Premier Smith lays out road ahead in live address

According to Smith, the province won’t charge its 13-cents per litre tax on gas at the pumps for the next six months, and it will add more money to its ongoing electricity bill rebate program.

The province is projecting a $13-billion budget surplus this year, and Smith says Albertans shouldn’t be forced to choose between food and filling drug prescriptions.

“As a province we can’t solve this inflation crisis on our own, but due to our strong fiscal position and balanced budget, we can offer substantial relief so Albertans and their families are better able to manage through this storm,” Smith said.

“These are just first steps and there is much more to do. But, I will ensure every decision our government makes from now until this crisis is over, balances affordability for Albertans with the need for continued balanced budgets and fiscal responsibility.”

Smith did not provide a total cost for the measures.

She also took time to announce she’s rebranded her contentious Sovereignty Act as the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act. She accused the federal government of “intentionally and systematically attempting to control and regulate all aspects of our province’s economy, resources and social programs.”

She said her act, to be introduced next week, will be a constitutional shield and that when a federal law or policy that attacks Alberta’s economy or provincial rights her government will not enforce it.

“Together, we can and will overcome every challenge we face to ensure that our province’s best days are still to come, and that Alberta forever remains strong and free,” she said.

Meantime, the Opposition NDP say they offer Albertans the chance to elect trusted leaders focused on affordability, health care and jobs, next spring.

“You deserve public healthcare that is there for you, when and where you need it,” Rachel Notley said Tuesday after Smith had completed her address. “You deserve affordability and you deserve a resilient economy filled with good-paying jobs, and you deserve all these things from a government you can trust to provide stable and competent leadership.”

Notley went on to say that the Sovereignty Act — as it was previously known — is causing real damage to Alberta’s economy.

“My friends, the final six months of this UCP government are going to be tough. But know this — Your Alberta NDP team is ready. We have an extraordinary group of Albertans who will get to work on Day One to make sure you get the healthcare you need right now, to bring real relief to your family budget that’s still there after the election and to build a resilient jobs economy for generations.”

(with files from The Canadian Press and CHAT News Today – Chris Brown)

by rdnewsNOW staff/Pattison Media

Premier Smith lays out road ahead in live address

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