NDP Leader Rachel Notley says a government she leads will cap and freeze taxes and fees in a number of areas in an effort to combat the high cost of living.
In a speech to party members on Saturday, she said part of her economic platform included capping utility rates, freezing car insurance rates, continuing to delay the collection of petrol tax and capping post-secondary fees education.
The Alberta New Democrats are holding their annual convention in Calgary this weekend. In her address to around 1,400 members in attendance, Notley unveiled the idea of the party’s election platform – which she says aims to position them as an alternative to the current ruling party.
Her party plans to focus primarily on health care and economic measures as it faces the United Conservative Party in next spring’s election.
“We’re going to get prices under control for the things you don’t have a choice to pay for,” Notley promised.
“We will protect, fix and rebuild public health in Alberta, stronger than ever.”
The current UCP government is providing utility rebates this fall to households. They also suspended the gas tax earlier this year, but reinstated part of it in early October.
Notley offered few specific policies, but outlined the broader direction of the platform the party intends to adopt for the campaign — which she said will be phased in over several weeks.
The NDP is committed to replenishing benefits for seniors, families and those on income assistance. Notley says they will launch a massive campaign to recruit health workers.
About 1,400 members attended the NDP’s annual convention Saturday, where leader Rachel Notley outlined her party’s plan ahead of next year. (NDP)
She also said the NDP would build hundreds of new schools and move to an “aggressive” affordable housing program.
If elected, the party intends to orient the province’s economy towards industries such as geothermal energy, hydrogen, digital media, agri-food and renewable energy sources.
“Our determined pursuit of diversification is critical to strengthening our economy and responding effectively to climate change,” Notley said.
“We will not pit these two issues against each other. If we do, we will fail at both.”
But Notley also acknowledged that not all of the decisions made by her government when they were in office from 2015 to 2019 were well received by Albertans.
“We didn’t get it all right. I understand that and I take responsibility for it.”
Notley also pledged that the NDP cabinet would have gender equality.
Members of Congress are also discussing policy proposals that could be included in the NDP’s election platform. Members on Saturday morning passed resolutions on things like repealing UCP’s K-6 curriculum and overturning a handful of UCP-introduced labor laws.
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