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Description
Legislative Assembly of Alberta
14:35 Opening
35:27 Oral Question Period
01:27:07 Afternoon Session
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The
prayer
Lord,
the
god
of
righteousness
and
Truth
Grant
to
our
King
and
to
his
government,
to
members
of
the
legislative
assembly
and
to
all
in
positions
of
responsibility
the
guidance
of
your
spirit.
May
they
never
leave
the
province
wrongly
through
love
of
power,
desire
to
please
or
unworthy
ideas.
But,
laying
aside
all
private
interest
and
Prejudice,
keep
in
mind
the
responsibility
to
seek
to.
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Honorable
members,
prior
to
proceeding
to
introductions
today,
I'd
like
to
just
briefly
note
that
you
will
find
a
copy
of
the
new
page
biographies
for
the
2022
fall
setting
of
the
fourth
session
of
the
legislature,
which
I
will
table
at
an
appropriate
time
later
today,
as
you
read
through
it,
you
will
notice
that
we
have
a
record
number
of
18
new
pages
alongside
nine
returning
pages.
I
would
also
like
to
mention
that
these
biograph
biographies
will
be
available
online
through
our
house.
B
Honorable
members
I
know
that
it
goes
without
saying,
but
I
ask
you
to
provide
them
with
a
warm
welcome
and
that
you
will
show
this
Bright
Young
group
the
utmost
patience
as
they
learn
the
ropes
of
this
important
role.
There
will
be
a
test
on
their
names
next
week
for
each
of
you
and
thank
you
all
pages.
Please
members
provide
them.
The
warm
welcome,
obviously,.
B
D
E
F
G
H
Speaker
arise
to
introduce
to
you
and
through
you
to
all
members
of
the
assembly,
members
of
the
Alberta
grazing
lease
Association
Mr,
Kevin,
Manis
and
Mr
Kyle
Forbes,
as
well
as
members
of
the
Western
Stock
Rose,
Association,
Graham,
Overgaard,
Bill,
Newton
and
Calum,
Sears
and
last,
but
certainly
not
least,
the
wonderful
Lindsey
murfin,
who
keeps
all
of
them
in
line.
So
please
rise
and
receive
the
warm
welcome
of
this
emblem.
B
B
I
Thank
you,
Mr
Speaker,
our
United
conservative
government
knows
that
affordability
is
a
primary
challenge
facing
albertans
right
now
and
that
families
are
counting
on
us
to
take
decisive
action
to
address
Rising
costs
of
living.
That
is
why
we
are
not
hesitating
to
deliver
timely
and
meaningful
inflation,
relief
for
Alberta
families
and
businesses,
relief
for
fuel
relief
for
utilities,
relief
for
seniors
and
our
most
vulnerable.
I
Our
government
is
in
a
position
to
provide
this
relief
to
Alberta,
because
our
balanced
budget
and
strong
fiscal
position
we
recently
delivered
the
second
quarter
fiscal
update,
which
showed
that
not
only
is
our
economy
strong,
but
that
it
has
momentum.
Despite
Global
uncertainty,
our
province
is
on
track
for
a
projected
surplus
of
12.3
billion
dollars
and
a
repayment
of
13.3
billion
dollars,
the
restored
strength
of
Alberta
economy
in
Stark
contests
to
the
disastrous
economic
policies
we
saw,
Rachel
notley
and
the
NDP
put
in
place.
I
The
ndp's
ideological
policies
and
tight
tax
hikes
chased
hundreds
of
thousands
of
jobs
and
billions
of
dollars
of
investment
out
of
our
Province.
This
also
wreaked
habit
on
our
budget.
Shockingly,
the
ntp
is
now
attacking
the
inflation
relief.
We
are
providing
albertans,
even
though
they
have
no
alternative
plan.
We
are
focused,
however,
on
keeping
Alberta's
economy
strong
and
delivering
timely
relief
to
albertans.
We
have
already
committed
2.8
billion
dollars
over
three
years
to
help
albertans
with
cost
of
living
concerns
and
are
committed
to
1.3
billion
dollars
in
new
funding
to
help
make
life
more
affordable.
I
B
J
Thank
you,
Mr
Speaker
timbright,
the
pleasure
of
attending
Alberta's
industrial
Heartland
Association
conference
I,
heard
presentations
from
several
companies
that
talked
about
their
plan
to
reduce
emissions
and
Achieve
Net
Zero
in
their
operations
as
well
as
produce
energy
such
as
hydrogen.
That
will
help
our
Province
achieve
its
emission
reduction
goals.
J
There
are
currently
several
large-scale
projects
being
considered
in
the
industrial
Heartland
Dao
is
proposing
to
build
a
net
zero
facility
that
will
produce
3.2
million
metric
tons
of
polyethylene
and
ethylene
derivatives.
Suncor
and
Atco
have
Partners
to
build
a
hydrogen
production
facility
capable
of
producing
300
000
tons
of
hydrogen
annually
and
inter-pipeline
has
proposed
blue
ammonia
and
balloon
methane
facilities
that
will
support
the
transportation
of
hydrogen.
These
projects
represent
billions
of
dollars
in
investment
and
will
create
thousands
of
good-paying
jobs.
However,
none
of
them
have
reached
a
final
investment
decision.
J
This
is
a
pivotal
moment
for
the
Heartland
and
for
Alberta's
entire
economy.
The
government,
rather
than
embracing
investor
certainty
and
economic
stability,
have
chosen
to
introduce
their
job-killing
undemocratic
sovereignty
act.
A
piece
of
legislation
has
been
panned
by
Venture
capitalists,
investors,
the
Calgary
chamber,
the
Canadian
chamber
and
the
Canadian
Association
of
petrol,
petroleum
producers,
and
it
is
the
exact
opposite
of
what
we
need
right
now.
It
will
create
uncertainty
in
driveaway
investment.
J
We
need
to
scrap
the
sovereignty
act,
so
we
can
attract
investment
into
the
industrial
Heartland,
build
a
more
resilient
economy,
create
jobs
now
and
for
future
Generations
I
won't
vote
for
the
job-killing
sovereignty
act.
I.
Ask
every
member
in
this
house
to
think
about
what
voting
for
this
bill
could
mean
for
workers
for
future
Generations
I
and
my
colleagues
are
proud
to
stand
in
this
house
each
day
in
support
of
Alberta's
rural
economic
future
in
support
of
the
industrial
Heartland
and
in
support
of
a
future
for
all
albertans.
B
K
You
Mr
Speaker.
Today's
member
statement
is
in
honor
of
Dallas
Lee
boyco
a
long
time
paramedic
who
lived
in
my
riding
and
died
in
the
line
of
duty
while
working
to
save
others
on
Saturday
September,
10th
paramedics
across
Canada
Alberta,
as
well
as
residents
in
my
home
of
spruce,
grove
and
Stony
Plain,
were
deeply
saddened
and
mourn.
K
The
loss
of
such
a
tremendous
life,
Gone
Too
Soon
throughout
her
distinguished
25-year
career
Dallas
treated
thousands
of
patients
with
tremendous
courage,
compassion
and
skill,
Dallas,
mentored
and
trained
hundreds
of
students
and
new
staff,
and
made
a
massive
impact
on
the
paramedic
Community
across
the
province.
In
recognition
of
her
tremendous
dedication,
service
Dallas
was
awarded
a
12-year
provincial
service
medal,
in
addition
to
countless
accommodations
from
patients,
families,
peers
and
supervisors.
K
Paramedics
are
self-selfless
breed
I
believe
it
takes
a
very
special
kind
of
person
to
not
only
do
the
job
but
to
excel.
In
such
a
vigorous
and
demanding
career
being
a
paramedic
isn't
like
the
TV
shows
it
isn't
always
fast-paced
lights
and
Sirens
that
we
like
to
see.
Sometimes
there
are
car
accidents,
explosions
and
heroics,
but
most
of
the
time
it's
the
complete
opposite.
It's
twisted
ankles,
toothaches,
fevers
and
coughs.
K
Sometimes
it's
literally
just
having
a
conversation
with
someone
about
their
life.
While
you
take
them
to
the
hospital
or
making
sure
a
child
has
their
favorite
teddy
bear
to
comfort
them
on
a
dark
day,
paramedics
have
played
a
big
role
in
our
society
they're.
They
are
those
individuals
who
sacrifice
a
lot
in
order
to
help
residents
in
our
communities.
We
cannot
pay
back
the
goodness
and
the
services
that
paramedics
offer
to
us.
The
only
thing
that
we
can
give
them
is
their
full
respect
that
they
are
modern
day
heroes.
K
L
Okay,
Mr
Speaker
Mr
Speaker,
our
government
recognized
November's
financial
literacy
month
to
remind
albertans
about
the
importance
of
personal
finance
and
to
highlight
government
programs
that
help
keep
money
in
their
pockets.
No
one
is
too
young
to
learn
about
saving
budgeting
spending
and
investing
in
today's
world
with
Rising
interest
rates
and
inflation
due
in
large
part
to
poor
federal
policy.
L
It
has
never
been
more
important
for
us
to
ensure
young
people
are
learning
financial
literacy
skills,
Junior,
Achievement,
Southern
Alberta
does
a
tremendous
job
of
teaching
financial
literacy
skills
to
young
albertans
as
a
proud
former
Junior
Achievement
Junior
Achievement
alumnus
myself,
as
are
several
of
my
colleagues
I,
know
firsthand
how
valuable
financial
literacy,
career,
Readiness
and
Entrepreneurship
skills
are
for
our
students
and
how
engaging
ja
programming
is
for
young
people.
I
have
such
gratitude
to
organizations
like
Junior
Achievement.
They
have
a
legacy
spanning
60
years
of
t
teaching
young
albertans
about
budgeting
saving
and
Investments.
L
During
financial
literacy
month
they
provided
over
10
000
youths
in
our
province
with
financial
literacy,
education.
They
expect
to
achieve
the
same
for
75
000,
albertan
youths
within
this
school
year,
Mr
Speaker,
that
is
75
000
young
minds
that
will
grow
up
to
become
contributors
to
our
province's
economy,
patrons
in
their
community
and
adults,
holding
the
tools
necessary
to
become
financially
responsible,
I'm
proud
that
we
have
committed
funding
to
Junior,
Achievement
and
other
organizations,
and
our
government
has
also
shown
we
recognize
the
value
of
financial
literacy.
L
Lessons
by
implementing
them
into
our
cater
9
curriculum
and
fiscal
responsibility
is
not
only
something
we
talk
about.
We
act
on
it.
We
are
choosing
to
put
budget
surplus
towards
paying
off
provincial
debt
instead
of
continuing
to
borrow
and
spend
beyond
our
means.
Thank
you
to
this
government
for
continuing
to
support
financial
literacy.
The
progress
we
make
in
empowering
albertans,
including
our
students,
women
and
girls,
and
our
newcomers,
will
lead
to
financially
prosperous
life.
The.
M
Transformative
solutions
for
inclusive
development,
the
role
of
innovation
in
fueling,
an
accessible
and
Equitable
world.
That
statement
is
this
year's
theme
for
international
day
of
persons
with
disabilities
since
92
for
30
years,
we've
marked
this
day
by
talking
about
wonderful
people.
We
know
new
Innovative
programs
and
a
few
stories
that
make
it
to
the
newspaper
or
social
media.
M
This
government
has
systematically
ignored
exploding,
wait
lists
for
disability,
supports
and
affordable,
accessible
housing,
while
patting
themselves
on
the
back
for
re
recent
announcements.
After
months
of
arrogantly
claiming
all
was
well.
Here's
an
excerpt
from
a
letter
from
a
disabled
friend
of
mine
I
need
decision
makers
to
hear
about
the
pain
they
caused
by
de-indexing
benefits.
Just
indexing
is
not
enough.
We
lost
three
years.
How
can
you
boast
about
making
your
books
look
better
on
the
backs
of
disabled
albertans?
Who
can't
afford
to
buy
food?
M
Healthcare
keeps
me
alive,
I
can't
fundraise
extra
dollars
to
pay
for
health
care
and
I
certainly
don't
want
to
beg
for
money.
The
disability
Community
has
been
left
behind
by
the
UCP
you're
hurting
us
every
day.
Our
families,
our
communities,
know
of
the
hurt
and
are
working
hard
to
make
change
and
have
a
premier
who
hears
Us
in
2023
change
is
coming
friends,
given
the
opportunity
to
form
government,
we
will
establish
real-time
goals
and
measure
inclusion
and
access
so
that
we
can
meaningfully
celebrate
the
success
on
International
Day
of
persons
with
disability
in
the
future.
N
Has
a
statement?
Thank
you.
Mr
Speaker
Albert
is
a
proven
time
and
time
again
that
they
are
resilient.
We
can
overcome
any
obstacle
that
is
thrown
our
way
and
we
can
stick
together.
We
have
seen
this
over
the
past
couple
of
years,
the
2014
oil
price
crash
four
years
of
NDP
tax
hikes
and,
most
recently
the
covid-19
pandemic.
Now
albertans
have
been
tested
once
again
dealing
with
record
high
inflation.
Families
are
struggling
to
provide
for
the
basic
needs
and
we
are
faced
with
deciding
whether
to
fill
up
on
gas
or
put
food
on
the
table.
N
No
parent
should
ever
have
to
make
those
decisions.
The
rise
of
rent,
groceries
and
gases,
taking
a
toll
on
albertans
while
Alberta
is
trying
to
mitigate
the
situation.
Ottawa
continues
to
ignore
the
rising
cost
of
living
and
has
have
even
decided
to
Triple
the
carbon
tax.
Our
government
understands
the
struggles
of
albertans.
We
have
provided
many
initiatives
to
ensure
that
this
life
is
more
affordable
for
albertans.
N
Some
of
the
major
affordability
measures
we
are
enacting
consists
of
providing
six
hundred
dollars
over
six
months
to
parents
for
each
child
under
18
in
seniors
600
over
6
months
to
age,
income,
support
and
PDD
recipients,
suspension
of
entire
provincial
fuel
tax
for
at
least
six
months
index,
Association
or
provincial
tax
Breakers
and
200
per
home
in
electricity
rebates,
I'm
thrilled
that
the
natural
gas
rebate
program
will
continue
to
help
Alberta's,
especially
as
we
are
heading
into
the
colder
winter
months.
The
index
of
age,
PDD,
seniors
benefit.
N
Alberta
child
in
family
benefited,
Income,
Support
Program
will
begin
as
early
as
January
Mr
Speaker.
Our
government
is
also
investing
into
Alberta's
food
banks
and
low-income
Transit
passes.
We
realize
affordability
is
a
challenge.
Many
of
us
are
currently
facing
and
our
government
is
working
hard
to
provide
substantial
relief
for
all
albertans.
Thank
you.
Mr
Speaker,
here.
O
Albertans
are
optimistic
about
the
direction
our
new
premier
is
taking
when
it
comes
to
Greater
autonomy
within
Canada,
just
like
Quebec
has
sought
and
received
for
years.
Autonomy
is
a
concept
that
has
deep
meaning
throughout
our
history.
It
is
an
idea
that
focuses
on
maintaining
the
decentralized
Federation
which
respects
the
constitutional
rights
of
provinces,
thereby
strengthening
National
Unity
by
respecting
Regional
diversity.
O
Ottawa
has
continuously
taken
more
from
Alberta
than
it
has
returned,
leading
to
a
deep
feeling
of
alienation
towards
a
federal
government
amongst
albertans.
It's
time
we
did
something.
Taxation
has
long
been
a
flash
point
when
it
comes
to
Federal.
Provincial
relations
as
Ottawa
collects
most
of
our
tax
revenue
and
passes
it
out
conditionally
through
several
transfer
programs
like
Equalization,
ottawa's,
overreach
and
interference
have
harmed
the
ability
of
albertans
to
provide
for
their
families
and,
on
the
other
hand,
Quebec
has
a
long
history
of
effectively
fighting
for
autonomy
of
its
citizens.
O
In
fact,
during
the
2019
federal
election
campaign,
the
Conservative
Party
of
Canada
agreed
with
unanimous
motion
from
the
Quebec
National
Assembly
for
the
the
implementation
of
a
single
tax
return
system
administered
by
Quebec
and
all
federal
and
provincial
taxes
collected
by
Quebec.
In
fact,
I
served
on
the
Fair
Deal
panel
and
thousands
of
albertans
expressed
their
desire
to
receive
a
more
Equitable
decentralized
deal
with
Ottawa
and
recently
Alberta's
Premier
said
and
I
quote.
That
means
establishing
a
tax
department.
So
we
can
collect
our
own
taxes
and
make
it
completely
transparent.
O
How
much
we
collect
for
our
own
provincial
needs
and
how
much
we
send
to
Ottawa.
End
quote.
I
now
urge
this
government
to
strengthen
provincial,
to
strengthen
provincial
autonomy,
follow
Quebec's
lead
in
advocating
for
the
creation
of
a
single
provincial
tax,
collecting
Agency
for
all
the
taxes
that
albertans
pay.
P
Mr
Speaker
I
know
every
member
of
this
house
will
always
step
up
to
protect
our
Province.
Today,
our
disagreement
is
in
how
we
do
that.
Now.
Last
week
the
premier
claimed
ignorance
when
we
challenged
her
about
the
undemocratic
powers
buried
in
her
job-killing
sovereignty.
Act
first
she
said
we
were
wrong.
Then
she
claimed
we
didn't
read
the
bill.
Then
she
called
us
fear
mongers.
No,
she
admits
there
are
problems,
while
her
caucus
demands.
Amendments
to
the
premier,
she's
lost
people's
trust
with
this
bumbling
and
stumbling.
So
now
her
bill
is
beyond
saving.
Q
All
the
premium
well
Mr
Speaker,
first,
the
leader
of
the
opposition,
didn't
even
want
to
read
the
bill
voted
against
it
on
first
reading,
then
she
asked
her
friend
in
Ottawa
Justin
Trudeau,
to
quash
the
bill,
and
now
she
said
that
she
doesn't
even
want
to
propose
any
amendments.
I,
don't
think
that
the
leader
of
the
opposition
is
approaching
this
in
good
faith.
Mayan
caucus
is
my
caucus
identified,
some
issues
that
they
wanted
to
address.
P
Quote
the
worst
piece
of
legislation
introduced
in
Alberta
since
the
social
credit
bills
of
the
1930s
end
quote:
that's
Dawn
braid,
the
premier's
ex-colleague,
Mr
Speaker.
When
albertans
pointed
out
this
blatant
power
grab,
the
premier
claimed
they
just
didn't
understand
the
bill.
Just
like
she
did
right
there
now
she's
kind
of
changing
her
tune.
Here's
the
thing
she
either
got
caught
in
her
attempt
to
seize
power
and
is
now
desperately
scrambling
to
cover
that
up
or
she
literally
didn't
know
what
was
in
her
bill,
Mr,
Speaker
and
very
possibly
still
doesn't
so,
which
is
it.
Q
The
leader
of
the
official
opposition
may
want
to
quote
a
journalist,
but
let
me
quote
former
Canadian
Supreme
Court
Justice
John
Major
saying
he
doesn't
find
this
bill
particularly
alarming.
In
fact
he
says:
what's
so
terrible
about
the
province
saying
if
you
want
to
impose
on
us
you'd,
better,
be
sure
you're
doing
it
constitutionally
Jeffrey.
P
Well,
those
particular
Scholars
Mr
Speaker
are
very
much
in
the
minority.
Meanwhile,
the
premier
is
ignoring
the
many
voices
worried
about
the
impact
on
our
economy.
Cap
has
concerns,
the
Calgary
chamber
has
concerns
and
the
Canadian
Chambers
of
Commerce
said
businesses
are
caught
in
the
middle
and
uncertainty
is
now
the
order
of
the
day.
