”

“All of this will come down to trust,” said Ganley. “Albertans deserve a government they can trust to provide stable and competent leadership.”

“Albertans deserve public health care that is protected and strengthened; a bright economic future, affordable living; an Alberta where everyone can get ahead, where every child can see a future here.”

“We will listen to you, we will be bold in our vision, but humble in our execution — we will remember in every moment who it is we serve. You,” said Sabir.