The first NDP throne speech in Alberta history delivered promises of donation reform, inter-party co-operation, progressive income taxes and an increase to corporate taxes. “There was just so much in it to be excited about,” said St. Albert's new MLA Marie Renaud.
The first NDP throne speech in Alberta history delivered promises of donation reform, inter-party co-operation, progressive income taxes and an increase to corporate taxes.
“There was just so much in it to be excited about,” said St. Albert's new MLA Marie Renaud.
Renaud said some of the highlights from her perspective were statements about respecting women, including those who have gone missing and been murdered as well as their families.
“It was so nice to hear that coming from the throne,” she said.
She noted the speech and plans promise “unprecedented” co-operation between the parties, “Which I'm hoping goes well.”
That co-operation includes Premier Rachel Notley and Wildrose opposition leader Brian Jean proposing a legislative committee to review Alberta's election, whistleblower and conflict of interest legislation made up of nine NDP government MLAs and eight opposition MLAs.
Liberal leader David Swann will be co-chairing a review of the province's mental health policy alongside an NDP MLA.
Renaud said from her experience at LoSeCa there are many who are diagnosed with both a developmental disability and a mental health issue – and there's far too few supports for anyone, she said.
The government is trying to get back down to listening to the communities, she said, which means consulting with groups like school boards, city councils and chambers of commerce.
Renaud herself is scheduled to attend a St. Albert city council meeting in August.
She said there's nothing that really gives her pause, but notes the new government is taking the time to methodically go through the finances and prepare a budget, which is expected this fall.
“They're not going to make just a reaction decision about our budget,” she said.
“I think they were really clear about saying it's a beginning, this isn't the answer to all the questions, this is just a beginning.”
Fellow rookie Spruce Grove-St. Albert MLA Trevor Horne was also pleased with the speech, saying it reflects the change Albertans wanted.
“It definitely did not go through any half measures to get there,” Horne said. “Albertans expect us to do a better job of working together in this legislature.”
He's excited about the three bills promised, starting with Bill 1, An Act to Renew Democracy in Alberta.
That's the bill that promises to ban corporate and union donations to provincial political parties.
The second bill, An Act to Restore Fairness to Public Revenue, will introduce progressive income taxes for people earning more than $125,000 per year and will up corporate income taxes to 12 per cent from 10. Small business taxes will stay at three per cent.
The third bill will be the interim supply bill, which Horne said will help give public services like school boards some certainty in the coming months.