Meanwhile,
the
premier
claims
she's
getting
quiet
phone
calls
from
CEOs
who
disagree
so
here's
the
question
and
it
should
be
an
easy
one.
Can
the
premier
stand
and
name
those
CEOs
and
if
not,
why
not.
Q
The
Honorable,
the
premiere
I,
can
tell
you
Mr
Speaker
that
neither
the
head
of
the
chamber
nor
the
head
of
cap
consulted
their
members,
because
I
have
been
getting
dozens
of
phone
calls
all
weekend
and
I
will
just
say
that
in
in
point
of
fact,
when
you
look
at
the
business
investment
climate
and
the
kind
of
uncertainty
that
was
created,
I,
remember
the
leader
of
the
opposition
talking
down
Northern
Gateway,
which
cost
Northern
Gateway
talking
down.
Keystone
XL,
which
cost
us
Keystone
talking
down
the
coal
industry.
Q
Q
P
Pediatric
patients
arriving
in
ERS
across
the
province
is
alarming.
This
weekend,
albertans
learned
that
respite
care
at
The,
Rotary
Flames
house,
is
being
sacrificed
to
ensure
Care
at
the
Alberta
Children's
Hospital.
This
is
a
serious
blow
for
some
of
Alberta's,
most
medically
fragile
children
and
their
families.
This
staff
shortage
was
not
manufactured.
It
is
because
of
decisions
made
by
this
UCP
government
so
to
the
premier.
These
children
need
our
help
and
they
deserve
action
from
your
government.
What
are
you
doing
to
restore
these
services
today?.
Q
The
crisis
that
we're
seeing
in
healthcare
right
now
is
a
crisis
that's
taking
place
across
the
province
and
across
the
country
we
see
in
British
Columbia
as
well.
They've
called
a
Code
Orange
Alert
in
Toronto
as
well.
They
are
also
taking
additional
measures.
We
we
know
that
we
need
to
have
additional
staff
on
board.
In
fact,
I'm
going
to
give
a
credit.
P
In
BC
we
heard
for
hours
today
from
the
chief
medical
officer
of
Health
trying
to
find
ways
to
keep
children
safe.
In
Alberta
we
have
a
volunteer
chief
medical
officer
of
Health,
who
is
silent.
Meanwhile,
Dr
Sam
Wong
says
the
surge
in
Pediatric.
Care
is
having
a
severe
impact
on
areas
like
inpatient
and
emergency
care,
and
right
now,
they're
just
trying
to
keep
surgeries
happening
so
to
the
premier.
What,
specifically,
is
she
going
to
do
to
prevent
surgeries
for
children
from
being
canceled
today.
Q
Mr
Speaker.
We
already
know
that
the
weight
in
emergency
rooms
is
way
too
long
as
part
of
the
reason
why
I
appointed
Dr
John
Cowell
to
take
over
his
official
administrator
so
that
we
could
be
making
some
of
these
decisions
in
a
very
Rapid
Way.
We
also
know
that
one
of
the
issues
we're
facing
across
the
country
is
the
shortage
of
Children's
Tylenol.
The
shortage
of
children's
ibuprofen,
the
shortage
of
other
children's
medication
and
I
may
have.
Q
P
I'm
not
talking
about
Tylenol
we're
talking
about
palliative
care
for
children.
Now
the
premier
perhaps
should
have
read
about
Amanda
Wagner,
an
air
dream
mother
who
had
to
drive
into
Calgary
when
her
23
month
old
daughter
needed
emergency
Respiratory
Care.
She
arrived
to
a
packed
ER
full
of
sick
children,
some
in
heated
trailers,
Mr
Speaker.
This
is
a
crisis
and
it
is
real
and
it
is
urgent,
The
Silence
from
this
Premier.
Since
we
last
raised
this
issue
in
the
house
has
been
deficit
deafening.
So
we
must
have
an
emergency
debate
today.
Q
S
For
Alberta's
economic
future
for
new
investment
and
good
paying
jobs,
one
of
the
major
job
creation
projects
under
our
NDP
government
was
the
Trans
Mountain
pipeline
expansion
which
to
date,
has
led
to
nearly
30
000
jobs.
This
game-changing
project
runs
through
British
Columbia
to
Tidewater.
Imagine
the
scenario
where
BC
put
in
their
own
sovereignty
act:
no
more
Trans,
Mountain
expansion,
no
access
to
Tidewater.
How
exactly
does
the
premier
expect
us
to
get
our
products
to
Market
if
she
cuts
Alberta
off
from
the
rest
of
the
country?
Q
Premiere,
you
know
Mr
Speaker,
I
I
want
to
work
collaboratively
with
the
federal
government.
I
wish
that
they
had
worked
with
us
on
on
approving
Northern
Gateway,
but
the
leader
of
the
official
opposition
to
post
that
I
wish
that
they
had
stood
up
for
us
when
the
Americans
canceled
Keystone
XL,
but
that
was
also
another
project
that
the
leader
of
the
opposition
opposed
as
well.
Q
The
reason
why
business
investment
is
leaving
our
province
is
because
of
decisions
being
made
by
the
federal
government
that
is
supported
by
the
NDP
and
the
liberal,
NDP
Coalition
that
continues
to
chase
investment
out
of
our
country.
The
reason
why
we
need
to
put
up
a
shield
is
so
that
we
can
attract
that
investment.
The
Honorable.
S
Canadian
Association
of
petroleum
producers,
the
Calgary
Chamber
of
Commerce,
the
Canadian
Chamber
of
Commerce
Venture
capitalists,
the
list
of
groups
and
investors
speaking
out
against
the
job-killing
sovereignty
act
grows
longer
by
the
hour
rather
than
addressing
their
concerns.
The
Premier
decided
to
go
on
national
television
and
call
them
Liars.
Can
the
premier
explain
why
she
thinks
it's
a
good
strategy
to
insult
the
very
Alberta,
the
very
albertans
and
international
investors
who
drive
our
economic
growth.
Q
All
the
premiere
Mr
Speaker
I
was
at
such
an
exciting
event
this
morning,
I,
don't
understand
why
the
NDP
keeps
on
talking
down
our
economy
and
keeps
on
talking
down
our
business
Community,
because
WestJet
has
just
announced
the
expansion
of
their
direct
flights,
Barcelona
Rome,
Paris,
London,
Dublin
they're
taught.
This
is
the
thing
that
is
going
to
not
only
give
us
access
to
the
world
but
they're,
looking
forward
to
using
that
as
an
access
from
the
International
Community
for
about
investment.
Q
S
Those
are
my
words
Premier
they're,
the
Chamber
of
Commerce
longtime
Calgary
Herald
columnist,
don
braid
wrote
this
morning
that
the
sovereignty
act
might
be
the
worst
piece
of
legislation
seen
in
this
house
since
1930..
That
was
when
the
government
of
the
day
moved
to
imprison
people
who
spoke
out
against
them.
This
is
generationally
bad
legislation,
but
this
government
wants
us
to
trust
them
to
use
it
judiciously.
Q
Q
G
Thank
you,
Mr
Speaker.
Last
week,
I
sat
down
with
treaty
eight
Chiefs
and
staff
who
were
deeply
concerned
about
the
job
killing
undemocratic
sovereignty
act.
They
asked
me
to
relay
their
questions
and
concerns
to
the
premier
directly
Grand
Chief
noski
wants
to
know,
since
this
act
gives
your
government
the
power
to
circumvent
the
federal
government,
the
courts
and
by
extension
treaty
rights
when
the
government
deems
it
in
the
quote
public
interest
to
the
premier.
Q
Thank
you,
Mr
Speaker
and
our
indigenous
affairs
minister
has
been
Fielding
calls
from
Chiefs
who
are
concerned
and
the
reason
they're
concerned
I
think
he's
alleviated
that
when
you
look
at
the
bill,
the
bill
asserts
that
everything
we
are
going
to
do
does
not
abrogate
or
derogate
from
anything
any
rights
that
are
enumerated
in
the
Charter
of
Rights
and
Freedoms.
And
if
you
read
section
35
of
the
Charter
of
Rights
and
further.
Q
To
section
35
of
the
charter
rice
and
freedoms,
it's
very
clear
that
Aboriginal
and
treaty
like
rights,
not
even
just
existing
treaty
rights,
but
future
land
claims
are
fully
protected
under
the
law.
This
is
not
about
abrogating
anyone
else's
rights.
It's
about
asserting
albertus
for
Edmonton
Rutherford.
G
Thank
you,
Mr
Speaker,
Trooper
mini
of
tall
Curry.
First
nation
is
well
aware
that
this
Premiere
is
ignorant
to
the
fact
that
first
nations
are
sovereign
from
the
extensive
history
of
treaty
signings
with
the
British
monarch
to
today.
These
treaties
are
essential
and
they're.
Why
Canada
is
a
country
First
Nations
are
not
a
subset
of
the
Alberta
Government
or
just
another
stakeholder,
but
stewards
of
their
own
land.
This
means
the
premier
needs
to
seek
consent,
When,
developing
resources
on
First
Nations
land
or
changing
environmental
standards,
protecting
their
hunting
and
fishing
rights.
G
Q
Honorable
the
premiere
The
Honorable
member
is
absolutely
right.
I
mean
I,
don't
think
that
there's
going
to
be
a
single
project
that
proceeds
in
this
province
anymore
without
an
indigenous
partner.
It's
part
of
the
reason
why
we
have
the
Aboriginal
in
or
the
indigenous
opportunities
agency
is
part
of
the
reason
why,
specifically
in
the
bill
and
contemplating
it,
it
says
that
it
does
not
abrogate
or
take
away
from
the
charter
rights
represented
in
the
charter.
Q
Q
Premier,
well
once
again,
the
the
sovereignty
Act
is
about
affirming
First
Nations
rights,
affirming
Alberta's
rights
under
the
Constitution
and
affirming
the
charter
of
rice
and
freedoms.
If
you
look
at
the
throne
speech-
and
you
look
at
all
of
my
statements
that
I
have
made
on
economic
corridors,
it
begins
reaching
out.
Q
B
T
Thank
you,
Mr
Speaker,
across
Calvary,
bannington
families,
seniors
and
individuals
on
a
fixed
income
are
struggling
due
to
Innovations,
but
Justin
Trudeau's
continues
to
double
down
on
information,
responding
and
is
a
common
taxes
increase
rather
than
simply
supporting
everyday
working
Canadians
to
the
minister
of
affordable
ability
and
utilities.
What
is
the
government
of
Alberta
doing
to
help
everyday
albertans
afford
the
Heat
and
gas
and
put
the
food
on
the
table?
T
U
You
Mr
Speaker.
Well,
we
can't
stop
inflation.
We
can
offer
substantial
relief
thanks
to
our
strong
fiscal
position.
Our
affordability
action
plan
provides
households
up
to
900
in
broad-based
relief,
including
extended
electricity
rebates,
protection
from
utility
spikes,
this
winter
13.6
cents,
a
liter
off
gas
or
diesel
from
January
to
June.
2023
and
additional
targeted
supports
six
hundred
dollars
over
six
months
to
families
for
each
child,
seniors
and
vulnerable
albertans.
J
U
T
Thank
you,
Mr
speakers
today
of
a
building
crisis,
has
increased.
The
cost
of
the
virtual
business
office
needs,
including
food
utility
and
more
and
are
given
the
thousands
of
burdens,
rely
on
the
social
benefits
such
as
Age
and
and
the
senior
benefit,
and
given
the
albertus's
government,
unless
this
week
that
they
would
indexes
this
support,
increasing
them
by
six
percent.
Can
the
minister
of
seniors
communities
and
Social
Services
to
tell
the
house
once
this
increase
would
do
to
help
those
rely
on
these
programs?
Honorable.
V
You
Mr
Speaker
about
seven
years
ago,
I
had
the
opportunity
of
meeting
with
a
mother
in
our
in
our
community
named
Leah
who's,
the
the
proud
mother
of
Tasia
and
seven
years
ago
we
sat
down
and
talked
about
some
of
the
challenges
facing
the
disability.
Community
Leah
has
sacrificed
so
much
for
her
daughter
to
be
able
to
be
there
for
her,
and
one
of
the
challenges
that
she
brought
up
was
solely
why
watching
Things
become
more
and
more
affordable
as
age
payments,
we're
not
keeping
up
with
inflation.
V
T
You
Mr
speakers
and
to
the
ministers,
given
that
there
are
many
albertans
struggling
to
afford
today's
infected
cause,
especially
those
under
fixed
incomes
and
a
given
that
our
Lily
elect
a
premier
direct
that
this
payment
be
increased
to
address
the
affordability
crisis.
Can
the
Minnesota
seniors
and
community
and
Social
Service
tell
albertans
and
the
house
about
that
when
vulnerable
in
a
low-income
individual,
we
see
there's
a
much
needed
increase.
B
V
So
this
is
urgent
and
that's
why
I'm
pleased
to
report
for
folks
on
H
and
income
support,
they
will
see
a
bump
Before
Christmas
December
22nd
for
our
seniors
they're,
going
to
see
a
bump
coming
into
January,
so
this
relief
is
coming
quick
and
in
addition
to
that
they're
going
to
be
receiving
the
100
per
month,
payment
starting
in
January.
Thank
you,
Mr
Speaker,
The.
W
Government
introduced
the
sovereignty
act,
opposition
has
been
Swift
and
Fierce
from
the
business
Community,
the
Calgary
Chamber
of
Commerce,
the
Canadian
Chamber
of
Commerce
and
the
Canadian
Association
of
petroleum
producers,
all
say
it
will
create
uncertainty
and
drive
away
investment
when
presented
with
this
fact,
the
premier
lashed
out
and
insulted
the
Calgary
chamber,
and
just
now
cap
as
well,
instead
of
listening
to
them
about
the
risks
of
this
flawed
legislation.
So
why
is
this
government
attacking
the
business
community
and
Business
Leaders
instead
of
listening
to
them
and
shelving
this
job-killing
sovereignty?
Act.
X
Mr
Speaker
on
this
side
of
the
house,
we
are
always
going
to
stand
up
and
fight
for
albertans.
That's
what
we're
here
for
and
that's
what
we're
going
to
do,
but
Mr
Speaker
I,
don't
understand.
Last
week
the
leader
of
the
opposition
applied
for
a
job
with
Justin
Trudeau
now
I
know.
Up
to
this
time,
he's
always
been
a
friend
of
the
boss
of
the
NDP,
which
is
jagmeet
Singh
in
Ottawa,
but
I.
Didn't
really
realize
is
that
she
was
applying
for
a
job
with
the
Prime,
Minister
and
Mr
Speaker
I.
W
Isn't
just
the
sovereignty
act
that
the
business
Community
as
opposed
to?
In
fact,
a
recent
survey
by
the
Alberta
Chamber
of
Commerce
found
their
members
are
also
opposed
to
a
UCP
plan
to
demolish
our
Canada
pension
plan
retirement
savings
and
given
that
the
government's
own
analysis
showed
that
withdrawing
from
CPP
would
lead
to
130
billion
in
unfunded
liabilities.
No
wonder
it
is
so
deeply
unpopular
with
albertans
of
all
backgrounds.
Why
is
this
government
pushing
ahead
with
this
risky
scheme
that
will
increase
costs
and
like
the
sovereignty?
Act
is
also
opposed
by
the
business
community.
Y
The
surgery
board
has
risen
well.
Well,
thank
you,
Mr
Speaker.
What
we're
pushing
ahead
with
is
in
fact
doing
the
econometric
work.
The
Actuarial
work,
so
albertans
can
make
an
informed
decision
on
the
opportunities
and
risks
of
an
Alberta,
Pension,
Plan,
Mr
Speaker.
The
members
opposite
would
have
albertans
not
make
that
choice
would
have
albertans
not
privy
to
the
information,
so
they
can
make
an
informed
view.
Mr
Speaker,
an
Alberta
Pension
Plan,
holds
great
promise
not
only
for
the
business
Community
but
for
albertans
in
general.
We
will
be
pleased
to
provide
the
report.
W
Now,
given
that
the
the
Chamber
of
Commerce
survey
also
showed
business
is
opposed
to
the
UCP
plan
for
an
Alberta
police
force
and
this
new
Tax
and
Revenue
Agency,
that
will
add,
5
000
public
servants
grow
the
bureaucracy
by
20
cost
up
to
half
a
billion
dollars
in
result
and
all
of
us
having
to
file
our
taxes
twice.
Oh
goody
people
will
love
that.
Will
the
UCP
anyone
over
there
commit
to
abandoning
this
ever
lengthening
list
of
job
killing
red
tape.
Wrapping
unnecessary,
embarrassing
anti-business
policies
just
commit
to
listening
to
business
foreign.
Y
Mr
Speaker,
the
member
from
Lethbridge
West,
is
very
animated.
Today
in
the
in
the
house,
Mr
Speaker
I
assert
this.
Why
would
we
not
investigate
every
opportunity
to
strengthen
Alberta
within
the
nation
of
Canada?
That's
what
this
investigation
is
about:
Mr,
Speaker,
understanding,
the
opportunities
and
risks
benefits
and
costs
of
an
Alberta,
Revenue
Agency
Mr
Speaker.
We
will
do
the
work.
We
will
inform
albertans
we
will
engage.
Albert's
albertans
ought
to
know
the.
M
S
are
struggling
to
keep
up
with
the
cost
of
groceries.
Cpi
data
shows
that
grocery
increased
10
percent
from
last
year,
and
it's
only
getting
worse.
According
to
the
food
price
guide,
2022
groceries
will
increase
almost
an
additional
thousand
dollars
for
a
family
of
four,
with
Alberta
being
the
second
worst
Province
for
wage
growth.
More
and
more
albertans
are
being
forced
to
their
Savings
credit
cards.
They
can't
afford
or
predatory
lenders
just
to
buy
food
to
the
premier
later
today,
I'm
tabling
a
motion
that
will
help
us
make
an
Alberta
based
solution
for
grocery
prices.
U
And
utilities,
thank
you
Mr
Speaker.
We
know
that
families
are
being
hit
hard
by
inflation
and
especially
the
increase
in
cost
of
groceries.
The
average
family
of
four
will
play
pay
approximately
fifteen
thousand
dollars
in
groceries
over
the
next
year.
That's
why
we'll
be
we'll
be
providing
one
hundred
dollars
per
month
per
child
under
18
to
families,
to
help
offset
the
increase
in
cost
of
groceries
and
other
costs
facing
albertans
due
to
high
and
inflation.
M
Given
that
food
price
report
showed
that
albertans
are
facing
the
worst
price
increases
in
the
country,
and
given
that
Alberta's
grocery
sector
is
arguably
the
least
competitive
in
all
of
Canada,
with
only
two
large
corporate
Grocers
and
and
the
smallest
per
capita
number
of
Independent
Grocers,
will
the
premier
support
a
call
for
a
study
into
how
to
increase
competition
in
the
grocery
industry
in
Alberta?
This
is
something
real
we
can
do.
We
can
help
lower
costs
for
Alberta
families.
Today.
Will
the
premier
do
this?
Yes
or
no.
Z
Should
be
the
competition
Bureau
has
announced
in
October
that
the
currently
investigating
that,
in
fact,
they're
accepting
submissions
up
until
October
December
16th
I
would
encourage
the
honorable
member
to
use
their
time
valuably
the
legislative
assembly
and
focus
on
things
that
are
important
to
albertans.
Like
affordability,.
M
Perhaps
the
minister
should
focus
on
the
question
that
is,
people
can't
afford
food
given
that
increased
cost
of
food
hurts
those
living
in
poverty
the
most
and
given
that
increases
are
pricing
out
many
essential
and
nutritious
items
like
pasta
up,
45
percent
margin
up
40
percent
rise
up,
14
soup,
18
they're
pricing
it
so
that
a
vulnerable
albertans
are
just
missing
meals.
