We’re back in Edmonton this month! And since I don’t expect most folks are watching the Legislature livestream, I wanted to quickly review some of the debates we had in the Legislature in the fall.
The first month of work was more focused on abstract legal housekeeping instead of on what Albertans are facing right now. The Throne Speech promised actions like an income tax cut, relief from electricity bills and auto insurance, and fixes to our healthcare system. We didn’t get any of those.
Bill 2 outlines some Alberta Pension Plan details including a referendum. The NDP suggested amendments that would’ve made its results legally binding, ensured transparency on the question being asked, and ensured that non-partisan information was provided for voters. They were all voted down by the UCP majority.
Bill 3 updates previous legislation regarding a class action lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and marketers. While it’s a necessary amendment and I support it, again it’s just housekeeping. We need real action immediately to turn the tide on the record amount of overdose deaths occurring in Alberta.
Bill 8 brought changes to the Conflicts of Interest Act. Most notably, it removes the $200 value limit on gifts MLAs can receive from an individual, which I found deeply concerning. Also, the Ethics Commissioner can no longer conduct investigations nor release reports during an election period. If you recall, Danielle Smith was found to have breached the Act 11 days before the election. Imagine not getting to see that information before voting for your representatives. I made sure to point this out during the debate.
If you want to catch me in action, I’m uploading clips from the Legislature to my very own YouTube page. I hope you’ll check it out!
The link is youtube.com/@JanetCgyCurrie.
Take care for now.
MLA – Calgary Currie Janet Eremenko proudly serves the following Communities: Bankview, Currie, Glenbrook, Glendale, Killarney-Glengarry, Richmond-Knob Hill, Rosscarrock, Rutland Park, Scarboro, Scarboro/Sunalta West, Shaganappi, Spruce Cliff, Sunalta, Westgate
