Alberta UCP members sworn in at legislature and new Speaker elected

Nathan Cooper, the MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills was elected to serve as the 14th Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.

Cooper, a member of the United Conservative caucus, defeated N-D-P member Heather Sweet in a secret ballot of all members of the legislature. At 39, Cooper is one of the youngest to ever hold the Speaker’s post and will be tasked with keeping decorum in a debate chamber known for fiery outbursts and cross-aisle verbal attacks.

He says he’ll be learning on the job, but hopes to strike a balance between lively debate and respect for the institution.

Failing that, the father of three joked that he may have to employ what he calls “his best dad voice” to keep M-L-A’s in line.

Next up is the Speech from the Throne on Wednesday and the first piece of legislation.

Kenney has promised Bill 1 would repeal the provincial carbon tax by the end of the month, although any carbon tax projects approved before the provincial election last month will go ahead

The government is also bringing in bills to cut the corporate income tax and change business rules, including a cut to minimum wage for workers who are 17 and under.

Premier Kenney noted that other proposed legislation would fulfil education promises and help newcomers work to their training and experience.

“Albertans gave us a mandate to get Alberta back on track when they supported our economic plan with the largest number of votes ever cast for a political party in our province. We are honouring their confidence and our commitments.”

The full legislative agenda can be viewed at assembly.ab.ca under Bills and Amendments.

by The Canadian Press

Alberta UCP members sworn in at legislature and new Speaker elected

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