They
can't
afford
food,
and,
given
that
the
large
Grocers
are
reporting,
massive
earnings
increases,
including
lob
laws
with
that
is
reporting,
556
million
dollars
in
earnings
and
29
increase
from
last
year.
Premier.
U
We
know
that
vulnerable,
albertans
and
those
on
lower
and
and
often
fixed
incomes
are
being
hit
particularly
hard
by
inflation
and
increased
cost
of
living.
That's
why
we
moved
quickly
to
announce
the
indexing
of
core
support
programs
that
vulnerable
albertans
rely
on
and
the
Alberta
seniors
benefit.
We
also
included
all
vulnerable
albertans
and
the
vast
majority
of
seniors
on
targeted
inflation
relief
payments,
which
would
provide
600
over
the
next
six
months
to
help
offset
the
increased
costs
to
due
to
inflation.
O
Speaker
in
2018,
United
conservative
party
members
passed
a
policy
to
restore
a
flat
rate
to
provincial
income
taxes
prior
to
this,
from
2001
to
2015
our
10
provincial
flat
tax
provided
a
fair
method
of
taxing
income,
while
in
turn
maintaining
Alberta's
position
as
the
most
free
and
prosperous
Province
to
the
premier.
Do
you
agree
that
is
your
government's
duty
to
reflect
democratically
expressed
wishes
of
UCP
members
to
restore
the
Alberta
advantage
and
continue
to
grow
economic
opportunities
for
all
albertans?
The.
Y
Of
Treasury
board
well,
thank
you.
Mr
Speaker.
There's!
No
doubt
that
low
taxes,
Mr
Speaker,
attract
Canadians
to
the
province
of
Alberta
and
I'm
I'm
pleased
to
report
that
right
now,
Alberta's
leading
the
nation
on
net
in
inter-provincial
migration,
Mr
Speaker,
that's
a
good
sign
for
the
province,
a
good
sign
for
our
economy,
but
Mr
Speaker,
tax
review
and
tax
reform
should
be
ongoing.
Mr
Speaker
in
the
members
opposite
took
office
and
led
the
government
in
2015
Mr
Speaker.
O
Given
that
the
Alberta
government's
annual
oil
and
gas
royalties
are
now
projected
at
28
billion
and
given
that
historically
Alberta's
flat
taxed
increased
our
province's
competitiveness
and
domestic
investment,
and
given
that
the
flat
tax
also
attracted
hundreds
of
thousands
of
people
through
International
and
inter-provincial
migration,
and
given
that
albertans
are
looking
to
restore
our
status
as
the
freest
and
most
prosperous
place
to
live
again
to
the
premier.
When
are
you
going
to
recognize
that
albertans
owned
the
revenue
from
oil
and
gas
resources
and
need
more
Financial,
Freedom
and
financial
opportunity?.
Y
Of
Finance,
thank
you,
Mr
Speaker.
This
government
does
recognize
that
albertans
own
the
resource,
that's
reflected
in
our
policy
to
suspend
the
fuel
tax
when
Energy
prices
rise,
Mr
Speaker,
our
revenues
as
a
province
are
not
compromised.
Albertans
can
benefit
from
a
known
resource,
but
Mr
Speaker.
It's
important
to
periodically
review
the
appropriateness
and
efficiency
of
a
revenue
structure.
I
would
suggest
that
time
is
coming
near
because
Mr
Speaker
income
taxes
are
a
detriment
or
a
disincentive
to
productivity,
Mr
Speaker.
They
should
be
as
low
as
possible.
Honorable.
Y
Well,
thank
you.
Mr
Speaker
again
appreciate
the
questioning
the
assertion
in
the
member
from
Cypress
Medicine
Hat,
and
the
importance
of
keeping
taxes
as
low
as
possible.
Mr
Speaker,
again
on
the
record
I'm
in
favor
of
a
review
of
a
revenue
structure
to
ensure
that
it's
most
efficient,
Mr
Speaker
most
appropriate.
That
time
is
coming
very
soon.
I
want
to
tell
the
house
a
story
when
the
members
opposite,
the
NDP
took
office,
they
jacked
up
corporate
income
tax
rates
and
collected
less
Mr
Speaker.
AA
Speaker,
the
firefighters
who
battled
the
2016
horse
River
wildfire
in
Fort
McMurray
are
true
Alberta
Heroes
day
after
day,
they
worked
in
Fort
McMurray
to
protect
homes
and
infrastructure.
In
many
cases,
without
the
necessary
protective
equipment
or
access
to
showers.
They
did
this
work
from
evacuation
to
re-entry.
Now
these
same
heroes
are
fighting
to
receive
coverage
for
injuries.
They
sustained,
including
recent
cancer
diagnosis.
Will
the
minister
responsible
for
WCB?
Please
tell
this
assembly
if
they
support
ensuring
these
Heroes
get
the
compensation
they
deserve.
You're.
AA
X
Speaker
Alberta
is
a
leader
in
the
country
on
presumptive
care
under
WCB.
The
NDP
don't
seem
to
understand
how
presumptive
coverage
currently
Works
in
Alberta
the
firefighters
that
worked
for
us
and
continue
to
work
for
us
to
save
Fort,
McMurray
and
other
places
on
a
day-to-day
basis,
already
qualify
for
presumptive
coverage
on
job-related
cancers
and
prevent
presumptive
coverage
on
Mental
Health
Mr
Speaker.
X
Speaker,
it's
just
like
the
NDP
to
promise
things
that
have
already
been
done
and
done
by
this
government
I'm
proud
of
the
work
this
government's
done:
Mr
Speaker,
but
in
this
particular
case,
if
there's
an
issue,
I'd
be
happy
to
hear
from
the
member
in
relation
to
that
and
sit
down
with
her
and
talk
to
them
about
that
Mr
Speaker,
because
clearly,
this
is
an
issue
that
has
to
be
based
on
evidence.
It
has
to
be
based
on
what's
best
for
the
firefighters
for
the
emergency
service
personnel
and
people
of
Alberta.
AA
AA
Ucp,
given
University
studies
on
1200,
firefighters
have
shown
chronic
issues
and,
given
that,
without
changes
to
presumptive
coverage,
removing
those
latency
periods,
firefighters,
not
only-
will
have
to
fight
cancer,
they
will
have
to
fight
for
help.
Will
the
minister
of
jobs
join
the
NDP
in
committing
to
providing
peace
of
mind
to
the
Fort,
McMurray,
firefighters
and
all
of
the
firefighters
across
Alberta
who
fought
in
that
wildfire
and
help
them?
Now?
The.
X
Mr
Speaker
I'm,
not
sure
if
the
member
was
listening,
but
if
she
has
a
particular
case
that
she
wants
to
talk
to
me
about
number
of
cases
that
she
wants
to
talk
about
I'm
more
than
happy.
My
office
door
is
always
open,
but
Mr
Speaker.
There
is
a
balance
and,
as
we
find
more
evidence
that
suggests
that
cancers
are
caused
by
this
fire
or
other
fires
or
other
happenings
on
the
job.
X
AB
The
new
premier
has
stated
that
she's
quote
open
to
revisiting
construction
of
the
Spring
Bank
Dam.
That
dam
is
the
solution
to
preventing
another
catastrophic
flooding
Calgary,
when
the
last
one
caused
5
billion
in
Damages,
killed
five
people
and
resulted
in
the
evacuation
of
80
000
residents.
It's
absurd
to
suggest
that
such
a
complex
project
should
go
back
to
square
one
to
the
premier's
new
adjudicent,
the
back
bench,
who
is
now
Deputy,
Premier
Minister
of
infrastructure.
Has
the
boss
been
briefed
yet,
and
he
says
she's
still
in
favor
of
revisiting
the
Spring
Bank
project.
B
Q
Honorable,
the
premier,
thank
you,
Mr
Speaker,
I,
think.
The
solution
that
we
need
for
flood
protection
in
Calgary
is
on
the
Bow.
River
I
think
that
the
ministers
and
the
government
did
a
good
job
of
getting
to
the
Finish
Line.
Finally,
on
the
Spring,
Bank
Dam
might
not
have
been
my
first
option,
but
it's
now
at
a
point
where
it's
too
it's
too
far
gone
to
to
retract
and
so
I
think.
Q
AB
Given
that
it's
impossible
to
know
where
this
government
stands,
they
say
one
thing:
one
day
is
something
else:
the
next
and
given
that
the
premier
went
on
at
length
about
how
the
Springbank
dam
was
a
missed
opportunity
and
the
wrong
project
to
protect
Calgary,
because
she
talked
to
someone
on
a
radio
show
and
given
flood
protection
is
critical
for
the
economic
security
of
Calgary
and
downstream
communities.
Can
the
deputy
Premier
the
premier's
most
trusted
advisor?
AC
Economic
corridors
well,
thank
you
very
much.
Mr
Speaker
and
it's
a
little
Rich
coming
from
the
NDP
saying
that
it's
impossible
to
know
what
this
government
is
doing
with
Spring
Bank,
because
construction
is
already
underway.
They're
working
on
it
right
now,
so
I'd
encourage
the
member
to
actually
go
down
to
Calgary,
to
see
it
with
his
own
eyes
and
that
this
is
a
very
important
project
for
the
City
of
Calgary.
We're
committed
to
making
sure
that
flood
mitigation
for
the
City
of
Calgary
is
in
place.
B
AC
Corridors
I'll,
slow
down,
Mr,
Speaker
and
I
will
ensure
the
minister
that
I
was
listening
to
his
question,
but
it's
just
a
little
absurd,
but
there's
about
3
700
Acres
near
Calgary
that
it's
for
the
Spring
Bank
damp.
All
the
money
is
committed
to
the
Spring
Bank
Dam
we're
committed
to
building
it.
We
are
building
it
currently
right
now.
So
the
fact
that
the
member
is
again
doing
the
classic
NDP
fear
and
smear
to
say
that
something
isn't
happening,
but
it
actually
is
I
would
say:
go
there
see
it
with
your
own
eyes.
AD
Speaker,
according
to
the
data
treated
by
the
City
of
Calgary,
my
constituents
in
Calgary
Falcon
Ridge
have
been
suffering
from
a
high
crime
rate
when
compared
to
the
rest
of
the
city.
This
problem
extends
throughout
the
rest
of
Northeast
Calgary
as
well
to
the
minister.
What
are
the
main
factors
that
contribute
to
this
higher
level
of
crime
and
what
steps
your
department
is
taking
to
ensure
Public
Safety
at
and
around
in
Calgary
Northeast.
AE
Safety
well,
thank
you
very
much.
Mr
Speaker
and
thank
you
member
for
that
question.
You
know
there
are
a
number
of
contributing
factors,
of
course
that
people
face
when
it
comes
to
Crime
I
can
tell
you
that
substance
use
disorder
is
certainly
one
of
those
and
unfortunately,
when
you
have
an
addiction
it
it
makes
people
do
things
that
they
don't
normally
do
and
that's
why
this
government
has
taken
unprecedented
action
in
helping
people
with
substance
use
disorders.
AE
AD
You,
minister,
driven
the
high
levels
of
crime
that
have
impact
on
my
constituents.
It
is
clear
that
more
people
are
being
pushed
towards
committing
criminal
activity
for
a
variety
of
reasons,
for
example,
gun
violence
and
calories
on
the
rise
in
the
first
four
months
of
2020
alone,
there
were
54
shootings
in
in
the
city
and
26
work
happened
in
Calgary,
Northeast,
random
Minister
explained
why
this
runoff
criminal
lights
of
gun
violence
are
increasing
in
Calvary
Northeast.
AE
And
Emergency
Services.
Thank
you
very
much.
Mr
Speaker,
according
to
statistics
from
the
actually
the
Calgary
Police
Service,
thefts,
breaking
enters
and
assaults
are
consistently
the
top
three
crimes
committed
and
this
this
is
a
trend
that
is
consistent.
Actually
in
Northeast
Calgary,
Mr
Speaker.
You
know
we're
going
to
continue
to
work
with
our
law
enforcement.
AE
AD
You
to
the
minister
and
thank
you,
this
Mr
Speaker,
given
the
factors
that
are
behind
this
increase
in
crime
and
driven
the
nature
of
the
crimes
that
are
being
permitted
more
and
more
and
given
the
negative
economic
conditions
when
combined
with
increased
crimes,
meet
the
lives
of
my
prostitutions
more
difficult
to
the
same
Minister.
What
strategy
ends
in
place
to
ensure
Public,
Safety
and
lower
crime
rates
in
Calgary
Northeast.
AE
Much
Mr
Speaker
and
again
thank
you
to
that
member.
For
that
question
you
know:
we've
we've
made
significant
steps
to
improve
Public
Safety
I
can
tell
you
that
there's
been
a
15
million
dollar
increase
over
five
years
to
alert
to
address
organized
crime,
serious
crimes
including
gang
violence,
drug
trafficking,
child
exploitation,
Mr
Speaker.
AE
We
of
course
had
the
additional
8
000
addiction
treatment
spaces,
which
is
a
step
forward
to
addressing
people
with
substance
use
disorders,
Mr,
Speaker,
also
20
million
dollars
over
four
years
to
expand
drug
treatments
course,
Mr
Speaker,
so
Mr
Speaker
there
there
are
just
these-
are
just
some
of
the
steps
that
we're
taking
to
help
reduce
crime
within
the
City
of
Calgary.
Thank
you.
D
A
lot
has
happened
lately
in
this
province
and
it's
sure
hard
to
follow
all
the
wild
things
that
used
to
be
government
has
done.
In
fact,
it's
easy
to
forget,
but
the
women
of
this
province
won't
forget.
They
won't
forget
that
it
was
only
three
months
ago
that
the
UCP
awarded
a
prize
to
an
explicitly
racist
and
sexist
essay.
They
won't
forget
that
as
women
who've
been
disproportionately
impacted
by
the
pandemic
and
that
its
women
dominated
professions
like
nursing
and
teaching
that
have
been
attacked
by
the
UCP
time
and
time
again
so
to
the
premier.
D
AF
Mr
speaker,
thank
you
for
that
question.
This
government
committed
to
support
women
in
this
province
we're
proud
women
in
this
province,
Excel
everywhere,
including
economic
recovery,
Mr
Speaker,
despite
we
don't
have
another
associate
Minister
for
that,
but
my
Ministry
has
full
mandate
for
that.
On
top
of
that,
we
have
a
leader
in
our
caucus,
honorable
fur,
that
is
also
the
Parliamentary
secretary
for
established
women,
Mr
Speaker.
We
have
a
team
working
on
this.
AF
AF
Thank
you,
Mr
Speaker
I
was
very
proud
to
attend
the
National
Conference
for
status
women
as
one
of
the
few
male
Minister.
Let
me
tell
you
this
Mr
Speaker.
We
have
arrived
to
to
a
past
practice,
recognition
that
nowadays,
not
only
we
need
women
to
help
women.
We
need
boys
and
men's
to
defend
for
women
in
our
Province.
I
was
a
very
proud
participant
in
that.
Thank
you.
Mr
Speaker
The.
R
Affairs,
thank
you
very
much
Mr
speaker
now.
I
do
want
to
say
that
violence
of
all
kinds,
especially
violence
against
women
and
most
especially
sexual
violence
against
a
minor,
is
both
unacceptable
and
against
the
law.
These
are
exceptionally
serious
allegations
Mr
Speaker.
What
I
can
tell
this
house
Mr
speakers.
The
mayor
has
made
a
formal
request
to
review
this
case,
which,
because
of
its
nature,
Mr
Speaker
has
been
directed
to
the
ministries
of
justice
and
Public
Safety.
AG
Alberta
was
held
hostage
earlier
this
year
by
an
illegal
blockade
that
cost
over
economy
millions
and
disrupted
alberton's
lives.
The
member
from
table
Warner
even
visited,
went
to
that
illegal
blockade
for
months.
These
blockade
are
trained
and
stockpiled
weapons,
a
nomination
to
fulfill
an
evil
plot
to
murder.
Members
of
law
enforcement.
Well,
the
premier
joined
me
today
in
publicly
condemning
that
evil
plot
and
thanking
the
RCMP
for
their
work.
In
ending
it.
AE
AE
Public
Safety
and
Emergency
Services
well,
Mr
speaker,
thank
you
very
much,
Mr
Speaker
I'm
sure.
As
the
member
knows,
I
mean
this
is
a
matter
that
is
currently
before
the
courts
right
now
in
the
Lethbridge
area,
I
can
tell
you
that
we
have
in
contact
with
folks
in
the
RCMP
and
the
local
municipalities
in
the
Lethbridge
area
to
make
sure
that
they
have
the
necessary
resources
and
supports
for
our
law
enforcement
Community
to
make
sure
that
Justice
is
being
served
throughout
the
courts.
AE
AG
Given
that
there
had
been,
there
have
been
groups
advocating
for
the
mnst
and
forgiveness
of
those
charged
with
violating
Public
Health
orders
during
the
pandemic,
with
the
premier
being
one
of
them,
and
given
that
the
serious
nature
of
the
crime,
those
of
those
arrested
with
explosives
and
Firearms
planting
the
murder
of
members
of
the
law
enforcement
means
they
should
be
not
be
included
in
any
discussion
of
any
mnst.
Will
the
premier
join
me
today
in
condemning
these
plotters,
those
who
supported
their
plans
and
say
unequivocally
that
they
should
face
the
full
consequences
of
their
actions?.
AE
Mr
Speaker
I
think
the
member
opposite
should
take
yes
for
an
answer.
We
do
not
support
criminal
Behavior,
Mr
Speaker
I
can
tell
you
that
those
individuals
have
been
charged
that
is
currently
going
through
the
court
process
and
we
will
allow
the
courts
to
take
place.
This
is
a
matter
before
the
course
Mr
speaker.
Thank
you
for
Sherwood.
AH
Park,
congratulations
to
the
minister
of
Health
on
recently
ratifying
a
four-year
agreement
with
Alberta
doctors.
This
will
bring
about
improved,
comprehensive
care,
greater
efficiency
of
the
Health
Care
System
reduction
in
surgical,
wait
times
and
increased
access
to
timely
Emergency,
Medical
Services.
Among
many
other
benefits
to
albertans
to
the
minister
of
Health.
Please
tell
the
house
what
other
initiatives
you
will
be
implementing
over
the
coming
months
to
ensure
a
more
sustainable,
efficient
and
stable
Public
Health
Care
System
right
here
in
Alberta.
AI
You
Mr
Speaker
and
thank
you
to
The
Honorable
member
for
the
question.
Mr
Speaker
I
am
extremely
proud
of
the
Alberta
Medical
Association
agreement
that
was
reached
and
it
was
reached
with
an
overwhelming
percentage
of
support
on
this
agreement
and
and
this
agreement
provides
doctors
with
stable
and
predictable
funding,
while
recognizing
their
dedicated
service
to
albertans.
This
agreement
does
help
stabilize
the
Health
Care
system
and
will
assist
us
to
focus
on
other
areas
of
the
concern
like
attracting
and
retaining
more
doctors
right
here
in
Alberta
I'm.
AH
Well,
member
for
Sherwood
Park,
thank
you,
Mr
Speaker,
and
thank
you
to
the
minister,
given
that
our
government
is
dedicated
to
improving
access
to
health
care
and
increase
efficiency,
and
given
that
our
government
appointed
an
administrator
to
AHS
to
ensure
this
happens
as
swiftly
as
possible.
Can
the
minister
of
Health
please
tell
this
house
how
this
administrator
is
already
improving?
