I want to take the time to thank our community volunteers, board members, and each and every one of you again this year for your tireless efforts in making our Calgary-Hays Constituency one of the best places to live. It is my honour and privilege to serve as your voice in the Legislature and I will remain focused on holding the current NDP government accountable for its policy decisions, and providing you with a thoughtful, common-sense alternative in 2019.
Carbon Tax
Come January 1st, the NDP-introduced carbon tax is set to rise by 50% from $20 per tonne of CO2 to $30 per tonne. This tax hike will result in higher heating bills for Alberta families. Myself, the UCP, and our leader Jason Kenney have been very vocal in our opposition to the carbon tax and will continue holding the NDP to account on this issue.
Alberta’s Fiscal State
On November 29th, Alberta’s credit rating saw another downgrade, this time from AA high to AA with a negative outlook. DBRS cited the deficit, the debt and an unwillingness by the NDP to put in place a credible recovery plan as reasons for the downgrade and negative outlook—the worst condition of any province in Canada. This announcement came after the release of the province’s second-quarter fiscal update by Finance Minister Joe Ceci. The current government’s fiscal mismanagement is further highlighted by a projected 2017-18 deficit of $10.3 billion. Unless the NDP changes course, it is likely that we will see more credit downgrades and higher deficits in the future.
Cannabis Legislation
The federal government has announced its intentions to legalize marijuana on July 1, 2018. The legislature passed two bills in the fall session to prepare for this. Police have asked for a delay. There is no reliable way to test for marijuana impairment at the side of the road yet. The Alberta government says that marijuana will not be a net money maker even after all the taxes are collected. Stay tuned for more updates as July 2018 approaches.
Keeping in Contact:
If you’re looking for updated information, have questions for me or any concerns you want to share, I would like to hear them. Feel free to contact me or my assistants Tyler van Vliet and Jeff Watson at the Calgary-Hays Constituency Office any time.
