Premier pleased with legislative debut
Some major promises fulfilled in first session, Notley says
With one legislative session under its belt, Premier Rachel Notley says her government successfully fulfilled some of its major campaign promises, but managing expectations after 40 years of Tory rule has been a challenge.
The government wrapped up the first session of the 29th legislature Thursday after passing three pieces of legislation that began to put the NDP’s stamp on the province. The 10-per-cent flat tax was eliminated in favour of a progressive tax system, the corporate income tax rate was raised to 12 per cent from 10 per cent, union and corporate donations to political parties were banned, and $18.5 billion in interim spending was approved until a full budget is tabled in the fall.
With Albertans handing the NDP a majority government in the May 5 election, Notley said the desire for change is widespread.
“We’re building the plane while we’re flying it because we really didn’t have much of a transition into government,” Notley said. “That’s why I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish as we become airborne.”
Along the way, Notley reached across the aisle to begin reviewing electoral and ethics reforms with an allparty committee, and tapped interim Liberal leader David Swann to co-chair a mental health review.
She also issued a moving apology for residential schools on behalf of the Alberta government and joined the call for an inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women.
“There was a noticed change in tone in the house,” she said.
Chief among the changes was the installation of Alberta’s new Speaker, Medicine Hat MLA Bob Wanner, who was subjected to a crash course in parliamentary procedure in his role as legislature referee.
Government house leader Brian Mason said the new cabinet — made up mostly of rookies — performed well despite a steep learning curve.
“We do have some important things under our belt now that we can point to and show Albertans that, yes, this is a government that’s going to take action. It’s not going to sit on the sidelines; it’s going to make some real changes,” Mason said.
Wildrose Leader Brian Jean said the official Opposition wants to help government but won’t back down from its conservative values.
“We will be co-operative when necessary and when we can be,” he said.
“But when they intend to raise taxes and kill jobs, we will let people know we are displeased with that.”
Sitting on the opposition benches has taken time to get used to, said Progressive Conservative interim leader Ric McIver.
“We can expect the government to blame us for everything except being on the grassy knoll when Kennedy was shot,” he said. “But that’s going to get old, too. At some point they’re going to have to take responsibility for their own actions.”
Swann said it was a positive step to see the new government “reach beyond the past bitterness and partisanship” to find ways to co-operate with members of the opposition. Some of that spirit began to break down during debates over tax increases, which he said became ideologically driven.
“I was a bit disappointed in that,” he said.
Alberta Party Leader Greg Clark said despite overtures of co-operation, the Wildrose has reverted to “Team Angry,” a nickname given the party by Tory spin doctors.
“I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish as we become airborne.” RACHEL NOTLEY