It’s why I first decided to run for political office: to create a province that takes the best elements of itself to build something better for us all.
Today, every Albertan is paying more—in income taxes, property taxes, utility costs, school fees, tuition, interest on student debt and park fees—and getting back LESS from important programs like the Child and Family Benefit, the Seniors Benefit, Income Support and AISH. #ableg
I believe in an Alberta where we support our neighbours—especially those who are vulnerable and need our help the most.
An NDP government will fund and support the services you rely on.
I will always stand for this province. My team and I will work tirelessly to ensure that Alberta is a place where we are all proud to live, work and raise a family. Because that’s what Albertans deserve.
The UCP government deindexed personal income taxes in their first budget in 2019.
This move increased income taxes on Albertans by more than $300 million dollars. 💸
The UCP then lied about it for three and a half years. 1/5
This tax increase has cost Albertans hundreds of millions in additional taxes during the worst affordability crisis in 40 years.
Today’s announcement fails to give all of that money back to Albertans who need it to afford food, housing, utilities, and car insurance. 2/5
While it’s good to see the UCP’s finally reverse their terrible decision to increase income taxes on Albertans, it’s only one of several ways they have made life more expensive. 3/5
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.