Premier Smith promises money for families fighting inflation, legislation to deny federal “overreach”

Premier Danielle Smith made first public address to Albertans on Tuesday night, announcing a series of measures to tackle inflation, her health care plan, and ways to fight back against federal overreach.

An Inflation Relief Act, which Smith said will be finalized in the coming days, will include:

• For seniors and families with dependent children under 18, $600 will be provided for six months for each child and each senior. This is for those with household incomes under $180,000 
• Same will be provided for those on AISH, Income Support, and PDD 
• Suspend the entire provincial fuel tax for at least the next six months and make the current fuel relief program “permanent” thereafter. 
• Index all tax brackets to 2022, resulting in larger rebates for taxes this spring 
• Index for AISH, PDD, Seniors Benefit, Alberta Child & Family Benefit, starting in January 
• Provide $200 per home in in rebates on consumer electricity bills 
• Limit spikes in winter electricity rates 
• Continue natural gas rebate program 
• Invest in food banks and expand low income transit passes

“These are just first steps and there is more to do,” Smith said during the speech. 

Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act 

In a week’s time, the provincial government will introduce the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act, Smith said.

This follows a promise she made while campaigning to be UCP leader.

“A constitutional shield to protect Albertans, so that when Ottawa implements a policy or law attacking our economy or provincial rights, our government will not enforce these unconstitutional measures,” she said. 

“Ottawa’s treatment of the province, most especially Alberta, is unacceptable. The government in Ottawa is intentionally and systemically attempting to control and regulate all aspects of our province’s economy, resources and social programs.” 

While details of how the act will work is unknown, Smith added that this is not a signal that there is any desire to leave Canada, instead a signal to keep the constitutional guarantees alive.

Health care reform 

A Health Reform Action Plan was also announced that Smith hopes will decrease emergency room wait times, improve ambulance response times, and reduce wait times for surgeries. 

It will look to getting people who need hospital beds to them faster, while trying to offload minor visits to the hospital to other facilities.

Smith also alluded to using rural hospital surgery rooms “that sit empty” and putting more onus on local decision making when it comes to health care.