Lieutenant Governor Salma Lahkani delivers the speech from the throne, November 29, 2022. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Alberta government priorities outlined in throne speech

Nov 29, 2022 | 4:11 PM

EDMONTON, AB – It was a busy day for the Government of Alberta.

On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, Danielle Smith was officially sworn in as the MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat.

Later in the afternoon, the government’s priorities were outlined in the speech from the throne.

Smith says, “During this legislative session and in the coming months, we will take unprecedented and substantial action to help Albertans and their families. We will take quick, effective action to assist vulnerable Albertans, seniors and families with children with the dramatic increases to their cost of living. And we will be taking active steps to defend and promote our province’s prosperity and constitutional jurisdiction.”

The throne speech was delivered by Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Firefighters take win over Police Service in Medicine Hat sledge hockey game

8h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Treblemakers' gives learning musicians courage in Medicine Hat

Jan 18, 2025

IN THE COMMUNITY

Diverse personal stories shared at 'Pecha Kucha' in Medicine Hat

Jan 17, 2025

As outlined in a media release from the provincial government, some highlights from the speech include:

• Affordability measures
  • Implementing targeted inflation-relief and affordability measures to support all Albertans.
  • Extending the energy price protection and reviewing the electricity pricing system to look at lowering costs for power transmission and distribution.
  • Providing additional support for foodbanks and helping low-income Albertans with the cost of transit.
  • Providing additional support and indexing benefits for vulnerable Albertans.
  • Indexing personal income taxes.
• Jobs and the economy
  • Creating conditions to grow industries, businesses and job opportunities.
  • Enhancing trade infrastructure and agreements.
  • Reducing barriers to interprovincial trade for agriculture and food production.
  • Continued leadership in hydrogen and petrochemicals, and development in helium, lithium, liquefied natural gas, geothermal energy and minerals.
  • Providing clear and environmentally responsible direction for developing tourism amenities such as campgrounds, trails and other attractions.
  • Developing strategies to address labour market gaps.
  • Enhanced funding to engage with minority communities and support anti-racism initiatives.
• Health care
  • Taking action to improve health-care delivery and health outcomes.
  • Restoring local decision-making closer to point of care and directing more resources to front-line care.
  • Improving EMS response times and cutting emergency wait times.
  • Improving access to primary care and address staffing challenges, especially in rural areas.
  • Reducing wait times for surgeries.
  • Expanding supports for mental health and addictions, including for schools and families.
• Standing Up for Alberta
  • Defending Alberta’s rights under the Canadian Constitution.
  • Accessing federal funding, without strings, to meet Albertans’ needs, values and priorities.
  • Pushing back against federal programs that create hardships for farmers and ranchers.
  • Developing stronger relationships with other provinces and territories for areas of cooperation and mutual economic prosperity.

The speech from the throne can be viewed in video format on the government’s Assembly Online website, while the text can be read here.

READ MORE: Premier Smith lays out road ahead in live address