Alberta’s New Democrats set to bring fight to the Legislature this fall on real priorities
EDMONTON— Alberta’s New Democrats are heading into the fall legislative session with a clear mission: to fight for the priorities that matter to Albertans.
Over the past four months, Alberta’s New Democrat Caucus held ten town halls, knocked on countless doors, and attended numerous community events and festivals during their Better Together Summer Tour. What began as a response to Premier Danielle Smith’s separatist agenda quickly evolved into something more powerful — a platform for Albertans to speak with MLAs and one another about the real issues affecting their daily lives.
“In all of our conversations it became immediately clear that Albertans are most focused on making Alberta better, more affordable, with better public services and health care — not what this government has prioritized,” said Naheed Nenshi, Leader of Alberta’s New Democrats. “As I take my seat in the Legislature for the first time next week, I am ready to fight for the real priorities of Albertans and hold Danielle Smith and this UCP government accountable for their actions.”
Alberta’s New Democrats will stay focused on the issues Albertans raised most often and spoke most passionately about: cost of living and affordability, good jobs, a stronger economy, better health care, a properly funded education system, keeping seniors’ pensions safe, and stating loud and clear that Albertans are proud Canadians.
First order of business? “We will oppose back-to-work legislation for teachers if it is brought forward,” said Christina Gray, Alberta’s New Democrat House Leader. “This UCP government needs to properly fund public education. A negotiated settlement is possible, the UCP just has to agree to invest in Alberta’s children. Students and teachers deserve a fair deal and real solutions, not political punishment for months of UCP stalling.
“We will also be bringing forward proposals to increase the minimum wage, protect tips for service workers, add whistleblower protections, and more.”
With the recent release of Judge Wyant’s report on health care corruption allegations, Alberta’s New Democrats will also continue to call for a full public inquiry into the CorruptCare scandal. “Our caucus is demanding accountability and transparency on behalf of all Albertans,” said Gray. “Albertans deserve to know the extent to which this government played a role in one of the biggest corruption scandals this province has ever seen.”
Lastly, Alberta’s New Democrat Caucus will continue to unanimously reject any separatist rhetoric.
“Alberta’s New Democrats are proud Canadians,” said Nenshi. “Like Albertans from every corner of this province, we reject division and talks of separation. We will always stand united, and we will continue to reaffirm, in and out of the legislature, that we’re better together.”
To read read the full Better Together report, visit BetterTogetherSummer.ca
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