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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

Meantime over in neighbouring Alberta ...

The work of the new UCP government
has begun in the Alberta Legislature

It seems the United Conservative Party (UCP) of Alberta, headed by Premier Jason Kenney, is going in to high gear bringing forward an ambitious legislative lineup marking the Spring of Renewal.

And in that Spring of Renewal, Kenney remarked, “Albertans have always punched above their weight in the national economy. By removing obstacles to growth, we are sending a clear message to investors, job creators and entrepreneurs all over the world that Alberta is once again open for business and open for jobs.”

Outlined in the Speech from the Throne, delivered by Lt.-Gov. Lois Mitchell the following day (Wednesday May 22nd), was an ambitious plan was introduced.  If passed, the first four bills of the legislative session would scrap the $1.4-billion carbon tax ... implement the Job Creation Tax Cut ... introduce the Open for Business Act and ... cut job-killing red tape.

According to a media release, other proposed legislation would fulfil education promises and help newcomers work to their training and experience.

“Albertans gave us a mandate to get Alberta back on track when they supported our economic plan with the largest number of votes ever cast for a political party in our province. We are honouring their confidence and our commitments”, said Premier Kenney

Taking no time at all on the commitment side, Alberta’s new government put the carbon tax on the chopping block, fulfilling a promise made before and during the election campaign.  First up was Bill 1, An Act to Repeal the Carbon Tax, that Kenney said will create jobs and puts money back into the pockets of families, businesses and non-profits.

Commented Premier Kenney, “We campaigned on scrapping the job-killing carbon tax and Albertans responded loud and clear. We’re keeping our commitment to eliminate this tax grab to create jobs and put more money back into the pockets of hard-working Albertans.”

Moving to the jobs front, Government House leader Jason Nixon observed:


“We’ve seen tremendous interest from businesses and investors who are already responding to our Job Creation Tax Cut, and from Albertans who will no longer be punished for heating their homes and driving to work.”

Continuing, he spoke to the government being ... excited to get to work on this legislative agenda and to start making life better for the people of this province.

And in what could be perceived as a warning to BC’s NDP government led by Premier John Horgan, the Quebec government of François Legault, and the federal Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Kenney let it be known that:

“Our government is taking immediate action to get Alberta back to work by renewing our province’s fiscal and economic advantages, standing up for our interests within the Canadian federation and making life better for Albertans by renewing the quality of our public services.”

Round number one goes to Jason Kenney – now let’s see how Horgan, Legault, and Trudeau react



NOTE ... other throne speech commitments made yesterday (May 22nd) include:

  • tabling a Royalties Guarantee Act to restore energy sector competitiveness and investor confidence 
  • enabling municipalities to use property tax incentives to attract investments and jobs 
  • making it easier for newcomers to work at their skill levels 
  • reforming curriculum and increasing education choice 
  • reducing the tax, and regulatory burden, on farmers
  •  taking action on climate change by focusing on large industrial emissions 
  • creating the Aboriginal Opportunities Corporation ... and ... 
  • introducing protections for victims of human trafficking and expanding protections for victims of domestic violence



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