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By rdnewsNOW staff

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UCP, NDP spar on level of success during spring session

May 16, 2025 | 1:18 PM

The governing United Conservatives say they delivered made-in-Alberta solutions for the province to thrive in an ever-changing world during the recent spring session.

The Opposition Alberta NDP say, however, the UCP prioritized an anti-democratic agenda over Albertans’ true needs.

In a news release Friday, the provincial government notes they delivered a promised income tax cut, saving families up to $1,500 annually.

They also passed the Automobile Insurance Act, which intends to make better, faster, cheaper auto insurance. They also note the Compassionate Intervention Act for addressing the addiction crisis.

“Every piece of legislation our government brought forward this session was driven by one goal: to make life better for Albertans,” said Joseph Schow, Government House Leader and Minister of Tourism and Sport.

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“I’m proud to be part of a team that meets the challenges Albertans are facing today and positions our province for long-term success.”

The UCP also note:

• The Agricultural Operation Practices Amendment Act provides clarity for the emerging biogas industry, spurring job-creating investment in rural Alberta.
• The Critical Infrastructure Defence Amendment Act protects essential infrastructure and supports the government’s work under the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act.
• The Education Amendment Act reflects changes in the education landscape, strengthening democratic accountability in school boards, and increasing clarity and efficiency in the teacher discipline process.
• The Election Statutes Amendment Act protects democracy, delivers fair and open elections and restores confidence in every vote cast.
• The Health Statutes Amendment Act continues the work to refocus the healthcare system, ensuring patients receive the care they need, when and where they need it.
• The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act strengthens local governance and collaboration, streamlines processes and bolsters protections for new home builders and buyers.
• The Professional Governance Act ensures Alberta has a modern, uniform governance framework for professional regulatory organizations.
• The Wildlife Amendment Act aligns the Wildlife Act with current knowledge and best practices, supporting enhanced opportunities for hunting and trapping, reducing human-wildlife conflicts and streamlining enforcement approaches.

But the NDP say the UCP wasted the spring session being anti-democratic.

“Instead of addressing the rising cost of living or the crisis in our health care system, they pushed through anti-democratic legislation, dodged accountability, stifled debate, and covered up their own corruption. They had every opportunity to pass bills that would help Albertans but chose partisan games instead,” said Christina Gray, Opposition leader while party leader Naheed Nenshi awaits a byelection.

“The UCP shut down opportunities to deliver real relief to Albertans and instead used their power to undermine democracy,” said Gray. “Not only did they pass antidemocratic legislation like Bill 54, but they used anti-democratic tactics in the legislature to get it done.”

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