Federation of labour touts pro-NDP priorities

The Alberta Federation of Labour launched a pro-NDP campaign Wednesday, laying out priorities ranging from economic diversification to creating a universal prescription drug plan.

The campaign, dubbed Next Alberta, outlined 12 priorities for the organization, which is registered as a third-party advertiser with Elections Alberta.

“Albertans are anxious about the economy, and they should be,” said AFL president Gil McGowan, referencing future declines in global oil demand.

“This all adds up to a profound change, one that goes far beyond the boom and bust cycles that we’re familiar with.”

McGowan said Alberta needs a government that will acknowledge and prepare for inevitable changes.

“Unfortunately, the UCP fails on both of those scores,” McGowan said, adding that climate change needs to be taken seriously. “Just because you don’t like to hear something, doesn’t mean you don’t allow yourself to hear it.”

The AFL launched its online campaign with the tagline “choose our future.” McGowan, who rolled out the plan at the Chateau Lacombe in Edmonton, said he will present the campaign to various unions and other employee organizations.

When asked whether the Alberta Party is in line with some of the ideas, he said “this is a two-horse race.

“Albertans face a stark choice in this election,” McGowan said, echoing the phrase about a “clear choice” that has been repeatedly used by Premier Rachel Notley and NDP candidates.

“They can choose a party that pretends that we can go back to a past that no longer exists, or we can choose a party that understands that our future is going to be defined by change.”

The AFL is touting ideas including eliminating post-secondary tuition fees, creating a mandatory defined-benefit pension plan for the private sector, and mandating universal prescription drug, dental and optical health plans.

Other asks include supporting the Trans Mountain pipeline project with the government taking a larger equity stake if necessary, and prioritizing economic diversification.

“Working people and their families should be profoundly worried about the positions that are being taken by Jason Kenney and the UCP,” McGowan said. “They clearly are a party of business and employers, not a party of ordinary working people.”

Politicians will return to the legislature Monday for a throne speech. Premier Rachel Notley is expected to schedule an election before May 31.

The AFL represents about 170,000 workers.