Opposition NDP'S new initiative touts diversification, seeks input
Alberta's Opposition NDP is seeking input from Albertans across the political spectrum on the province's economic future.
The party introduced the engagement plan, dubbed Alberta's Future, the day after the province's UCP government launched its own consultation survey ahead of the 2021 budget.
The NDP'S plan will present paths to economic recovery that deviate from the current government's plans, said party Leader Rachel Notley.
“We need a new economic strategy and we need it now. Our province is in the midst of a generational economic shift and it's time for us to forge a new path together,” Notley said during a news conference at the Calgary Tower on Thursday.
“I'm confident that the answers lie within our greatest resource: our citizens.”
Consultations will be conducted online at albertasfuture.ca, Notley said.
The NDP will also release proposals for economic diversification to fields including hydrogen, geothermal energy and technology.
On Wednesday, UCP Finance Minister Travis Toews also invited Albertans to share their economic priorities before the province releases its next budget in February.
The government consultation also includes an online tool through which Albertans will be able to build their own budget, deciding where to cut costs. The UCP has warned for months about a “fiscal reckoning” coming to the province.
“It's clear that the status quo is not sustainable. But this is also a great opportunity to reset our course, not only for the next fiscal plan but for future generations of Albertans,” Toews said Wednesday.
Notley blamed the UCP government for current economic woes, particularly the province's corporate tax cut, which has seen tax rates fall from 12 per cent to 10 per cent and then eight per cent since 2019, saying the province's inaction had led to hardships for many during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She encouraged all Albertans, including “small-c conservatives” who may not have voted for the NDP in the past, to participate in the party's initiative. Notley acknowledged her party would not be able to implement these ideas but said she hopes the UCP pays attention.
“For decades, Albertans have heard people talk about diversifying the economy but we haven't made the progress that we need to,” Notley said. "We're inviting conservatives from Calgary and all across the province to come to the table and participate and hear what we are doing to diversify a range of industries.
“If (Premier) Jason Kenney wants to take some of the ideas that we post on our website, then he can have at 'er. Because if we all come together and start doing some things, that would be good.”