The holiday season and the New Year provide us with opportunities to consider our well-being and that of our family and friends. This past year hasn’t been easy for many people in Alberta, and we all face the current reality of economic uncertainty and upheaval.
When folks most needed a leg up, Premier Jason Kenney and the Alberta government moved ahead with a $4.7 billion tax giveaway to profitable corporations. To pay for this, Albertans will pay more income and property tax, and services to the province’s most vulnerable groups, such as students, seniors, and those with disabilities, received cuts. User fees are up and numerous tax credits and relief programs have been axed. Municipal funding is taking a hit, and programs to diversify our economy in the film and television, tech, and craft brewery industries have been scrapped.
Public sector workers – teachers, nurses, and other professionals – face prolonged wage freezes, rollbacks, and layoffs. While the response from unions, advocacy groups, and others has been strong, clear, and urgent, there are tough battles ahead. Bills 20 and 21 have introduced dozens of legislative changes, and it’s difficult to challenge negative impacts on so many fronts.
Alberta’s Leader of the Official Opposition, Rachel Notley, and my colleagues in the New Democrat Caucus have been fighting back against harmful decisions and unfair treatment of Albertans. We sincerely appreciate input from constituents, in the form of letters, meetings, and engagement during events. Going forward, we will continue to amplify your voices and hold the government to account.
I wish everyone safe and happy holidays and all the best for 2020. As always, I’m happy to hear from you. Please contact my constituency office: [email protected] or 403-216-5445