The
efficiency
and
stability
of
our
health
care,
System
honorable.
AI
The
minister
of
Health,
thanks
again
to
The
Honorable
member
for
the
question
Mr
Speaker
in
November,
the
premier
and
I
appointed
a
full-time
administrator,
Dr
John
Cowell,
replacing
a
part-time
board
and
asking
asked
him
to
focus
on
key
issues
facing
Alberta
Health
Services.
As
the
official
administrator
doctors,
a
Cowell's,
efficient,
effective
and
decisive
leadership
will
be
focused
on
improving
EMS
response
times,
decreasing
emergency
room,
wait
times,
reducing
surgical,
wait
times
and
developing
long-term
reforms
through
consultation
with
Frontline
workers
and
other
key
stakeholders
to
drive
down
decision
making.
AH
Thank
you,
given
that
demand
for
health
care
services
in
Alberta
continues
to
grow,
and
given
that
the
creation
of
more
IV
Therapy
rooms
would
help
provide
better
and
more
timely
services
for
albertans.
Can
the
minister
of
Health
please
update
the
house
on
the
status
of
the
1.5
million
dollar
IV
Therapy
Room
investment
in
the
Strathcona
community
hospital
and
what
is
the
estimated
timeline
of
construction
Minister?
Thank.
AI
AJ
AI
Greatly
appreciated
the
current
designated
space
in
the
Strathcona
Community
Hospital
ministered,
nearly
10
000
treatments
in
2021
alone,
so
I'm
happy
to
report
to
this
house
at
the
construction
of
a
new
dedicated
space
is
set
for
early
2023
with
an
estimated
completion
date
near
the
end
of
next
year.
The
Strathcona
Community
Hospital
Foundation
is
currently
undergoing
a
campaign
to
raise
250
000
to
support
this
project
and
my
understanding
that
this
they're
well
on
their
way
and
I
look
forward
to
being
open
next
year.
Honorable.
B
AK
Speaker,
on
behalf
of
our
committee
chair
and
as
Deputy
chair,
the
special
of
the
select
special
Ombudsman,
a
public
interest,
commissioner
search
committee,
I'm
honored,
to
table
the
committee's
final
report,
recommending
the
appointment
of
Kevin
Brzezinski
as
both
the
Ombudsman
and
the
public
interest.
Commissioner,
for
a
five-year
term
commencing
on
December
30th
of
this
year,.
AL
Thank
you,
Mr
Speaker,
I
Rise,
to
give
oral
notice
of
government
motion
12
sponsored
by
myself,
be
it
resulted
a
legislative
assembly,
a
concur
in
the
report
of
the
select
special
Ombudsman
and
public
interest.
Commissioner
search
committee
tabled
on
December
5th
2022
session
paper,
1722
and
B
recommend
that
the
lieutenant
governor
in
Council
that
Kevin
Brzezinski
be
appointed
as
Ombudsman
and
public
interest.
Commissioner
for
the
province
of
Alberta
for
a
five-year
term
commencing
on
December
30th
2022.
AM
You
Mr
Speaker
I
Rise
to
give
notice
that,
at
the
appropriate
time,
understanding
order,
42
I
intend
to
move
the
following
motion,
be
it
resolved
the
Legislative
Assembly
a
acknowledge
the
adverse
impact
on
families
with
children
receiving
pediatric
respect
respite
health
care
services
at
The,
Rotary
Flames,
housed
by
pausing
care
in
an
attempt
to
meet
the
rising
unmet
patient
needs
at
Alberta's.
Children's
hospital
and
B
urged
the
government
to
immediately
table
an
action
plan
that
will,
in
an
expeditious
manner
ensure
that
these
pediatric
respite
health
care
services
are
fully
resumed
at
The,
Rotary
Flames
house.
AN
B
B
AI
You
very
much
Mr
Speaker
I
request
leave
Bill
4,
the
Alberta
Health
Care
insurance
Amendment
act
2022
for
the
first
reading
this
afternoon.
First
and
foremost,
I
want
to
sincerely
thank
Alberta's,
Physicians
and
all
health
care
providers
for
the
tremendous
and
tireless
work
that
they're
doing,
particularly
through
the
pandemic
over
the
last
two
and
a
half
years,
Alberta's
Health
Care
system
is
under
unprecedented
pressure
and
I
acknowledge
distressing.
That
Physicians
have
been
facing.
AI
I
am
confident
that
our
new
agreement
with
the
Alberta
Medical
Association,
will
stabilize
the
health
system
target
areas
of
concern
and
support
albertans
Health
Care
needs.
Part
of
this
new
agreement
is
a
government's
commitment
to
repeal
section
40.2
of
the
Alberta
Health
Care
insurance
act.
This
section
of
the
ACT
allows
the
governments
to
terminate
compensation
related
agreements.
If
it
passes,
Bill
4
will
repeal
the
government's
ability
to
terminate
its
agreement
with
the
Alberta
medical
association
with
that
Mr
Speaker
I
move
first
reading
of
Bill
four.
Thank
you.
B
C
AO
You
very
much
Mr
Speaker,
it's
my
honor
to
table
the
requisite
number
of
copies
of
the
Playbook
from
the
very
first
running
of
a
play
at
the
Roxy
Theater,
which
has
reopened.
Thank
goodness,
we
were
able
to
fund
that
project
when
we
were
in
government
and
one
of
the
things
that
I
think
from
the
play
bills
of
particular
interest
to
members
of
this
house
is
that
Ian
Jackson
who's,
usually
the
photographer,
who
stands
in
that
corner
on
important
legislative
days,
is
the
production
designer
for
the
play
and
it's
a
gorgeous
play.
AA
B
AA
I
have
five
copies
of
an
article
written
by
Dawn
braid.
The
title
of
the
article
is
dictatorial,
unworkable
sovereignty
act
may
be
the
worst
legislation
in
Alberta,
history
and
I.
Think
it's
summarized
well
by
its
conclusion.
This
bill
is
a
complete
mess
that
makes
Alberta
look
ridiculous
at
seriously
erodes
albertan's
own
Democratic
rights
with
little
Prospect
of
doing
any
good
The.
W
Thank
you,
Mr
Speaker.
It's
able
to
rise
to
table
the
requisite
number
of
copies
of
the
document
from
the
Globe
and
Mail
entitled
The
sovereignty.
Act
is
a
silly
political
dare
written
in
crayon
and
the
article
goes
on
to
wonder
if
the
Amendments
will
make
the
bill
simply
bizarre
and
unconstitutional,
rather
than
bizarre,
unconstitutional
and
outrageously
undemocratic.
B
AP
Speaker
Upon
returning
home
last
weekend,
I
founded
my
mail,
a
letter
from
the
Western
Canadian
Wheat
Growers,
and
with
concerns
over
food
shortages
caused
from
fertilizer
emissions
reductions.
The
Trudeau
government
has
committed
Canada
to
reduce
its
fertilizer
emissions
by
30
percent.
Agriculture
is
the
Cornerstone
of
food
Security
in
Canada,
and
arbitrary
reductions
in
emissions
will
come
at
the
cost
of
reduced
output
of
food
and
higher
prices,
which
could
lead
to
extreme
unintended
consequences,
not
my
words
but
words
from
the
Western
Canadian
stock
or
wheat
growers.
I
would
encourage
all
members
to
read
and
enjoy.
B
AM
It's
our
duty
as
representatives
in
this
assembly
to
address
the
Urgent
crisis
in
children's
health
care,
which
is
now
even
worse
because
of
the
children's
hospice.
The
rotary
Flames
house
needing
to
pause
some
of
its
essential
Services
I,
can
think
of
nothing
more
urgent
or
no
greater
emergency
that
the
province
is
facing
at
this
moment
compared
to
the
state
of
Children's
Health
Care
news
broke
about
the
rotary
Flames
house
on
Friday
and
I've,
been
hearing
from
families
about
the
impact
of
this.
Since
then,
the
hospice
provides
palliative
care
services
for
children
with
life-limiting
illnesses.
AM
They
also
provide
grief
and
bereavement
support
for
parents
and
siblings.
The
rotary
Flames
house
is
an
important
place
for
families
who
are
facing
such
difficult
circumstances,
and
it's
absolutely
tragic
that
staff
and
services
are
being
diverted
as
we
near
the
holidays.
We
should
not
be
in
a
place
where
staff
and
resources
are
being
pulled
away
from
a
children's
hospice.
AM
This
should
be
the
most
urgent
matter,
not
only
of
the
Premier
and
health
Minister,
but
every
single
member
in
this
chamber.
What
are
we
doing
here
if
we
are
not
even
providing
children
of
this
province
with
stable,
Health
Care?
The
past
president
of
the
Canadian
Medical
Association
Catherine
smart,
has
said
that
this
state
of
children's
care
shows
the
entirety
of
our
Health
Care
system
is
on
a
nice
Edge
Dr
Edward
less
has
been
at
the.
AM
No
trouble
Mr,
Speaker,
Dr,
Edward
less
has
been
at
the
Alberta
Children's
Hospital
as
an
Emergency
Physician
since
2004,
and
says
he
has
never
seen
the
situation
this
bad.
Last
week
the
UCP
refused
to
debate
my
colleague,
the
Emma,
a
member
for
Edmonton
White,
mud's
emergency
motion
to
address
Children's
Health,
following
a
shortage
of
pediatric
medication
and
the
building
of
a
trailer
to
extend
the
size
of
the
Alberta
Children's
Hospital
room.
AM
This
needed
to
spend
significant
amounts
of
time
at
the
Emmett
installery
due
to
needing
two
heart
transplants,
and
she
said
that
she
has
heard
how
playrooms
are
being
used
as
patient
rooms.
Elective
surgeries
are
being
canceled,
kids
needing
Cardiac
Care
are
waiting
for
transfer
and
teens
needing
ICU
care
are
most
likely
going
to
adult
care.
AM
AM
Yet
the
UCP
are
far
more
focused
on
an
economically
destructive
sovereignty
actors,
as
the
Minister
of
Finance
outlined
today,
spending
time
dollars,
resources
on
forcing
albertans
to
accept
policies.
They
don't
even
want
I
hope.
The
UCP
spent
some
time
over
the
weekend,
thinking
about
what
albertans
actually
want
and
learning
more
about
the
Children's
Health
crisis,
and
maybe
speaking
to
some
of
these
families
who
are
impacted
by
it.
AM
B
AI
You
very
much
very
much
Mr
Speaker
and
thank
you
to
The
Honorable
member
for
erasing
this
important
issue.
Mr
Speaker,
you
know,
as
I
indicated
last
week,
our
government
recognizes
that
there's
challenges
in
our
Health
Care
system
and
we
recognize
their
challenges
in
our
Pediatric
Health
Care
system.
This
is
a
challenge
that
is
not
unique
to
Alberta.
As
noted
earlier
today.
You
know:
there's
similar
challenges
being
faced
at
sick
kids,
hospital
hospitals
across
the
entire
country,
the
sick,
kids
in
Toronto
recently
ramped
down
surgery
by
40
percent,
sick,
kids
and
others
are
redeploying
staff
internally.
AI
Just
like
what
we're
doing
in
the
in
the
Alberta's
Children's
Hospital
in
Calgary,
The
Cho
in
Hamilton
is
called
nurses
from
the
Red
Cross
and
the
BC
children
Vancouver
recently
called
a
Code
Orange
a
disaster
disaster
alert
to
allow
measures
like
reassigning
staff
as
needed.
Mr
Speaker.
We
are
taking
action.
It's
it's
a
challenging
time
as
we're
going
through
a
a
flu,
the
flu
season.
AI
We
do
have
a
plan
and,
as
I
indicated
last
week
we
were
implementing
that
plan.
You
know
that
plan
includes
improving
access
across
the
the
the
entire
system.
We
are
spending
a
record
22
billion
dollars
in
our
health
budget
this
year,
the
highest
level
ever
and
and
on
coveted
response
and
surgeries
is,
is
on
top
of
that
and
we're
adding
another
1.2
billion
over
the
over
the
next
two
years.
Mr
Speaker.
We
are
rebuilding
our
health
care.
AI
Workforce
AHS
is
hiring
people
and
expanding
their
Workforce
1800
more
RNs
than
before
covet
300
more
paramedics.
We
also
have
over
100
more
nurse
practitioners
working
in
Alberta
today
and,
quite
frankly,
we
also
have
400
more
Physicians.
When
we
look
from
December
31st
to
2019
to
September
30th
of
of
this
year,
we
have
new
Collective
agreements
with
competitive
pay
for
all
the
major
staff
groups.
We,
as
I,
spoke
earlier
Mr
Speaker.
We
have
a
new
AMA
agreement,
which
is
actually
provide
stability,
partnership
and
Innovation
to
attract
and
retain
doctors.
AI
We
have
more
internationally
trained
nurses
and
doctors
working
working
to
to
get
their
their
licenses
and
come
into
into
the
province
and
Mr
Speaker
we're
investing
for
the
long
term.
Over
30
million
dollars
announced
and
made
at
2600
seats
and
training
programs
for
nurses,
paramedics
and
other
Allied
health
professionals,
so
Mr
Speaker.
We
are
taking
action,
we're
also
adding
capacity
across
the
system
in
terms
from
EMS
to
emergency,
to
continuing
care
to
improve
the
flow
and
Mr
Speaker.
AI
We
recently
appointed
an
official
administrator
to
focus
specifically
on
the
issues
of
access
times
in
emergency
departments,
including
in
terms
of
the
the
children's
hospital
and
as
an
example
of
this
most
recently
at
the
at
the
Alberta
Children's
Hospital.
We
I've
added
additional
capacity
for
treatment.
They've
opened
a
new
Fast
Track
area
for
patients,
with
less
serious
conditions
and
they're
working
to
with
staff
to
other
areas
of
Care.
At
times
get
the
recipe
patients
be
able
to
build
the
capacity
through
the
entire
system.
AI
The
heated
trailer
at
albertans,
Children,
Hospital
Emergency
Department,
is
a
proactive
step
and
it
will
allow
for
safe,
warm
place
for
patients
who
don't
require
Immediate
Care
to
wait
so
Mr
Speaker
we're
doing
all
of
this.
We
are
taking
action
and
we're
continuing
to
and
we'll
continue
to
take
more
action.
I
look
forward
to
announcing
more
of
what
we're
doing
in
in
the
weeks
ahead,
so
Mr
Speaker.
At
this
time
we
do
not
need
an
emergency
debate.
We
are
focused
on
this
issue.
B
Honorable
members
standing
order,
42
is
a
request
for
unanimous
consent
to
set
aside
The
Daily
Business
of
the
assembly
to
proceed
immediately
to
the
moved
Motion
in
this
case
by
The
Honorable
member
for
Edmonton
City
Center.
As
being
a
request
for
unanimous
consent.
I
will
ask
only
one
question:
is
there
anyone
opposed
to
providing
unanimous
consent?
If
so
indicate
now
unanimous
consent
has
not
been
granted?
We
are
at
orders
of
the
day
orders
du
jour.
P
Well,
thank
you
very
much.
Mr
Speaker,
notwithstanding
that
very
disappointing
decision
by
the
government
members
to
to
downplay
the
significance
of
the
crisis
being
felt
here
in
Alberta
and
to
to
negate
the
opportunity
for
all
members
to
have
a
wide-ranging
discussion
about
the
nature
of
that
emergency.
P
I
am
pleased
to
be
able
to
rise
to
speak
on
second
reading
to
Bill
201,
the
public
health
care
delivery
standards
act
as
it
is,
of
course,
quite
timely
in
relation
to
the
crisis
that
we
were
just
discussing
and
and
I
will
say
that
that
it
can
be
a
crisis.
Even
if
there
are
things
going
on
in
other
provinces,
Mr
Speaker.
P
Strangely,
it
doesn't
negate
the
level
of
Crisis
and
emergency
being
experienced
by
the
parents
of
young
children
here
in
Alberta,
particularly
when
there
is
so
much
silence
and
and
lack
of
guidance
coming
from
this
government
in
both
the
public
health
and
education
sectors
anyway.
So
there
is
a
crisis
across
the
province
and
Bill
201
is
designed
I'm
very
proud
that
it
is
our
first
bill
as
an
opposition
caucus
to
address
to
start
the
work
of
addressing
this
crisis
and
to
establish
standards.
P
So
that
albertans
can
have
clear
expectations
of
their
Health
Care
system
and
can
have
a
line
of
sight
to
what
is
or
isn't
happening
and
to
hold
their
elected
representatives
accountable.
It
requires
the
government
to
meet
these
standards
and
is
Guided
by
the
principle
of
albertans
having
a
fundamental
right
to
access.
P
Public,
Health,
Care
delivery
standards,
as
described
in
the
bill,
would
be,
would
be
delivered
or
would
be
established
by
the
Health
Quality
Council
of
Alberta
as
a
result
of
consultation
with
Patients
health
care
providers
and
post-secondary
institutions,
indigenous
communities
and
others
to
make
my
point
on
why
this
bill
is
needed
and
why
I
was
motivated
to
write
it.
I
just
want
to
speak
just
a
little
bit
about
the
current
state
of
health
care
and
I.
P
Thank
the
member
for
Edmonton
Center
for
for
trying
so
valiantly
to
to
give
all
members
of
this
this
house
the
opportunity
to
engage
in
that
conversation
when
it
comes
to
Primary,
Care,
Mr
Speaker,
hundreds
of
thousands
of
albertans
do
not
have
access
to
a
family
doctor
or
any
primary
care
provider.
Right
now
and
those
who
do
have
a
doctor
still
find
it
too
difficult
to
even
access
that
doctor
they
phone
and
it
still
takes
months
in
order
to
get
an
appointment.
In
fact,
Angus
Reed
recently
did
polling.
P
P
So
I'd
also
like
to
talk
about
another
area
that
the
bill
would
cover
and
address
in
terms
of
ensuring
improvements,
it
would
also
ensure
that
we
have
greater
reporting
around
standards
and
the
meeting
of
Standards
within
emergency
departments
and
Emergency
Care
Now.
Obviously,
getting
timely
access
to
Emergency,
Care
in
and
of
itself
is
critically
important
for
all
albertans.
P
Health
Care
provision-
and
it
demonstrates
other
challenges-
is
that
exist
in
this
system,
as
led
by
the
UCP.
Now.
I've
already,
of
course,
identified
the
challenge
with
respect
to
access
to
primary
care.
But
we
also
have
challenges
with
respect
to
mental
health
care
and
really
we
do
not
have
any
kind
of
substantive
efforts,
but
on
the
part
of
this
government
to
expand
Public
Access
rather
Mental
Health
Care
continues
to
reside
primarily
in
the
privately
funded
field
and
as
a
result,
most
albertans
cannot
access
it
when
and
where
they
need.
P
P
So,
as
I
mentioned
in
question
period
today,
Madam
speaker,
we
just
saw
you
know
the
chief
medical
officer
of
health
and
and
her
assistant
or
specialist
in
Pediatric
Care
speak
to
the
media
for
about
an
hour
or
more
this
morning,
talking
about
the
value
of
getting
a
pediatric
vaccines
and
also
talking
about
the
value
of
masking
in
certain
areas
not
mandating
in
either
way
shape
or
form,
but
just
giving
good,
solid
public
education.
Meanwhile,
what
do
we
have
here?
P
In
Alberta
we
have
a
voluntary
chief
medical
officer
of
health
and
and
and
and
we
have
a
a
vaccine,
hostile
Premier,
and
we
also
apparently
have
the
highest
covet
infections
in
the
country.
So
this
all
comes
together
and
where
do
we
see
that
manifesting
itself
in
the
crisis
in
our
emergency
rooms
right
now?
