Key Election Issues

NO SHORTAGE OF PROPOSALS TO USE $2.4 BILLION SURPLUS

Alberta is poised to benefit from a surge in resource revenue this decade, which could lead to provincial budget surpluses to fund spending for today’s growing population – or savings to support future generations. In its pre-election budget Feb. 28, the UCP government predicted Alberta will end the 2023-24 fiscal year with a surplus of $2.4 billion, even after spending $68.3 billion to fund health care, day care, education, and many other programs, like helping Albertans cope with high inflation.

LEADERS COMMIT RELIEF FROM AFFORDABILITY CRISIS

As a result of generous monetary policy during the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the world is experiencing the effects of inflation today. Canada is no exception, with inflation reaching 8.1% in June 2022, a 30-year high. Historically, the Bank of Canada seeks to ensure inflation is between 1.0 – 2.0%, and so, to try and get inflation under control, interest rates have been hiked to 2.5. In theory, with rising interest rates (and therefore, harder access to financial capital), prices and demand for capital should cool down.

PROVINCIAL VOTE COULD IMPACT ALBERTA PENSION PLAN

Alberta’s Conservatives have been seriously studying the idea of launching an Alberta Pension Plan (APP) – and backing out of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) – as another way of reducing the federal government’s dominance over the province.

BATTLE FOR ALBERTA’S FUTURE

Two opposing visions of Alberta will be on the ballot when voters pick their next provincial government in the May 29, 2023, general election. For the first time, two women – former NDP Premier Rachel Notley, and current UCP Premier Danielle Smith – are dominating the race to take over as the 20th head of government since Alberta was created in 1905.

POLITICAL LEADERS PLEDGE TO FIX AILING HEALTH SYSTEM

The UCP has announced a $158-million plan to attract and retain rural physicians, recruit internationally trained nurses, and fund a program to support nurses immigrating to Alberta. With the health care crisis weighing heavily on the minds of Albertans, politicians vying for their votes in the May election are proposing new spending to address the shortage of health professionals, particularly in rural areas.

VOTERS HAVE THEIR SAY ON UCP’S “CONSTITUTIONAL SHIELD” AGAINST OTTAWA

Albertans will make a historic choice in the May 2023 provincial election: Whether to support the United Conservative Party (UCP)’s signature law, the Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act, or look for other ways to protect the province’s interests. The Alberta Act is controversial inside and outside the province. It was opposed by Smith’s top leadership rivals, who favoured other ways to advance Alberta’s interests. Rachel Notley, leader of the NDP opposition, said she would immediately revoke the “job-killing” law if elected.

SMITH, NOTLEY CONCERNED ABOUT OTTAWA’S “JUST TRANSITION”

A plan by the federal government to transition the country to a low-carbon economy has exploded into a major election issue in Alberta, stoking fears Justin Trudeau’s Liberals are plotting to shut down the province’s oil and gas sector. Both Alberta UCP Premier Danielle Smith and NDP leader Rachel Notley have condemned the plan, laid out in a briefing document for federal ministers. Federal legislation is anticipated in early 2023.

PROPOSAL TO CLEAN UP INACTIVE OIL AND GAS WELLS RENEWS DEBATE ON ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

A proposal by Danielle Smith’s UCP government to offer royalty credits to accelerate the clean-up of inactive oil and gas wells has fired up a long-standing debate over who should pay. The province recently announced the Liability Management Incentive Program, which would provide $100 million in royalty credits to companies that speed up the reclamation of inactive wells. The government is consulting with stakeholders to get more input before moving ahead.