Alberta’s NDP promises more jobs and stability

Rachel Notley revealed a new plan to create jobs, ensure business stability, and attract investments in the province on Thursday at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

Notley’s plan consists of creating 47,000 jobs and driving $20 billion in private investments.

“We will attract new investment and create new jobs for the future, while also making sure we have the skilled workforce we need to get us there because beyond tax credits and investment programs, growing the GDP is actually about people,” said Notley. “Under our watch, Calgary will continue to be a place for everyone. One of the most dynamic, diverse, and livable cities anywhere in the world.”

The NDP says the new strategy consists of:

• The Alberta’s Future Tax Credit;
• Supercharging The Alberta Petrochemical Incentive Program;
• Consultation on Expanding the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation;
• Performance Fast Pass and Navigators;
• A repeal of the job-killing Sovereignty Act.

Meanwhile, Notley promised to reverse the Sovereignty Act passed by opposition Premiere Danielle Smith.

“I will never seek to divide Canadians against this province. My plan is to unite Canadians behind us,” she said. “We succeeded with TMX, and we can succeed at restoring our reputation as a cosmopolitan jurisdiction that welcomes the best minds and hardest workers from across the world.”

Notley also promised in the speech to build a post-secondary campus in downtown Calgary in an effort to revive it.

“Research indicates that downtown campuses generally spur more startups, more products, and more licensing deals when compared with campuses located outside the core,” she added. “We are very excited about the potential success that could be generated with a new downtown campus.”

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She also promised to keep working on building Alberta, including “a strong health care system, a strong education system, and affordable living.”

Meanwhile, Alberta’s UCP released a statement criticizing Notley Thursday.

“In government, Rachel Notley’s reckless economic agenda drove Alberta’s economy in the wrong direction and she would do it again if given the chance,” said Calgary-Shaw MLA Rebecca Schulz. “Rachel Notley now wants to tout her economic ideas to business groups when she has a clear record of failing on the economy and selling Albertans out to her friend and ally Justin Trudeau, NDP special interests, and environmental radicals.

“Alberta’s economy is strong again, specifically because we’ve undone Rachel Notley’s economic agenda and have created a business-friendly environment that has attracted investment and created jobs for Albertans.”