I am also deeply troubled by the legal implications for 2S+LGBTQ people in the United States and their right to marry — and simply to live openly in safety and respect.
Lives will be ruined as a result of this court decision, and make no mistake, people will die.
Anti-abortion politicians cannot be allowed to duck this issue. It is both inadequate and dangerous for leaders to say, “I am anti-abortion but I won't impose my view because the matter is settled here”.
As we have learned today, the matter is not settled. It was not settled in the U.S. and, frankly, human rights must always be protected. Because in the absence of that vigilant protection, human rights will be attacked. As they were today.
Not only can the fundamental human right to reproductive healthcare be overtly attacked like we saw today, it can be attacked in an underhanded manner such that it slowly becomes less accessible.
Access to abortion — and to healthcare, generally — for women and girls and LGBTQ2S+ people is not good enough in Alberta, and it is slipping backward as we speak.
It is for this reason that I also call today on every UCP leadership candidate to definitively state they will never do anything to undermine the fundamental right to reproductive healthcare for woman girls and people who can become pregnant.
Once again, I give Albertans my categorical guarantee that an NDP government will protect and advance reproductive rights here in Alberta and across the country.
Prices for the basic necessities of life are climbing every month and wages are not. Albertans are feeling real anxiety at the grocery store as the bill to feed their family gets bigger and bigger … and bigger.
The price of fresh vegetables are up more than 10 per cent over last year, meat is up nine per cent, fish is up nearly 12 per cent and cooking oil is up 30 per cent. Economists are forecasting that this problem will get worse before it gets better.
Albertans need help now and Alberta’s NDP is ready to work collaboratively to get it done.
If we took action, and adjusted the tax system and benefits to account for the current rate of inflation, the average family of four would get over $350.
In 1974, when the Lougheed Conservatives were debating a budget that was flush with cash from high commodity prices, my Dad — the lone NDPer in the House — rose to speak.
“Not only to provide opportunities for the haves but for the have nots, because ALL PEOPLE should be able to share in the great prospects that lie ahead for the province of Alberta.”
Cold Lake business owner and homeowner Ed Machtmes says that despite putting $50,000 into his house over the past five years to make it as energy efficient as possible, his utilities amount to 25 per cent of his cost of living right now.
“I’m in a more impoverished shape now than when I was in my 20s,” he said. “With the economic downturn, the pandemic and now th doubling of my utilities for my business and my house, I have had to take out a second mortgage just to stay afloat.
“Now we work twice as many hours for half the income. My wife has had to take a second job on top of working at our business. I'm 55 years old. We should not be working 12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week just to make ends meet, let alone try to save for a retirement fund.
Late Monday, UCP MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland Shane Getson wrote a disturbing post encouraging members of law enforcement to disobey orders and stand with those engaged in these illegal blockades at Coutts and elsewhere in Canada. #ableg#yyc
“He wrote, ‘I’ll ask those in position of law enforcement, as well as military person(nel) to remember your oaths that you have taken, the country that you represent, and the citizens that you are to protect.