P
P
We
know
that
staff
from
the
Royal
Flames
House
of
pediatric
hospice
had
to
be
redeployed
to
the
Alberta's
children's
hospital,
and
you
know
we
know
that
respite
patients
have
had
to
be
discharged,
which
we
know
is
deeply
heartbreaking
and
destabilizing
for
families
and
very,
very
medically
fragile
children.
We
know
that
emergency
rooms
all
across
the
province
are
experiencing
longer
wait
times.
Many
albertans
are
waiting
over
20
hours
to
get
into
the
ER,
sometimes
laying
on
the
floor.
While
they
do
so.
P
These
pressures
also
mean
that
care
sometimes
has
to
take
place
in
the
hallway
in
the
ambulance
Bay
or
in
the
parking
lot
on
April
25th.
We
saw
14
ambulances
waiting
outside
the
hospital
Hospital
in
Red
Deer
to
offload
patients
parking
lot.
Medicine
is
not
acceptable,
and
this
must
be
a
call
to
action
from
this
government
and
Mr
or
Madam.
Speaker
I,
remember
raising
these
issues
18
months
ago,
and
at
that
point
the
answer
of
the
then
Health
Minister
was
to
tell
us.
P
This
is
another
area
where
some
data
is
tracked
and
reported,
and
it
shows
that
the
length
of
response
times
have
increased,
but
there
are
actually
also
other
crucial
pieces
of
information
which
are
reported
publicly
and
albertans
only
know
about
them
or
sorry,
which
are
not
reported
publicly
as
a
as
a
standard
way
of
doing
business
and
the
only
reason
we
know
about
them
and
the
only
reason
they
are
part
of
the
public
conversation
on
this
is
because
it's
been
foiped
by
members
of
the
opposition
or
journalists.
That's
not
the
way.
P
We
should
be
managing
these
things.
Madam
speaker.
These
include
instances
of
red
alerts
where
no
ambulances
are
available
to
respond
to
a
call.
Red
alerts
have
increased
by
10
times
in
the
City
of
Calgary
and
Edmonton,
from
January
2019
to
January
of
2022
10
times
Madam.
Speaker,
no
wonder
that
UCP
wanted
to
keep
that
one
and
that
data
away
from
the
public,
but
that
doesn't
help
albertans
by
keeping
it
secret.
Sooner
or
later
we
Talk
Amongst
ourselves,
and
we
know
our
government
needs
to
do
better
instances
of
urgent
disconnect.
P
Where
call
volumes
are
so
high
that
the
dispatcher
cannot
stay
on
the
line
have
also
increased
significantly
from
2019
to
2022
in
July
2019.
They
had
88
urgent
disconnects,
while
in
July
2021
Madam,
speaker
696.,
that
is
almost
a
tenfold
increase.
This
means
that
when
someone
has
dialed
9-1-1
as
an
explaining
an
emergency,
the
call
is
just
cut
off
with
no
explanation.
P
So
this
means
that
we're
seeing
people
also
spending
more
time
out
of
their
communities
or
the
ambulance
for
spending
more
time
out
of
their
communities
and
being
drawn
into
Edmonton
and
Calgary
and
I
know.
There
are
many
mlas
in
this
in
this
room,
who
are
not
necessarily
members
of
our
caucus,
but
who
are
proud
representatives
of
rural
Alberta
and
they
must
be
hearing
from
their
own
citizens
about
the
frustrations
that
this
practice
causes.
Why
aren't
we
having
a
more
open
and
Democratic
conversation
about
that?
P
So
surgeries
pressures
on
the
health
system
have
led
to
significant
delays
in
surgeries,
and
there
too,
we
need
better
reporting
and
better
through
lines
of
accountability.
I
know
the
UCP
came
up
with
their
Alberta
surgical
initiative,
which
is
you
know,
their
plan
to
increase
the
number
of
private
surgical
locations
and
that,
at
this
point,
I
think
they're
at
about
a
50
percent
increase.
P
But
the
fact
of
the
matter
is:
is
that
what
we're
really
seeing
from
that
online
data
is
that
more
and
more
surgeries
are
not
happening
in
the
appropriate
time
frames.
For
instance,
the
percentage
of
cancer
surgeries
being
done
in
Target
time
frames
have
dropped
by
10
percent.
Since
the
Alberta
surgical
initiative
was
formed
and
and
through
a
foip,
we've
learned
that
the
UCP
are
missing
surgery
targets
within
the
public
system
by
37
000
surgeries
in
one
given
year.
Why
did
we
have
to
foip
that
Madam
speaker?
P
The
delay
is
not
inevitable,
but
at
a
time
when
you
have
a
crisis
in
Frontline,
Healthcare,
Providers
and
Human
Resources,
creating
a
whole
second
system
and
then
and
then
pulling
people
out
of
one
system
to
put
them
into
another
system
is
the
exact
opposite
of
of
effective,
and
there
is
a
straight
line
point
from
the
delay
in
essential
surgeries
to
the
lagging
and
private
procurement
practices
of
this
government.
They're
expanding
the
private
system,
while
their
mismanagement
of
Health
Care,
is
causing
the
public
system
to
not
be
used
to
its
full
capacity.
P
That's
why
Bill
201
also
sets
out
principles
of
Public
Health
Care
to
guide
both
the
setting
of
delivery
standards,
as
well
as
the
funding
of
them.
Now
I've
discussed
how
primary
care,
emergency
rooms,
Emergency,
Medical,
Services
and
surgeries
could
be
impacted
by
this
piece
of
legislation
there.
These
are
places
in
the
health
system
that
the
UCP
have
claimed
are
important
to
address,
so
I
really
hope,
they'll
consider
supporting
this
bill.
P
This
bill
would
also
give
the
Health
Quality
Council
of
Alberta
back
a
lot
of
the
authority
that
this
government
took
away
from
it
when
they
were
first
elected
and
I,
think
that
that
is
valuable
because
I
was
here
when
the
hcq
or
the
hqca
was
first
established
and
I.
Think
getting
advice
from
independent,
science-based
experts
is
helpful,
particularly
in
the
area
of
Health
Care.
So,
as
I
conclude,
I
want
to
shift
attention
to
the
purposes
and
principles
that
are
written
out
in
this
act.
P
Section
two
lays
out
the
principles
of
all
albertans
having
consistent,
reliable,
And
Timely
access
to
high
quality
Public
Health
Care.
They
should
have
delivery
standards
that
are
independent,
that
are
transparent
and
hold.
The
government
account
to
meet
them
and
albertans
lives
and
quality
of
life
are
should
not
be
unnecessarily
put
at
risk
due
to
a
lack
of
transparency.
Madam
speaker
so
I
do
hope
that
all
members
in
this
house
agree
with
these
principles.
P
So
it's
hardly
surprising
that
we
are
finding
that
people
are
struggling
to
get
the
health
care
service
that
they
need,
and
this
is
the
kind
of
thing
that
the
government,
no
matter
which
government,
whether
it's
the
UCP
government,
an
NDP
government
or
some
other
party,
that's
yet
to
be
created.
We
should
all
be
held
accountable
for
those
those
standards.
So
voting
in
favor
of
this
bill
will
show
that
the
UCP
is
willing
to
be
held
accountable
in
health
care.
P
Voting
against
the
bill
or
finding
a
way
shows
that
they
are
not
willing
to
be
held
accountable
to
independently
established
standards
and
the
responsibility
for
putting
them
in
place
that
flow
from
it,
and
let
me
just
say
as
well
that
voting
to
delay
it
or
somehow
defer
their
obligation
to
make
a
decision
on
it.
Well
that
just
shows
that
we're
too
close
to
an
election
and
no
one
wants
to
be
a
hundred
percent
clear
on
where
they
stand
on
these
principles,
but
nonetheless
I
ask
all
members
of
this
house
to
think
about
their
communities.
P
As
of
this
morning,
there
are
partial
and
full
Hospital
closures
in
communities,
including
high-level
Fort,
Vermillion
Manning
Peace
River
Grimshaw
Fairview
Spirit
River
Beaver
Lodge
Grand
Prairie
McLennan
Slave
Lake
Boyle
Lac,
lebish,
Cold,
Lake
White
Court
bar
head
Westlock,
Saint
Paul,
two
Hills
rimby
Rocky
Mountain
House
days
lands,
Hardesty,
tow
field,
Wainwright,
consort,
sundry,
Three,
Hills,
Drum,
Heller,
Hannah,
ambassano
I
sincerely
hope
that
members
who
represent
these
communities
reflect
on
where
their
priorities
lie.
The
UCP
is
prioritizing
a
different
piece
of
legislation
with
the
job-killing
sovereignty
act.
I
would
argue.
P
AI
Thank
you,
madam
speaker
and
I,
want
to
thank
the
leader
of
the
opposition,
who
has
tabled
their
plan
to
address
Health
Care
in
the
form
of
this
private
member's
bill
I.
Thank
you
for
your
work
on
this.
This
is
an
important
topic
and,
and
we
need
to
discuss
it,
The
Honorable
member
is
quite
right.
Our
our
Health
Care
system
is
facing
real
challenges
as
it
is
on
other
provinces.
AI
Health
Care
is
under
stream
here
in
rest
of
provinces
in
the
Canada,
as
it
is
around
the
world
due
to
the
global
Health
crisis
over
the
past
two
two
and
a
half
years,
Madam
speaker,
unlike
what
is
suggested
by
the
opposition,
whether
this
is
a
the
result
of
policies
of
this
government
and
in
fact,
Madam
speaker.
That
is
not
the
case.
We
see
this
across
the
country.
We
see
this
around
the
world.
AI
It's
a
result
of
the
strains
put
on
the
system
by
the
pandemic
and
some
of
that
direct
that
we
we've
seen
in
terms
of
use
of
resources
over
the
last
couple
of
years
and
and
continues
to
use
resources
in
our
system
and
Islam
is
indirect
in
terms
of
the
toll
that
is
taken
on
our
on
our
health
care.
Professional.
So
I
want
to
thank
them
for
all
that
work,
but
to
suggest
that
this
is
somehow
a
result
of
the
policies
by
this
guy
taken
by
this
government
is
absurd
and
the
extreme
Madam
speaker.
AI
This
is
something
that
is
affecting
the
entire
first
world
and
across
the
entire
country,
strains
on
emergency
departments
and
and
EMS
so
Madam
speaker,
we
are
moving
forward.
We
have
put
in
place
a
plan
and
we're
executing
on
that
plan.
Madam
speaker
we're
spending
a
record
22
billion
dollars
this
year
and
increasing
it
by
another
600
million
each
year
for
the
next
two
years.
AI
To
take
just
a
few
highlights
of
what
we
announced
in
budget
2022
and
in
order
to
keep
on
that
in
capacity
we're
building
up
our
Healthcare
Workforce
Madam
speaker,
we
have
1800
more
RNs
and
300
more
pandemics
than
in
2022
or
sorry
2020
before
covet,
and
with
this
year's
budget
increase,
AHS
is
adding
more
than
a
thousand
Frontline
staff.
We've
supported
AHS
in
signing
new
Collective
agreements
this
year
with
all
major
groups
and
Health
Care
staff,
Including,
RNs,
LPNs,
paramedic
and
other
Allied
health
professionals.
Those
agreements
include
competitive,
paying
benefits
and
they're
the
foundation.
AI
We
need
to
build
on
as
we
move
forward
to
enhance
Recruitment
and
and
of
course,
as
mentioned
earlier
today,
Madam
speaker,
we've
reached
an
agreement
with
the
Alberta
Medical
Association
and
we're
we're
sending
a
message
that
Alberta
is
the
place
to
work
in
in
healthcare.
It's
a
still
a
great
career,
in
spite
of
the
strains
on
the
system
which
has
faced
we've,
challenges
over
the
past
two
and
a
half
years
and
is
still
facing
now
and
Alberta
is
the
best
place
to
build
your
healthcare
career.
AI
Young
people
are
judging
that
for
themselves
and,
quite
quite
frankly,
Madam
speaker.
It's
true
I
was
very
pleased
to
read
recently
that
the
nursing
program
at
the
U
of
A
saw
a
20
increase
in
applications.
This
past
fall
and
Alberta
historically
has
been
the
best
place
in
Canada
to
work
in
healthcare
and
we're
working
hard
to
keep
it
that
way.
AI
Earlier
this
year,
our
government
announced
over
30
million
to
add
new
seats
on
our
post-secondary
training
programs
for
nurses
and
other
health
professionals
and
we're
planning
further
increases,
including
more
seats
in
our
medical
schools
that
I
look
forward
to
announcing.
In
the
coming
weeks,
we
promised
albertans
a
stronger,
publicly
funded
health
system
with
better
access
to
care.
AI
We
stand
by
that
promise
and
we're
making
progress
on
delivering
on
it
and
I
just
want
to
take
a
quick
look
at
Cancer
Care
we're
doing
more
Cancer
Care
Surgery
than
before
the
pandemic
and
giving
patients
better
access
than
they
had
before,
and
it's
not
as
good
as
we
want,
but
it's
heading
in
the
right
direction.
We're
also
moving
forward
with
research
and
new
treatments.
Ahs
current
recently
launched
a
new
screening
program
for
lung
cancer
using
CT
scans.
AI
We're
also
making
progress
and
Diagnostic
Imaging
with
more
CT
scans
and
MRIs
than
ever
before
and
in
surgery
with
more
more
surgeries
than
before
the
pandemic
and
a
shorter
wait
time
for
cataract
surgery
than
any
time
since
2015.
and
Madam
speaker.
That
is
a
direct
result
of
leveraging
Chartered
surgical
facilities
to
be
able
to
deliver
the
service.
But
the
reality
is
our
health
care.
AI
System
remains
under
significant
strain
and
that's
why
I
appointed
an
official
administrator
in
AHS
to
replace
the
part-time
board
with
a
full-time
leader
focused
on
driving
improvements
in
Access,
with
the
ability
to
move
faster
than
we
normally
could.
And
all
of
these
are
examples
of
action.
We're
taking
to
address
the
challenges
in
the
system
now
I'd
like
to
turn
to
Bill
201,
addressing
the
issues
in
the
system,
takes
money
and
planning
and
hard
work,
and
so
I
think.
The
question
is:
how
does
this
bill
Advance
the
work
on
these
issues
in
any
of
these
respects?
AI
In
terms
of
money?
I've
already
commented
on
our
budget
now,
the
opposition
Bill
suggests
that
Health
Care
Providers
should
be
quote
unquote,
adequately
funded
to
deliver
services,
but
it
doesn't
say
what
that
means.
It
doesn't
actually
suggest
a
dollar
of
additional
funding
beyond
what
we're
providing.
In
fact,
the
bill
like
knowledges
that
Health
Care
funding
is
quote
unquote,
limited
and
finite,
which
seems
to
contradict
the
entire
suggestion
in
the
bill
that
the
funding
must
be
sufficient
to
meet
access
standards
in
terms
of
planning.
AI
The
bill
proposes
a
new
set
of
access
standards
and
public
reporting
of
actual
performance
against
those
standards,
but
Madam
speaker.
We
already
have
extensive
and
detailed
standards
for
Access
for
everything
from
time
to
see
a
doctor
and
emergency
the
time
to
receive
different
surgeries
to
when
an
ambulance
should
be
dispatched
and
when
it
should
arrive.
So
I
appreciate
the
desire
to
report
performance
and
measure
it
and
assure
albertans
that
there
are
evidence-based
standards
that
we
need
to
meet.
They
exist
and
we
already
report
on
them.
AI
So
in
that
respect,
I'm
not
sure
it's
not
clear
to
me
how
the
bill
would
Advance
this
work,
and
so
the
issue
is
not
standards.
The
issue
facing
Alberta
and
every
other
province
is
Canada
is
a
hard
work.
That's
supporting
the
system
to
cope
with
the
strain
of
the
pandemic
and
move
forward.
Again
we
made
albertans
a
promise,
a
stronger,
publicly
funded
health
system
and,
more
specifically,
we
promise
albertans
that
every
albertan
who
needed
scheduled
surgery
would
receive
it
within
a
clinically
appropriate
wait
time.
We
don't
need
to
find
out
what
what
that
means.
AI
AI
If
this
is
what
this
bill
actually
proposes
of
actually
eliminating
Charter
School
facilities.
There's
no
there's
no
way
that
we
can
support
it,
besides,
which
it
is
the
wrong
approach,
because
the
reality
is,
we
can
make
a
difference
using
charge,
surgical
facilities
and
it
is
public
health
care.
It's
publicly
funded
and
it's
publicly
administrated.
AI
We
need
to
keep
doing
the
hard
work
to
support
our
health
system,
Madam,
speaker
and
meeting
the
challenges
we
faced,
but
I'm
afraid
I,
don't
see
on
this
initial
review
of
a
bill
201
that
will
actually
improve
substantially
on
that
type
of
work.
It
talks
about
metrics,
it
talks
about
principles,
but
it
doesn't
actually
talk
about
the
plan
and
Madam
speaker.
That
is
actually
what
we
need
to
be
able
to
move
forward.
On
this
basis
we
have
a
plan
and
we're
working
on
it.
So
Madam
speaker.
AQ
AQ
AQ
AQ
AQ
AQ
AQ
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
AQ
AQ
AQ
AQ
AQ
AR
Terrible
Mr
cupping
The
Honorable
Mr
lowen
The
Honorable
Mrs
Savage
General
Mr
newdorf
General
Mr
scowl,
The,
Honorable,
Mr,
Taves,
The,
Honorable,
Minister,
LaGrange,
The,
Honorable,
Mr,
glubish,
The,
Honorable,
Mr,
Ellis,
The,
Honorable,
Mr,
Gene,
The,
Honorable,
Mr,
Wilson,
Mr,
McIver,
The,
Honorable,
Mr,
Milliken,
The,
Honorable,
Mr,
Nelly,
The,
Honorable,
Mr,
Jeremy,
Nixon,
The,
Honorable,
Miss,
Schultz,
The,
Honorable,
Mr,
Rutherford,
Mr,
Williams,
Mr,
Hansen,
terrible
Mr,
Amery,
The,
Honorable,
Mr,
nicolaidis,
normally
Mr
Horner,
Mr
tour,
Maryland,
Isaac,
General,
Ms
fur.
You
know:
Mr
Hunter,
Mr,
Singh,
Ms,
lovely
Mr,
Van,
Dyke,.
AR
AK
It
is
the
Alberta
personal
income,
tax,
charitable
and
other
gifts,
Amendment
Act,
2022.,
Madame,
Deputy,
Madam,
speaker
Charities,
the
greatest
amongst
all
virtues,
I,
believe
that
and
it's
the
watchword
of
every
albertan
and
the
watermark
of
a
province.
Since
our
conception,
charity
is
not
just.
The
charity
is
a
noun
as
a
place
you
give
money,
it
is
an
act,
it
is,
it
is
something
you
do.
AK
Acts
of
Charity
are
incredibly
important
to
us
in
our
society
and
we
happily
have
come
to
a
spot
now
where
we
have
institutionalized
this
importantly,
and
to
institutionalize
it
in
these
big
important
Charities,
we
know
in
our
lives
day
to
day
and
our
faith
communities
in
the
United
Way
in
the
Cancer
Foundation
and
the
kidney
foundation
in
the
Calgary
and
Edmonton
chambers
of
voluntary
organizations
and
underneath
those
and
amongst
those
thousands
upon
thousands
of
others
that
are
registered
Charities,
the
Canada
Revenue
Agency.
But
that
brings
up
the
second
part
of
the
institutionalization.
AK
AK
We
know
how
important
the
act
of
Charity
is
itself
on
the
soul
and
the
virtue
of
that
acting
it
out,
but
importantly,
in
government,
the
ledge
through
we
see
it
without
functioning
Charities
we'd
be
a
couple
billion
dollars
Less
in
services
in
this
province
and
that's
tough
to
put
into
numbers.
