Premier Danielle Smith gves her first televised address to Albertans. (Screengrab from video)

By Chris Brown

Premier Smith announces affordability relief measures aimed at easing affordability crisis

Nov 22, 2022 | 7:02 PM

Premier Danielle Smith says the provincial government is implementing a series of measures to help all Albertans struggling with the inflation and affordability crisis.

In a pre-recorded televised address, Smith said measures will include $600 over six months for seniors and families with dependant children under 18 years old, targeted to middle income families with an annual household income under $180,000.

The same amount will be given to vulnerable Albertans collecting AISH and PDD and income support.

As well, the entire provincial fuel tax will be suspended for at least the next six months and the current fuel relief program will become permanent after that.

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“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.

She said details of the Inflation Relief Act are still being finalized.

The province will also index all provincial tax brackets retroactively to 2022 and index for inflation, AISH, PDD, income support, the seniors benefit and the Alberta Child and Family benefit, beginning in January.

Smith also promised an increased rebate on electricity bills through winter to an extra $200 per household and to limit winter electricity rate spikes while continuing the natural gas rebate program.

She also said the government will invest in food banks and provide transit pass relief to low-income individuals.

“These are just first steps and there is much more to do,” she said. “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 said health care is another challenge for the province, pointing the finger at “far too many managers and consultants, and not enough health professionals on the front lines caring for patients.”

She said Health Minister Jason Copping and AHS official administrator Dr. John Cowell last week initiated a health reform action plan to specifically target the most urgent health care challenges without disrupting front line services.

The aim is to put more health professionals in emergency rooms to cut wait times, improving the EMS system, and using specialized surgical centres and underutilized rural hospitals and operating rooms to decrease surgery wait lists.

Smith also 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.