Majority of Albertans think province in recession: Poll

Eighty per cent of Albertans think the province is in a recession, while only 10 per cent think the province is in a period of growth, according to a new Pollara Strategic Insights poll.

The poll concluded that most Canadians are “worried” about the economy, with 66 per cent of respondents feeling this way.

Fifty six per cent of people surveyed in Canada say the economy could even get worse in the next year, while only 14 per cent think it will get better.

Also, 54 per cent of Canadians are expecting the global economy to worsen next year.

When it comes to the cost of food, 46 per cent of Canadians think it is the major source of stress, while housing (34 per cent) and gas (30 per cent) come next.

Meanwhile, the Alberta NDP claims the UCP is the reason behind residents not being able to make ends meet in the province.

“Albertans are working harder and harder but falling further behind under the UCP as the cost of everything goes up,” said NDP finance critic Shannon Phillips. “Albertans are struggling to put food on their table and keep the lights on, but the UCP has made a bad situation worse by increasing costs. While they’ve offered some help, their programs are poorly thought out and half measures that fail to make a real difference.”

The NDP says the UCP’s “so-called affordability package,” including utility payments and rebates expires after the election.

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The party adds the rebates do not cover everyone, and the deferral programs could potentially add more debt into people’s accounts.

The NDP also says Alberta has the slowest rate of wage growth in the country, noting that property taxes, tuition, and auto insurance rates are increasing.

In a statement, the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities tells CityNews “Alberta remains one of the most affordable places in the country to live.”

“Albertans pay less in overall taxes with no PST, payroll tax or health premium and a low provincial income tax indexed for inflation. With average weekly earnings at $1,259, Alberta workers make more per week than in any other province and we expect this figure to continue growing,” the statement reads.

“Along with $600 in affordability payments to seniors, families and vulnerable Albertans, our Affordability Action Plan is providing $500 in total electricity rebates to over 1.9 million consumers, hundreds of dollars in fuel tax relief for drivers plus natural gas price protection, benefit increases, foodbank funding and income tax changes to help with the rising cost of living. In addition, the temporary price ceiling on the Regulated Rate Option is saving 800,000 consumers money on this year’s winter months utility bills by spreading much of the costs out over 21 months so their electricity bills are more affordable.  In total, our Affordability Action Plan will provide $2.8 billion in relief to Albertans over three years.”