But
we
all
know
those
stories,
Madam
speaker
every
single
one
of
us
on
both
sides
of
the
aisle,
no
matter
who
we
are,
whether
you're
a
giver
or
not
has
received
from
a
charity.
AK
You
absolutely
have,
or
your
family
has
and
I
encourage
every
member,
as
you
rise
to
speak
to
this
motion.
A
pardon
me
to
this
bill
to
think
of
those
stories
and
tell
this
chamber
and
tell
albertans
on
the
record
those
stories
in
ways
that
Charities
have
affected
your
lives
have
affected.
Your
family
have
saved
a
life,
perhaps
in
your
neighborhood
in
your
community
and
where
you
come
from
Mr
Speaker
Madam
speaker.
AK
What
I'm
proposing
to
do
in
this
private
member's
bill
is
not
spend
money,
but
cut
money
is
to
cut
taxes
from
albertans,
but
we
do
in
an
unique
way.
The
way
that
it
currently
works
with
our
setup
for
charitable
tax
non-refundable
charitable
tax
receipts
is
that
the
province
and
the
federal
government
together
will
give
a
certain
dollar
a
percentage
amount
of
your
dollar
donation
that
you
can
get
refunded
if
you're
owing
taxes
at
the
end
of
the
year.
According
to
how
much
you
donate
it
so
currently
in
Alberta,
that's
15
percent
15
percent.
AK
Oh
pardon
me,
ten
percent
Madam
speaker,
that's
10
percent.
At
the
end
of
the
year
of
your
first,
two
hundred
dollars
gets
refunded
back
to
you
and
the
federal
government
has
it
at
15
percent.
That
makes
it
a
combined
25.,
The
Proposal,
of
what
the
substance
of
this
bill
is
doing
is
effectively
taking
that
Alberta
portion
and
moving
it
from
10
up
to
60..
So
a
combined
75
percent
refund,
if
you're
owing
taxes.
AK
At
the
end
of
the
year
for
your
first
200,
the
reason
that
that
number
is
chosen
is
because,
if
you
look
at
other
tax
incentives
for
non-refundable
tax
receipts,
that
the
province
has
not
offered
the
only
other
one
that
I
know
of
that's
comparable
in
any
way
would
be
the
political
tax
refund
for
donating
to
political
bodies.
Nominations
parties
such
as
the
ones
that
many
of
us
represent
here
in
the
chamber,
all
sorts
of
different
activities
politically
and
that
refund
is
at
75
percent
refund.
AK
For
your
first
two
hundred
dollars,
I
think
Madam
speaker
it's
at
least
as
fair
to
say
that
we
should
have
as
much
interest
in
a
successful,
thriving
charitable
sector
as
we
do
in
a
thriving
political
sector
in
our
society.
It
is
good
for
us
to
be
supporting
people
getting
engaged
in
politics,
making
sure
that
this
chamber
can
continue
to
have
very
motivated
members
of
all
sorts
of
political
beliefs
advocating
for
it.
The
good
news
is
that
this
issue,
I,
believe
Madam
speaker,
is
nonpartisan.
This
issue
is
not
something
that
matters.
AK
What
side
of
the
aisle
you're
on,
because,
like
I
said
before
every
one
of
us
has
a
charity?
That's
touched
a
heart
that
has
saved
a
family
member's
life
that
has
made
a
difference
and
talked
someone
down
from
a
ledge
or
provided
support
when
they
are
the
most
vulnerable
dire
moments.
So
happily,
we
can
support
at
least
those
first
two
hundred
dollars
and
incentivize
them
to
the
same
degree
that
we
do
our
politics.
AK
So
if
we
look
at
the
current
state
of
the
charitable
sector
across
Canada,
we
can
see
there's
a
decline
in
donations.
Well,
it's
a
little
more
complicated
than
that
Madam
speaker.
There
is
a
decline
in
Alberta,
for
example,
over
the
last
10
years
from
2009
to
2019
in
the
number
of
households
that
are
registering
charitable
donations
when
they
do
their
taxes.
That
decline
is
approximately
22
22.1
percent
of
households,
fewer
now,
at
least
in
2019
than
in
2009.
A
registering
charity
charitable
donations.
AK
Now
that
doesn't
necessarily
mean
the
total
dollar
amount
to
Charities
has
gone
down.
In
fact,
we've
seen
two
things
go
up
over
these
two
years.
Average
dollar
amount
donation
has
gone
up
over
that
same
period
of
time,
keeping
many
charitables
close
to
whole,
not
all
of
the
organizations,
but
many
of
the
charitable
organizations
close
to
whole,
but
also
we've
seen
the
average
age
go
up.
I
was
speaking
to
a
relatively
large
charitable
organization
of
Calgary,
Calgary,
Cancer
Foundation
and
their
average
donor
I
believe
is
somewhere
in
their
70s
as
far
as
age.
AK
Now,
this
change
has
not
come
overnight.
This
change
of
the
average
age
of
donor
and
the
total
dollar
amount
and
the
drop
in
the
number
of
households
registering
donations
has
not
just
happened
over
the
last
two
years
of
pandemic.
Yes,
the
pandemic
has
made
this
more
acute.
That
is
without
question
and
Charities
can
tell
you
that
it's
being
reflected
in
the
way
that
they're
trying
to
fundraise
now.
AK
But
it's
been
generational,
it's
generational
from
before,
where
there
was
a
generation
that
would
give
as
an
act
of
duty
respond,
possibility
immediately
and
they've
been
trained
into
it,
and
I
was
not
a
part
of
that
generation.
Happily,
since
I
started,
making
my
own
income
talking
to
my
parents
and
seeing
what
they
did,
it's
something
that
I
now
become
had
has
become
part
of
a
regular
yearly
activity
with
me
and
my
wife
and
our
household
to
make
sure
that
we're
picking
our
Charities
and
donating
those
institutions,
we
think,
are
most
important.
AK
But
there
are
fewer
and
fewer
of
those
who
are
my
age
Millennials
that
are
doing
it.
It's
even
less
common
in
younger
Generations
as
they
get
into
what
used
to
be
normal,
donating
demographics
when
you
get
into
your
early
20s
and
start
having
a
have
an
income,
that's
appreciable
after
your
education
when
you're
in
the
workforce.
AK
So
we
see
this
continuing
on
what
happens
to
us
as
a
society
if
those
donations
do
dry
up
what
happens
if
that
22
drop
over
a
decade
of
number
of
households
that
are
registering
donations,
what
happens
when
that
increases
to
30
40
percent?
What
happens
when
the
78
year
old,
average
age
of
donation
for
some
of
these
Charities
are
now
88
or
98.?
AK
It
becomes
more
and
more
difficult
for
them
to
continue
to
do
the
work
that
they
do
and
the
consequences
there
cannot
be
clear
enough.
Madam,
speaker,
I'm,
not
just
talking
about
dollars
and
cents.
What
these
Charities
do
is
offer
services
that
government
doesn't
and
if
we
did,
we
didn't
wouldn't
do
it
as
well,
and
that's
not
that's
not
a
contentious
statement.
All
of
these
Charities
many
of
them
are
supported
by
government
as
well,
but
they
heavily
heavily
rely
on
donations
as
part
of
their
operational
budget.
That's
a
good
thing.
AK
We
should
continue
to
support
them
and
anything
we
can
do
to
do.
That
would
be
great.
As
a
government,
we
have
a
public
interest.
The
common
good
is
seeing
Charities
thrive
so
essential
to
our
common
life
as
albertans
to
have
these
charities
in
the
big
names
of
the
scholarly
Hospital,
of
course,
in
the
children's
hospital,
but
also
the
food
bank
that
I've
visited
in
Peace,
River
and
I
know
every
one
of
us
have
been
donating
to
and
visiting
and
talking
about,
especially
in
the
midst
of
this
affordability.
AK
Crunch
Charities
offer
services
that
otherwise
albertans
wouldn't
have,
and
those
services
are
often
dire.
Those
services
are
acts
of
Charity
and
love.
It's
a
different
thing
to
actually
go
out
and
deliver
the
service
than
it
is
just
to
talk
about
it.
To
have
a
government
deliver
it
to
have
somebody
with
the
passion
like
I
met
this
weekend
at
the
Peace
River
Salvation
Army,
Food
Bank.
They
care
so
deeply
about
those
families.
AK
They
have
a
couple
of
kids
in
that
house,
so
they
have
grocery
bills
at
three
or
four
hundred
dollars
above
what
it
was
year
over
year.
They
have
all
sorts
of
difficulties
when
it
comes
to
Insurance
prices,
going
up
utility
costs
itself
going
up,
plus
the
distribution
transmission
taxing
us
effectively
to
a
spot,
we're
paying
more
for
the
transmission
than
for
the
actual
utility
itself.
All
of
this
continuing
on
add,
on
top
of
it,
a
carbon
tax
inflation
is
causing
real
harm.
That's
why
sound
fiscal
management
really
matters.
AK
AK
The
better,
there's
a
sense
of
urgency
in
this
Madam
speaker
that
we
get
it
as
soon
as
absolutely
possible
so
that
these
households,
many
of
whom
are
donating
or
want
to
donate,
know
that
they're
going
to
get
a
hundred
and
fifty
dollars
back
per
individual,
maybe
300
for
a
household
come
tax
season,
rather
than
just
the
fifty
dollars
each
that's
a
meaningful
difference.
Madam
speaker.
S
Obviously,
on
that
point,
based
on
some
analysis
found
on
Twitter,
so
take
that
with
a
grain
of
salt,
but
by
Trevor
tomb,
who
is
very
good
at
this
sort
of
thing,
it
would
appear
that
you
know
a
sort
of
rough
estimate,
assuming
this
doesn't
impact
Behavior
directly.
The
cost
of
this
would
be
about
20
million
dollars.
So
that's
what
we're
looking
at
and
there
are
a
lot
of
Charities
and
there
are
certainly
a
lot
in
my
riding
that
I
deal
with
regularly,
who
do
incredibly
good
work.
S
I,
definitely
agree
with
that.
One
of
the
one
of
the
concerns
I
have
with
what
the
member
said
when
he
was
moving.
This
bill
was
his
talk
about
the
need
to
increase
the
charitable
tax
donation,
to
increase
people
donating,
because
you
know
these.
These
Charities
provide
services
that
wouldn't
otherwise
be
available,
and
I
don't
disagree
on
that
point.
S
This
government
has
well
they've
suggested
that
they're
going
to
re-index-
they
just
haven't
actually
done
it
yet,
despite
having
supported
it
when
we
did
it
originally,
but
that
will
still
leave
people
three
thousand
dollars
farther
behind
than
they
were
at
a
time
of
rapidly
increasing
inflation.
So
I
don't
disagree
with
the
policy
in
this
bill.
What
I?
What
I
don't
love
about
it
is?
S
S
What
I,
don't
love
is
the
number
of
people
who
are
having
to
go
out
and
and
seek
that
charity
who
would
otherwise
have
been
entitled
to
government
benefits?
I
guess,
I,
guess:
I
feel
that
that
people
should
be
entitled
to
eat
without
having
to
rely
on
charity.
For
that,
I
think
that
you
know,
government
has
a
role
to
play:
I
think
that
benefits
like
aish
and
the
Alberta
seniors
benefit
and
the
the
the
income
support
benefits
like,
for
instance,
in
the
course
of
our
government.
S
We
cut
child
poverty
in
half
by
changing
the
way
the
Child
Tax
Benefit
worked
now.
Admittedly,
that
was
work
that
was
done
at
both
the
federal
and
provincial
levels
simultaneously,
but
that's
a
big
change,
because
I
believe
that
children
should
be
entitled
to
eat
and
I
I.
Don't
think
that
that
should
necessarily
be
reliant
on
donations
being
made
to
a
charity
in
order
for
that
to
happen,
so
I
guess
I
guess
what
I'm
saying
about
this
act
is
yes
and
I.
Think
I'm
saying
that
we
are
supportive
of
this
act.
S
But
you
know
when
we
talk
about
the
incredibly
important
charity,
work
Charities
do
and
they
do
do
and
have
done
for
a
long
time.
We
do
need
to
recognize
that
the
member
who
is
proposing
the
bill
and
his
colleagues
are
in
part
responsible
for
the
increased
draw
on
those
Charities
and
responsible
for
the
fact
that
people
need
to
need
to
rely
on
that
and
I
would
I
would
ask
the
members
that,
while
they
contemplate
the
important
changes
being
made
in
this
bill,
that
they
also
contemplate
the
importance
of
supporting
albertans
generally,
they
are
the
government.
S
They
don't
have
to
do
this
by
indirect
means.
They
can
do
it
directly.
They
are
government
private
members,
some
of
them.
That
is
correct,
but
this
could
also
be
done
directly,
so
yeah
I,
I
think
overall
I
would
say
the
20
million
dollars
at
a
time
when
we
see
this
much
revenue
coming
into
government
is,
is
not
that
big
shift.
I,
think
I'm
sort
of
supportive
of
of
the
intent
of
the
bill
I
think
we'll
probably
support
it.
S
I
I
do
hope
that
it
comes
with
some
other
measures
that
are
specifically
aimed
at
alleviating
some
of
the
underlying
problems.
Therein
yeah
and
I
think
I
think
other
than
that.
That's
pretty
much
all
I
have
to
say
about
it.
It's
just
that.
I
think
this
can
be
a
question
of
yes
and
I.
Think
it
can
be
a
question
of
saying
yes,
this
support
for
Charities
is
incredibly
important,
but
also,
let
us
consider
the
impact
that
disproportionate
inflation,
while
wages,
particularly
in
this
province,
are
stagnating,
is
having
on
Alberta's
albertans.
S
AQ
H
AQ
H
H
I,
remember
thinking
at
the
time
and
hearing
the
leader
of
the
party
at
the
time
talk
about
this
disparity
between
donating
to
a
charity
that
may
feed
the
hungry,
take
care
of
the
homeless
and
the
disparity
between
donating
to
an
organ
organizations
like
that
compared
to
donating
to
a
politician
and
how
the
you
know
the
first
two
hundred
dollars.
You
get
75
percent
back
when
donating
to
a
politician
and
of
course,
when
it
comes
to
other
Charities,
it's
far
less
than
that.
H
So
again,
so
this
actually
takes
me
back
a
long
ways
when
it
comes
to
really
believing
that
this
is
a
good
thing.
It's
a
good
thing
for
Alberta
and
I
think
this
is
one
of
the
things
that
can
make
Alberta
a
better
place
and,
in
fact,
in
leadership.
Race
I
did
talk
about
this
on
numerous
occasions
as
I
traveled
across
Alberta,
and
so
again,
it's
great
to
see
this
opportunity
come
forward
where
the
member
from
Peace
River
has
brought
this
forward
for
us
here
today
and
I.
H
I
often
talk
here
about
my
my
grandson
Ezra,
who
has
cerebral
palsy
and
so
his
family
for
the
first
six
months
of
his
life,
were
in
the
hospital
and
staying
Ronald
McDonald
House
another
another
Good
Charity
that
helped
out,
and
there
was
a
there-
was
an
organization
close
to
home,
called
Lila's
angels
that
helped
the
travel
back
and
forth
for
the
family
traveling
from
home
to
the
to
the
hospital
in
Edmonton
for
those
six
months
and
leave
us
a
rainbow
Society
give
him
a
wish
too.
So.
H
When
we
look
at
the
good
work
that
these
organizations
do,
I
think
it's
incumbent
on
us
to
be
able
to
help
out
where
we
can
and
help
people
donate
and
be
able
to
have
some
some
money
come
back
in
the
tax
benefit.
For
that
I
know
locally.
We
have
a
group
of
people
that
put
on
a
local
golf
tournament
to
to
raise
money
for
for
different
organizations.
They
do
a
hockey
tournament
in
the
winter
time.
H
So
these
are
all
good
organizations
that
are
doing
their
best
to
help
the
people
of
Alberta
and
help
the
people
in
need
and
I
think
we.
We
have
to
realize
too,
that
a
lot
of
these
Charities
are
very
efficient,
with
the
work
that
they
do
for
the
people
of
Alberta.
They
they
leverage
the
volunteer
work
so
that
they
can
get
a
lot
done
and
a
lot
of
times.
These
organizations
are
right
in
the
community
or
that
they're
trying
to
help
or
if
not
right
in
the
community.
H
They
know
the
community
that
they
serve
very
well
and
so
I
think
taking
this
taking
this
opportunity
to
give
them
give
the
people
that
donate
to
these
organizations
a
good
tax
benefit.
That's
equal
to
what
political
donations
are.
I,
think
that's
good
for
good
for
us
good
for
Alberta
and
we'll
make
a
difference
in
the
long
run.
We
know
this
will
be
a
net
negative
to
the
to
the
Alberta
budget,
but
I
think
it'll
be
a
net
positive
to
albertans
as
we
go
forward.
Thank
you.
AS
Thank
you,
Madam,
speaker,
always
appreciate
the
opportunity
to
rise
in
this
house
speak
to
various
pieces
of
legislation
that
are
brought
forward,
especially
when
it
comes
to
private
members
business.
As
we
know,
private
members
don't
get
a
whole
lot
of
legislative
calendar
time
to
be
able
to
bring
their
their
topics
forward.
So
I'm
always
excited
when
we
get
a
chance
to
to
talk
about
those,
but
it
seems
you
know
some
members
get
even
less
time,
especially
if
they
seem
to
be
sitting
in
the
opposition.
AS
AS
I
just
wanted
to
highlight
that
and
I'll
come
back
around
for
that
Amendment
act
2022,
and
so
you
know
we're
proposing
a
change
here
to
kind
of
up
the
the
claim
amount
for
the
first
two
hundred
dollars
for
somebody
making
a
charitable
donation-
and
you
know
quite
frankly,
I
I
actually
would
have
loved
to
have
seen
this
change
a
lot
sooner
than
this,
but
hey
at
least
we're.
Here.
We
get
the
opportunity
now
to
talk
about
this
and
so
I'm.
Certainly
supportive
of
moving
this.
AS
This
legislation
forward.
I
think
this
is
a
good
job.
You
know,
but
I
I
will
have
to
highlight
just
a
couple
of
things,
and
so
I
mean
we've
certainly
seen
over
the
course
of
the
30th
legislature.
Changes
that
the
UCB
government
has
made.
That
does
make
life
much
more
difficult
for
people
and
they
are
then
having
to
rely
on
all
of
these
Charities
to
be
able
to
make
ends
meet
I
mean
we've
seen
things
like
personal
income
taxes
being
raised.
Insurance
costs
have
definitely
gone
up
for
people.
AS
Yet,
of
course,
now
we're
hearing
that
that's
going
to
be
changed.
Well,
if
that's
going
to
be
changed,
then
that
meant
that
it
actually
happened,
which
brings
a
whole
nother
other
conversation
that
we
won't
be
having
today,
because
we
need
to
talk
about
private
members,
business
and
Bill
202
here
specifically,
but
when
you
have
these
kinds
of
pressures
on
people
and
forcing
them
to
go
to
the
Charities.
AS
For
that,
that
means
there's
a
lot
of
pressures
put
on
these
Charities
to
try
to
help,
and
we
have
unfortunately
seen
changes
which
has
made
things
more
difficult
for
Charities
to
be
able
to
provide
those
services.
And,
quite
honestly,
it
kind
of
feels,
like
you
know,
we're
trying
to
put
it
that
even
further
on
on
the
backs
of
albertans,
because
we've
certainly
seen
a
decline
in
charitable
donations
from
albertans.
And
perhaps
you
know,
I'm
a
little
biased
here.
