By Tristan Tuckett - Files from The Canadian Press

The Alberta Government Outlines Priorities In Speech From The Throne

Mar 8, 2016 | 2:24 PM

EDMONTON – Alberta Premier Rachel Notley’s government is promising to focus on economic diversification, the environment and tax help for low-income families in the upcoming legislature sitting.

The government outlined its priorities in a speech from the throne read out in the legislature chamber by Lt.-Gov. Lois Mitchell.

The New Democrats are planning new initiatives to move Alberta further away from its dependence on oil and gas.

“We are addressing the energy price shock with continued, focused efforts to diversify markets for our energy products with a new pipeline, major investments in infrastructure priorities and economic diversification, and help for families facing immediate hardship. We will do so in partnership with industry, other Canadian governments, Indigenous peoples, municipalities and all Albertans,” says Premier Rachel Notley.

There are to be details on who pays what and who gets rebates on a carbon tax, which will increase gas prices at the pump and on home heating and electricity costs.

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The government is also promising a Child Benefit Plan to provide $340 million for up to 380,000 children in low-income families.

“Albertans want an economy that is resilient to energy price swings, public services that are well-managed and efficiently financed, and a society that cares for the vulnerable and opens doors for our children and grandchildren. This next legislative session will go far in accomplishing those goals,” adds Notley.

Legislation to curb exorbitant interest rates charged by payday loan outfits is also on the agenda.