AS
AS
AS
For
instance,
you
know
a
parent
wanting
to
donate
to
their
child's
Soccer
Club
and
so
I'm
wondering
if
this
might
be
captured
under
Bill
202
or
you
know,
you
know,
is
the
government
going
to
start
to
possibly
I
I?
Think
the
the
famous
line
is
pick
winners
and
and
losers
out
of
this,
so
I
I
would
be
interested
to
know
if
something
like
that
might
be
captured
under
under
Bill
202.
AS
AS
My
understanding
is
it's
probably
in
the
20
million
range,
maybe
which
again
I
I
have
absolutely
no
issues
with,
especially
since
the
government
seems
it's
necessary
to
do
things
like
well,
I,
don't
know,
fund
a
war
room
that
goes
out
and
chases
cartoon
characters
at
the
cost
of
30
million
dollars
per
year.
So
you
know
I
think
the
money's
there
or
I
don't
know
betting
a
a
billion
dollars
plus
on
an
election
South
of
the
Border.
AS
The
government
loves
to
go
on
at
length
about
things.
Like
the
you
know,
the
the
gas
tax
on
vehicles,
fueled,
which
is
all
fine
and
Danny
again
I'm,
not
necessarily
against
that,
but
if
you've
had
to
park
your
car,
because
your
insurance
is
too
high
that
re
that
that
doesn't
do
anything.
But
it's
still
the
same
thing.
Minister,
when
you
can't
drive
your
car,
because
you
can't
afford
your
insurance.
AS
How
are
you
going
to
take
advantage
of
that?
Doesn't
matter
about
a
carbon
tax
you're,
not
driving?
Your
vehicle
so
you're
not
even
getting
the
opportunity
to
take
advantage
of
that
again
we're
talking
about
cost
pressures
here
so
again
you
know
and
I
I
don't
want
to
sound
like
I'm
against
Bill
202,
because
I'm
not
I'm,
fully
ready
to
support
it
here
in
second
reading.
I
want
to
see
it
go
on,
hopefully,
maybe
even
quickly.
AS
AS
I
mean
you
know
what
they
say.
Sometimes
members
will
go
their
entire
careers
in
this
legislature
without
being
able
to
bring
forth
private
member's
bill,
but
certainly
the
changes
that
I'm
seeing
here,
I'm
not
against
I,
would
like
to
see
those
reciprocal
changes
which
I
think
will
enhance
this
bill
so
that
people
can
take
advantage
of
it
and
maybe
even
reduce
some
of
those
pressures
that
are
on
the
Charities
so
that
they
can
serve
the
clients
that
they
need
in
as
many
ways
as
they
possibly
can.
AS
But
I
know
there's
a
lot
of
people
that
want
to
also
add
their
comments
to
this
bill,
so
I
won't
take
up
too
much
time.
I'll
certainly
be
participating
later
on,
as
as
the
debate
goes,
but
as
is
right
at
this
moment,
I'm
very
much
in
favor
of
Bill
202
through
second
reading
and
I
hope.
We
pass
it
fairly
soon,
thanks
good.
AT
Same
thing
happens
even
here
when
decisions
are
made
so
far
away,
I'm,
always
in
favor
of
local
decision
making
and
and
the
same
principle
can
be
applied
here
for
for
this
bill,
because
when
we
talk
about
trying
to
be
able
to
fix
some
of
our
societal
problems,
that
we
have
I
really
believe
that
those
people
who
are
dealing
in
the
trenches
for
with
these
problems
have
really
20
20
Vision.
They
can
see
what
the
problems
are
a
lot
better
than
say
a
bureaucrat
in
Edmonton
Ontario
or
in
Ottawa.
AT
You
know,
I
was
very
impressed
with
an
organization
The
Mustard
Seed,
which
one
of
our
a
couple
of
our
members
actually
have
their
father.
That
started
that
that
organization
and
I
was
impressed
with
that
organization
because
of
the
the
the
president
or
CEO
of
that
organization
actually
came
from
the
streets.
He
knew
what
the
problem
was.
He's
got
an
amazing
story,
Madam
speaker
and
it's
awe-inspiring
when
you
think
about
what
he
was
able
to
do
in
building
up
the
the
Mustard
Seed
in
in
Calgary
and
surrounding
area.
AT
That's
an
example
of
when
you
actually
strengthen
those
charitable
organizations
that
are
in
the
trenches
and
give
them
that
ability
to
to
lift
people.
That's
when
you
really
see
success
and
really
what
we
should
be
in
this
in
this
air
in
this
room.
Doing
is
looking
for
those
greatest
successes
that
we
can
have
and
I
think
that,
by
giving
people
the
ability
to
give
to
their
charitable
donations
or
to
their
charitable
decision
giving
more
money
back
to
them,
so
they
can
give
more
to
the
charitable
organizations
of
their
choice
is
a
good
thing.
AT
AT
That's
really,
in
my
opinion,
what
this
bill
is
going
to
do,
and
this
is
why
I'm
in
favor
of
this
bill,
so
Madam
speaker
again,
I
thank
the
member
for
his
thoughtful
bill
that
he's
brought
forward
private
members
bill
that
he's
brought
forward
and
I
hope
that
all
people,
all
members
of
this
of
this
chamber,
will
support
Bill,
202,
the
Alberta,
personal
income,
tax,
charitable
and
other
gifts,
Amendment
act
2022..
Thank
you.
AQ
M
M
So,
first
of
all,
let
me
just
promise
my
brief
comments
by
saying.
I
certainly
do
support
any
mood
that
encourages
a
donation
like
this
I
think
it's
a
good
idea.
I
think
you
know.
A
couple
of
people
have
said
that
it's
probably
long
overdue
and
I
would
agree
with
that.
So
you
know
I
am
ready
to
support
this,
but
I
also
wanted
to
clarify
a
couple
of
other
comments.
So
certainly
not-for-profits
non-profits
registered
Charities
societies
there's
all
different
levels.
They
do
terrific
work,
they
do
all
kinds
of
work.
M
They
do
I'm
thinking
about
the
community.
That
I
represent
everything
from,
of
course,
food
banks
so
dealing
with
food
insecurity
to
Affordable,
accessible
housing
that
they're
trying
to
create.
There's
stop
abuse
in
family,
so
there's
organizations
that
offer
free
counseling
there's
for
people
that
are
experiencing
domestic
violence.
There's
all
kinds
of
Charities
there's
one
in
particular
that
that
I
want
to
make
reference
to,
and
it's
the
seniors
Association
in
St
Albert.
That's
actually
really
struggling
for
donations,
so
you've
heard
members
talking
about
over
the
pandemic.
M
Now
for
those
of
you
that
maybe
know
Saint
Albert,
it's
just
outside
of
Edmonton,
but
people
have
to
commute,
and
so,
if
you're
reliant
on
public
transportation,
you're
kind
of
out
of
luck,
there
is
a
commuter
bus
and
there
is
a
bus
like
a
sort
of
a
handy
bus
for
people
with
disabilities
and
seniors
low-income
folks
that
go
to
a
few
stops
in
Edmonton,
but
other
than
that.
It's
pretty
tough
and
so
this
organization.
This
seniors
group
offers
to
they're
able
to
do
that.
M
They
have
drivers,
they
had
volunteer
drivers,
they
fundraise
to
reimburse
for
gas
for
mileage
all
of
those
things,
and
these
are
for
really
important
appointments.
So
you
can
imagine
that
seniors
having
to
go
to
the
Cross
regularly
for
treatment
or
having
to
go
to
whatever
other
Specialists
they
might
have,
or
even
just
to
see.
Friends,
that's
important.
So
this
is
an
example
of
a
real
a
real-time
example
of
the
loss
of
Revenue
in
terms
of
fundraising.
But
I
really
want
to
underline
what
my
colleague
said
a
little
bit
earlier.
M
Is
that
one
thing
that
we
cannot
forget
when
we're
talking
about
nonprofits
societies
and
registered
charities
in
Alberta?
Is
that
what
is
what
we've
seen
in
progression
over
I
would
say?
I,
don't
know
the
last
20
years
even
is
that
there
has
been
an
erosion
of
the
public
service,
an
erosion
of
the
ability
of
government
to
deliver
very,
very
important
services
and
those
have
been
privatized
and
those
have
turned
into
many
of
them
Charities
and,
as
a
result,
these
Charities,
more
and
more
are
being
required
to
fundraise
to
meet
their
needs,
their
their
programming
needs.
M
So
maybe
those
maybe
there
are
people
in
here
that
don't
know
that
the
vast
majority
of
disability
supports
for
children
and
foresee
and
for
people
that
are
over
18
are
delivered
by
non-profits
and
by
registered
Charities.
Now
what
has
happened
over
the
last
little
while,
if
they
have
systematically
had
their
funding
reduced
systematically,
have
their
funding
reduced
every
year?
M
So
organizations
are
fundraising
to
cover
things
like
rent
and
utilities,
common
costs,
auditor
fees
Insurance.
All
of
these
things
all
of
these
really
really
functional
things.
So,
of
course,
I
support
a
bill.
That's
going
to
encourage
donors,
that's
going
to
give
donors
a
tax
break,
encouraging
them
to
donate
more.
Of
course,
I.
Support
that
what
I
don't
support
is
this
government's
systematic
chipping
away
supports
that
people
require
to
survive?
It
is
the
role
of
government
to
meet
those
needs
and
I'm.
M
Talking
specifically
in
this
case
about
disability,
supports
that
this
government
systematically
cut
H
and
I
can
tell
you
probably
close
to
a
hundred
percent
of
the
people
that
receive
PDD
supports,
are
also
on
each
and
so
they're
making,
due
with
a
lot
less
money
over
the
last
three
years
that
they
have,
and
so
it's
Charities
that
work
with
them
that
have
had
to
step
up
and
to
provide
assistance,
so
Charities
have
stepped
up
to
provide
assistance.
Buying
bus
passes,
supplementing
groceries,
helping
with
rent
all
of
those
things.
M
So,
while
I
do
support
this
bill,
Madam
speaker,
it
is
really
important
to
understand
that,
while
we
can
express
thanks
and
appreciation
and
gratitude
for
the
incredible
non-profit
sector
in
Alberta,
we
have
to
recognize
the
incredible
amount
of
pressure
that
we
have
continued
to
add
to
them.
When
we
don't
fund
essential
Services
properly
every
time
that
we
do,
that
we
chip
away,
we
don't
recognize
the
growth.
We
don't
fund
the
growth.
We
are
adding
more
pressure
to
the
nonprofit
sector,
so
government
members
can
stand
up
all
they
like
and
say.
You
know.
M
We
support
nonprofit
they're,
essential
yeah
I
agree
with
that.
They
are
essential.
They
are
very,
very
important.
This
bill,
hopefully,
will
make
a
big
difference
and
will
help,
but
the
biggest
problem
Madam
speaker
is
that
this
government
has
failed
to
do
his
job
and
that
is
to
properly
support
all
of
us
all
of
the
services.
All
of
the
programming
that
these
non-profit
sectors,
this
nonprofit
sector
is
involved
in
now.
M
Let
me
just
say
one
more
thing
about
food
banks,
because
that
seems
to
be
the
popular
example
that
people
are
using
today
are
food
banks
essential
right
now
absolutely
100
sent.
They
are
so
important
right
now,
even
in
the
community
of
Saint
Albert,
which
is
typically,
you
know
a
little
bit
more
well
off
than
some
other
communities,
they're
struggling
they're
breaking
records.
They
can't
keep
up
with
demand.
The
pressure
is
huge
now.
M
Yes,
this
government
did
stand
up
and
announce
I
think
it
was
20
million,
but
let's
be
clear,
it
was
5
million
a
year,
let's
be
clear,
there's
six
months
till
election,
let's
also
be
clear,
if
there's
a
matching
component
to
that.
So
what
sounded
like
a
big
fancy
announcement?
Oh
yeah,
we're
going
to
immediately
support
food
banks.
Well,
it's
a
little
less
than
it
sounded.
M
What
this
government
needs
to
do
is
recognize
that
food
banks
are
in
crisis
and
step
up
with
the
money
right
now
that
they
need
to
function,
and
it's
a
lot
more
than
five
million
dollars,
and
they
don't
have
the
time
to
raise
the
money
to
match
it.
They
need
to
be
funded
immediately,
so
I'm
going
to
take
my
seat.
M
AU
Thank
you,
Madam
speaker
and
I
stand
to
support,
Bill
202
Alberta,
personal
income,
tax
charitable
and
other
gifts,
Amendment
Act,
Madam,
speaker,
I'm
excited.
This
is
an
outstanding
idea
and
I'd
like
to
give
credit
to
my
colleague
for
this
great
idea,
and
it's
also
great
to
see
members
the
opposite.
Member
members
opposite
supporting
this
positive
initiative.
You
know,
and
perhaps
we
can
unite
together
to
ensure
Speedy
passage
of
something
towards
Christmas
as
well.
AU
One
of
the
reasons
I'm
really
excited
about
this
bill
is
that
charitable
support,
I,
believe
is
part
of
Alberta's
culture
and
identity.
I
think
it's
something
that
we
excel
at
and
there's
actually
I.
Remember.
Reading
a
stat
can
report
in
2020
that
reported
that
Alberta
had
the
highest
average
donation
in
Canada
out
of
all
the
provinces
and
territories
in
the
country.
AU
So
when
you
think
about
that,
that's
a
really
powerful
incentive
and
support
that
this
government-
and
you
know
credit
goes
to
previous
legislatures
I-
believe
it
was
premier
stelmac
that
are
actually
under
his
government,
brought
in
the
enhanced
charitable
tax
credit
for
charitable
donations
to
21
percent
in
Alberta.
But
by
far
Alberta
is
the
leader.
It
is
the
best
jurisdiction
in
Canada
supporting
charitable
support
for
over
two
hundred
dollars,
but
for
donations
up
to
two
hundred
dollars.
AU
So
perhaps
there
are
albertans
that
want
to
give,
but
perhaps
based
on
their
circumstances.
Perhaps
they
have
lower
income
and
are,
unless
able
or
less
in
a
position
to
give
as
much
as
they
would
like
to
give.
So
for
these
lower
income
albertans,
the
the
current
Alberta
donation,
credit
is
10
and
combined
with
the
federal
rate.
The
donation
credit
is
about
25
combined,
so
it's
actually
about
half
of
the
rate
and
that
25
credit
rate
puts
us
in
the
middle.
AU
Alberta
is
a
meritocracy
and
we
are
the
best,
and
this
this
bill
makes
us
the
best,
so
Bill
202
seeks
to
make
us
be
the
best
supporting
albertans,
especially
in
my
perspective,
those
who
perhaps
have
lower
income
less
able
to
give
as
much
but
makes
us
the
best
in
supporting
them,
and
so
this
amendment
increases
the
Alberta
credit
from
10
to
60
percent
and
combined
with
the
federal
rate.
This
will
bring
the
charitable
donation
rate
up
to
75
percent.
AU
So
when
you
think
about
that,
isn't
that
a
wonderful
thing
that
if
an
individual
of
modest
means
says
you
know
I'd
like
to
donate
to
a
charity
that
I
feel
strongly
about
and
they
donate
200
to
that
charity?
With
this
proposed
bill,
they
can
get
tax
shelter
that
actually
will
return
to
them:
75
cents
on
the
dollar,
150
cents
on
the
dollar
reduced
from
Alberta
taxes,
I
think
that
is
a
beautiful,
wonderful
thing.
AU
The
great
thing
about
this
rate
selection
to
me
is
that
the
bill
achieves
parity
with
the
provincial
donation
tax
credit
that
we
provide
in
Alberta.
Currently,
as
we
know
that,
when
an
individual
donates
to
the
UCP
party
or
to
the
NDP
party
on
the
first
two
hundred
dollars
of
Their
donation,
they
receive
150
dollars
back
or
75
cents
on
the
dollar
and
I.
AU
AU
There
are
many
great
charitable
organizations
that
whose
work
is
just
as
important
and
and
some
would
argue
more
important,
but
it's
important
to
incent
and
encourage
those
old
burdens
as
elevating
the
tax
shelter
that
they
get
on
charitable
donations
to
70
percent
Madam
speaker
just
in
closing,
because
I
don't
want
to
take
too
much
time.
But
this
policy
is
to
support
charitable
organizations
and
during
these
challenging
times,
and
indeed
in
the
past
couple
years,
our
charitable
organizations-
many
did
great
work.
AU
Many
of
these
individuals
who
serve
in
charitable
organizations
they
serve
out
of
love.
There
are
many
great
charitable
organizations
where
most
of
their
Workforce
is
volunteers
who
really
are
serving
because
they
have
a
strong
inward
belief
in
the
good
work
that
the
organization
is
doing
and
they
want
to
love
and
serve
their
neighbors.
AU
So
just
in
closing
I
really
support.
Bill
202
I
think
it
aligns
well
with
the
Alberta
culture
of
Excellence
being
the
best.
A
culture
where
albertans
are
the
most
generous
in
the
entire
country,
in
supporting
our
wonderful
charitable
organizations
and
I,
would
encourage
all
members
of
this
legislature
to
join
together
in
a
common
good
cause
and
support
Speedy
acceleration
and
process
of
this
Bill.
Thank
you.
AV
That
is
now
widely
assumed
to
be
something
as
a
part
of
the
the
hardware
of
our
our
charitables
network
is
food
banks
and
food
banks
not
very
long
ago.
Mr
Speaker
did
not
exist.
In
fact,
the
the
incidence
of
food
banks,
I
think,
is
something
that
came
up
in
the
in
the
1980s
and
previous
to
that.
Of
course,
it
was
expected
that
government
supports
would
allow
individuals
to
purchase
food
from
that
that
government
support
that
would
satisfy
their
family's
needs.
AV
Yet
now,
of
course,
it's
Food
Bank
Reliance
that
our
society
and
others
worldwide
are
looking
to
to
to
fill
that
need,
and
it
really
shouldn't
be
something
that
the
government
is
relieved
of
it's
responsibility
to
provide
essential
public
services
to
its
citizens.
So
I
know
that
this
bill
purports
to
allow
albertans
to
express
themselves
even
at
this
time
of
year
or
whenever
to
support
the
Charities
of
their
choice
to
a
larger
degree
than
they
otherwise
might
have
by
having
the
incentive
increased.
AV
However,
I'm
concerned
about
the
direction
I
guess
of,
of
the
the
bill
where
it
looks
to
perhaps
replace
the
government's
responsibility
to
support
its
citizens
and
that's
something:
I
really
hope
that
is
not
the
intent
of
the
underlying
legislation.
Now
one
thing
that
many
people
don't
realize
and
I
think
Mr
Speaker
you,
as
a
former
teacher,
will
is
that
the
schools
throughout
the
province,
generally
speaking,
are
actually
identified
as
being
a
charitable
organizations.
One
can
make
a
donation
to
a
school
and
receive
a
tax
receipt
for
it
and
I'm,
not
certain.
AV
If
this
will
be
covered,
this
type
of
a
donation
to
a
school
will
be
covered
by
the
act
in
its
entirety.
I'm,
not
sure
if
the
member
contemplated
Bill
tool
to
covering
those
charitable
donations,
but
in
the
title
of
the
bill,
where
it
states
Alberta
personal
income
tax
and
in
Brackets,
charitable
and
other
gifts,
Amendment
act
I'm
wondering
if
those
other
gifts
would
include
gifts
to
to
schools
throughout
the
province.
So
I
know
in
attending
many
of
the
para
teacher
Council
meetings.
AV
By
having
individuals
donate
to
their
particular
School
in
a
more
affluent
neighborhood
to
a
larger
degree,
then
other
parents
might
be
able
to
do
in
less
less
affluent
neighborhoods.
So
I
know
that
in
the
scheme
of
things
Madam
speaker,
this
is
a
bill
with
good
intent
and
I
intend
to
support
it.
But
I
certainly
do
not
want
to
see
the
government
being
relieved
of
its
responsibility
to
provide
essential
public
services
to
populations
in
need,
and
with
that
in
my
remarks
and
listen
for
further
comment
from
others.
AK
The
intent
is
simply
for
the
only
way
for
a
private
member
to
support
charities
in
terms
of
this
dollar
amount
is
through
cutting
increasing
the
non-refundable
tax
credit,
and
so
that's
why
I've
taken
this
route.
Obviously
there's
there's
nothing
Beyond,
a
very
sincere
hope
to
see
Charities
thrive
in
Alberta.
So
with
that
Madam
speaker,
I
will
close
debate.
AQ
And
remember
the
honorable
member
for
Peace
River
has
moved
second
reading
of
Bill
202,
the
Alberta
personal
income,
tax,
charitable
and
other
gifts.
Amendment
act,
20
22.
Does
the
assembly
agree
to
the
motion
for
second
reading?
All
those
in
favor,
please
say
aye
any
opposed.
Please
say
no,
that
is
carried.
A
division
has
been
called
to
ring
the
bells.
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
AR
M
Thank
you,
Mr
Speaker.
It's
my
pleasure
to
rise
and
move
the
following
motion.
Be
it
resolved
that
the
Legislative
Assembly
urged
the
government
to
a
immediately
investigate
the
recent
increases
in
grocery
prices
and
lack
of
competition
in
the
grocery
Market
in
Alberta
and
report,
its
findings
to
the
assembly
no
later
than
January
15,
2023
and
B
to
amend
the
consumer
protection
act
to
clarify
that
the
practice
of
price
gouging
is
unfair
and,
as
such
is
subject
to
the
investigation
by
service
Alberta's
consumer
investigation
unit.
M
M
As
you
know,
albertans
are
struggling
they're
facing
an
affordability
crisis
not
seen
in
40
years
so
I'm
proud
to
stand
here
in
support
of
making
life
more
affordable
for
Alberta
families.
They've
seen
prices
Skyrocket
on
everything
from
gas
prices,
utilities
and
housing,
but
nothing
hits
them
on
a
more
daily
basis
than
just
how
extensive
things
have
gotten
at
the
grocery
store.
M
October's
Consumer
Price
Index
data
was
released,
showing
Canada's
inflation
rate
at
6.8
percent.
A
staggering
number
that
will
continue
to
hammer
household
budgets
and
food
prices
have
shot
well
above
that
to
10.1
percent
since
compared
to
a
year
ago,
the
numbers
are
even
worse
when
looking
at
price
increases
on
essential
items.
For
example,
margarine
is
up
40.4
percent.
From
last
year,
dry
pasta
has
increased
to
27.2
percent.
Fresh
fruit
is
up,
8.9
percent,
fresh
vegetables
are
up
11
percent
and
coffee,
and
tea
has
increased
by
13.1
percent,
while
grocery
prices
continue
to
rise.
M
Everyone
is
still
dealing
with
other
inflationary
pressures.
Ucp
is
adding
to
inflation
by
forcing
albertans
to
pay
more
income,
taxes,
property
taxes,
utility
fees,
school
fees,
tuition,
interest
on
student
debt
and
park
fees
on
top
of
skyrocketing
prices,
wages
in
Alberta
haven't
kept
pace
with
inflation.
So,
according
to
statistics,
Canada
data
Alberta
workers
had
the
second
slowest
wage
growth
in
Canada
because
of
this
low
wage
growth,
Phil
Burtons
are
now
forced
to
use
their
savings
or
rely
on
credit
cards
just
to
afford
groceries.
M
M
The
Consumer
Debt
index
showed
that
in
April,
half
of
albertans
were
just
200
away
from
not
being
able
to
pay
their
bills
at
the
end
of
the
month,
the
highest
level
in
the
country.
This
is
something
everyone
in
this
place
should
be
alarmed
about.
That
means.
Hundreds
of
thousands
of
albertans
wouldn't
afford
a
balanced
diet
or
are
worrying
about
running
out
of
food
before
they
have
money
to
buy
more.
Some
are
going
hungry,
missing
meals,
some
may
not
eat
for
a
few
days,
and
certainly
many
have
forgotten
important
medications.
M
In
fact,
in
a
new
canada-wide
survey
released
today,
the
majority
of
respondents
said
they're,
using
coupons
or
hunting
for
sales
to
cope
with
increasing
food
costs.
Nearly
20
percent
were
also
reducing
meal
size
or
skipping
meals
altogether.
In
order
to
save
money
now
keep
in
mind,
there
are
people
living
in
poverty
that
don't
have
access
to
vehicles
to
be
able
to
drive
around
to
get
the
best
prices.
In
fact,
they
live
in
places
where
these
these,
these
things
that
I'm
telling
you
about
that
have
gone
up
that
aren't
even
available
to
them.
M
I've
been
hearing
from
food
banks
that
are
seeing
an
alarming
increase
in
usage
and
Alberta
is
seeing
a
34
increase
in
food
bank
usage
of
year.
Over
year,
nearly
58
000
kids
relied
on
the
food
bank
in
March
of
2022,
and
we
know
the
issue
is
getting
worse.
Albertan's
living
on
income
support
like
aish,
are
facing
a
crisis,
a
true
crisis.
They
already
were
using
the
food
bank
to
supplement
now
they're
dependent
on
it
and
they're
also
limited
to
visit
numbers.
M
Ever
since
the
ucpg
indexed
income
support,
Ace
recipients
have
watched
the
real
dollar
value
fall
month
over
month.
That
means
nutrient-rich
food
like
eggs.
Meat
Dairy
are
being
replaced
by
low-cost,
highly
produced
items
just
so
that
they
can
fill
their
stomachs
while
a
Britain's
struggle.
Large
corporate
Grocers
are
reporting
massive
revenues.
Loblaws
reported
in
Q3
earnings
of
556
million
up
29
from
last
year
and
over
the
last
three
quarters,
Loblaws
has
spent
over
1
billion
in
stock
BuyBacks
to
boost
its
own
stock
price
and
benefit
stakeholders.
M
That's
why
I
urge
everyone
in
this
house
to
support
this
motion,
and
they
expect
I,
expect
this
house
to
take
motion.
The
motion
will
urge
the
government
to
do
two
things.
First,
it
will
call
on
the
government
to
investigate
grocery
store
prices
and
see
how
the
lack
of
competition
in
Alberta
is
inflating
those
prices
and
propose
recommendations
on
increasing
competitiveness
in
Alberta
if
needed.
This
will
work
alongside
the
competition
Bureau
of
Canada's
study
but
provide
local
Alberta.
M
Specific
Solutions
Alberta
arguably
has
the
least
competitive
grocery
sector,
with
the
lowest
share
of
independent
grocery
retailers,
and
only
two
of
the
three
large
corporate
Grocers
who
control
the
highest
concentration
of
retailers
in
any
Province.
Alberta
arguably
has
the
least
competitive
grocery
sector
with
a
low
share
of
independent
grocery
retailers.
M
Second,
we're
calling
for
clarification
within
the
consumer
protection
act.
So
albertans
can
report
Grocers
who
appear
to
be
price
gouging
during
covid-19,
the
government
expanded
what
can
be
investigated
for
price
gouging
through
the
state
of
emergency.
It's
not
clearly
defined
that
concerned.
Albertans
can
contact
the
consumer
investigation
unit
to
investigate
possible
gross
or
price
gouging
without
a
state
of
emergency
skyrocketing
prices
due
to
inflation.
M
Albertans
deserve
to
be
certain
that
they
aren't
being
taken
advantage
of
and
the
price
that
they're
paying
is
fair,
not
simply
patting
the
profits
of
already
profitable
Grocers,
and
that's
why
I'm
asking
this
house
to
support
this
motion
earlier
today
during
question
period,
Mr
Speaker
I
heard
the
minister
for
service
Alberta
essentially
say
you
know,
we
can't
do
that.
Doesn't
the
member
know,
that's
not
something
we
can
do
well.
I
would
suggest.
I
would
suggest.
I
would
suggest
if
this
government
thinks
they
can
change
the
constitution
of
Canada
with
the
bill.
M
They
can
investigate
price
gouging.
They
can
investigate
the
skyrocketing
prices
of
groceries.
We
know
it's
a
crisis,
a
crisis
that
has
been
caused
by
a
number
of
things.
We
know
that
I'm
not
saying
that,
it's
all
the
fault
of
the
government.
There
are
a
number
of
contributing
factors.
What
I
am
saying
is
that
our
role
here
is
to
protect
our
burdens
to
protect
albertans,
and
one
of
the
most
basic
things.
Albertans
need
is
nutritious
food,
so
let's
use
every
tool
that
we
have
in
this
place
before
putting
up
our
hands
and
giving
up.
M
B
Z
Thank
you,
Mr
Speaker
I'd
like
to
thank
the
member
for
Stephen
Albert
for
confirming
what
we've
long
suspected,
which
is
that
the
NDP
is
full
of
Sound
and
Fury,
signifying
nothing
and
the
reason
I
say
that
Mr
Speaker
is
I.
Sat
here,
listening
intently
waiting
for
some
empirical
evidence,
some
research,
even
a
well-thought-out
argument,
would
have
sufficed,
but
instead
we
did
not
get
that.
It
became
abundantly
clear
that
that
entire
caucus
gets
all
of
their
information
from
Twitter
and
Facebook.
So
Mr
Speaker
I
did
something
that
the
member
for
Saint
Albert
should
have
done.
Z
I
did
some
research
now
I
will
be
tabling
this
Mr
Speaker
with
the
chamber,
but
it's
a
white
paper
by
the
Canadian
Federation
of
Independent
Grocers
Mr
Speaker,
the
average
grocery
retail
margins
are
two
percent
I'm,
not
suggesting
Mr
Speaker
that
they
don't
have
higher
margin
areas
such
as
pharmaceutical,
Health
and
Beauty,
because
they
do,
but
the
food
in
the
grocery
store
has
razor
thin
margins.
Mr
Speaker
to
the
point
that
the
average
Grocer
in
this
country
has
two
percent
margins.
Now
Dalhousie,
University
and
I'll
be
tabling
this
as
well.
Z
Mr
Speaker
actually
did
a
study
to
determine
if
grocery
stores
were
price
gouging-
and
you
know
what
Mr
Speaker.
They
confirmed
that
there
was
a
lot
of
reasons
for
the
higher
prices
that
we're
seeing
on
shelves
and
one
of
them
was
not
gouging
on
behalf
of
the
price
on
behalf
of
the
Grocers
I'll
be
tabling
that
as
well
Mr.
Z
Speaker
now,
I
have
to
say
this
motion
and-
and
please
let
me
let
me
say
that
I
am
empathetic,
as
we
all
are
on
this
side
of
the
house
with
Annie
albertan
that
is
struggling
with,
with
with
a
higher
cost
of
of
everything
due
to
the
inflation
to
the
carbon
tax.
Mr
Speaker,
but
I
encourage
the
member
for
sin
Albert
to
use
the
time
wisely.
This
particular
motion,
quite
frankly
it's
as
ridiculous
as
it
is
redundant.
Z
Let
me
tell
you
why
the
first
piece
of
the
motion
is
to
encourage
the
investigation
of
the
recent
increases
in
grocery
prices
and
lack
of
competition
in
the
grocery
market.
Well,
Mr
Speaker,
that's
already
happening.
The
member
for
Saint
Albert
should
be
aware
that
the
competition
Bureau
Mr
Speaker
is
doing
that
work
now.
Z
In
fact,
they're
accepting
submissions
up
until
December,
16th
and
I
would
encourage
the
members
in
Albert
if
she
has
an
example
of
price
gouging
to
include
that
submission
with
a
competition
Bureau
but
but
redoing
that
work
that
is
already
going
on
is
redundant
Mr
Speaker
and
we
certainly
don't
support
that
on
this
side
of
the
house.
Now.
The
the
second
piece
of
that
motion
was
to
amend
the
consumer
price
protection
act
to
clarify
that
the
practice
of
price
gouging
is
unfair.
Well,
Mr
Speaker.
Z
It
already
does
that
and
I
will
refer
the
member
of
Saint
Albert
to
part
two
division,
one
section
6
2
and
d,
and
it
clearly
clearly
shows
exactly
what
the
what
the
member
for
statement.
What
the
member
for
St
Albert
is
asking
for
is
articulated
in
the
act
and
I
would
refer
the
member
to
read
that
accordingly,
Mr
Speaker
Alberta's
economy
has
recovered
strongly,
but
we
know
that
many
albertans
are
still
struggling
to
Heap
their
homes
and
feed
their
families.
Z
We
know
that
many
albertans
are
concerned
about
the
rising
cost
of
groceries
and
many
other
goods
and
services
due
to
increased
costs
and
Rising
inflation.
In
fact,
Canada's
food
priced-
a
report
2023
which
I'll
be
tabling
with
the
house,
predicts
that
Canadian
families
will
spend
up
to
an
average
1065
more
dollars
on
food
next
year
than
this
year,
Mr
Speaker.
But
we
also
know
that
this
is
not
an
Alberta
specific
problem.
In
fact,
the
inflation
crisis
is
affecting
all
Canadians,
no
matter
what
province
they
live
in.
Z
This
is
a
national
problem
that
was
created
by
the
disastrous
economic
policies
of
the
liberal,
NDP
Alliance
in
Ottawa.
Since
2015,
the
federal
government
has
brought
in
a
number
of
fiscal
policies
that
have
contributed
to
high
inflation
and
have
resulted
in
higher
borrowing
costs
for
households.
This
is
exactly
why
our
government
has
been
standing
up
to
Ottawa
Ottawa
since
2019,
because
only
our
government
has
the
best
interest
of
all
of
Burtons
in
everything
that
we
do.
Z
Z
When
it
comes
to
the
carbon
tax
and
their
overlords
in
Ottawa?
They
say
nothing.
Instead,
the
NDP
will
support
the
more
than
tripling
of
the
carbon
tax
between
now
and
2030,
which
will
continue
to
add
fuel
to
the
inflation
crisis,
adding
unnecessary
costs
to
families,
heating
their
homes
and
driving
to
work
Mr
Speaker.
Our
government
understands
that
the
price
of
goods
is
reflective
of
national
and
International
Supply
chains,
which
are
part
of
a
complex
system
that
impacts
all
Canadians.
Z
In
fact
the
grocery
industry
is
one
of
the
lowest
margin
sectors
in
the
entire
country,
and
this
industry
is
now
facing
a
range
of
unusual
inflationary
forces,
everything
from
extreme
flooding
in
BC
to
drought
in
parts
of
western
Canada
we're
seeing
covid-19,
Supply
chains,
labor
disruptions
that
are
impacting
the
port
and,
let's
not
forget
the
geopolitical
events
in
Europe,
particularly
the
war
in
Ukraine
Mr
Speaker
Ukraine
is
the
world's
largest
producer
of
sunflower
oil.
They
are
the
fourth
largest
exporter
of
corn.
Z
Of
course,
it's
going
to
have
an
impact
on
what
people
are
paying
on
the
Shelf.
Let's
not
blame
the
retailers,
Mr
Speaker
and
many
of
these
grocery
stores
are
good.
Community
citizens,
Mr
Speaker,
which
give
back
to
the
communities
they
serve.
It's
unfortunate
that
the
member
of
Saint
Albert
doesn't
actually
live
in
Saint
Albert,
because
if
she
did,
she
would
know
that
these
local
Grocers
live
in
the
communities.
Mr
Speaker
their
children
play
hockey
in
the
local
Arenas.
Z
They
get
their
coffee
from
the
local
Tim
Hortons,
they
contribute
to
the
food
banks
and
they
donate
to
Children's
Charities
Mr
Speaker.
Let
me
just
say
that
these
local
Grocers
deserve
better
than
to
be
vilified
by
the
members
opposite
they're
here,
Mr
Speaker.
That
is
why
I
say
this
motion
is
ridiculous
and
redundant.
You
know
two
years
ago
this
these
grocery
workers
were
essential
workers
that
we
relied
on
to
get
food
on
the
shelves
during
covid-19,
and
now
they
have
the
audacity
to
vilify
these
same
people.
Z
The
competition
Bureau
is
one
of
Canada's,
most
prominent
Watchdog
groups,
with
a
proven
track
record
of
investigating
anti-competitive
practices
that
serve
to
push
up
prices
for
consumers,
including
things
like
deceptive
marketing,
price
fixing
and
even
outright
fraud.
The
bureau
is
examining
how
governments
could
act
to
combat
grocery
price
increases
by
way
of
Greater
competition
in
this
industry
and
expects
to
publish
the
results
of
the
study
in
a
public
report
which
will
include
recommendations
to
government
authorities
as
appropriate.
I
would
also
like
to
point
out
that
the
competition
investigation
will
I'll
show
you.
Z
The
competition
Bureau
will
look
at
this
complex
issue
over
an
eight-month
period,
Mr
Speaker,
whereas
the
opposition
motion
is
calling
for
a
report
back
in
as
little
as
less
than
a
month's
time.
Mr
Speaker.
That's
clearly
not
enough
time
to
look
at
this
complex
issue,
so
we
look
forward
to
the
completion
of
the
competition
bureau's
review
and
taking
appropriate
action
as
required.
Z
As
you
see,
Mr
Speaker.
This
mdp
motion
is
about
nothing
more
than
window
dressing
and
scoring
cheap
political
points,
so
I
say
to
the
NDP
and
to
the
member
for
Saint
Albert.
Shame
on
you
for
wasting
valuable
legislative
time
in
the
middle
of
an
affordability
crisis.
While
the
NDP
continue
to
waste
this
House's
valuable
time,
albertans
can
count
on
our
government
to
deliver
a
40
affordability
measures
for
all
our
burdens:
mister,
listen,
Mr,
Speaker,
they're
lighting,
their
hair
on
fire
right
now,
they're
they're,
so
upset
by
by
the
truth.
Z
They
can't
handle
what
they're
hearing
right
now
Mr
Speaker!
Well,
you
know
what
I
would
encourage
the
members
put
your
cell
phones
down,
stop
looking
at
your
shoes
and
look
up
here,
because
this
isn't
a
serious
matter
that
is
on
albertans
minds
and
they
and
albertans
deserve
better
than
to
have
our
legislators
waste
their
time
like
this
Mr
Speaker.
Z
We
know
that
Alberta
cannot
solve
this
inflation
crisis
on
our
own,
but
due
to
our
strong
fiscal
position
and
balanced
budget,
we
can
offer
substantial
relief
to
albertans
and
that's
what
exactly
what
we
plan
on
doing:
Mr
Speaker.
In
fact,
our
government
has
taken
a
number
of
affordability
measures:
totaling
2.4
billion
dollars.
That's
how
we're
going
to
have
albertans
backs
Mr
Speaker
by
stepping
up
with
2.4
billion
dollars
worth
of
supports,
not
with
ridiculous,
redundant
motions.
Z
Z
We're
doing
them
right
now,
and
for
that
reason,
I
will
be
supporting
the
motion,
but
Mr
Speaker,
I
can't
say
loud
and
clear
enough
that
the
member
for
Saint
Albert
is
wasting
legislative
time
on
redundant
motions
when
we
should
be
focusing
on
the
real
work
at
hand,
which
is
having
albertans
backs
during
an
affordability
crisis.
My
message
to
the
MVP
and
to
the
member
for
Saint
Albert
is
to
do
better,
be
better.
F
F
Speech
I
have
ever
heard
on
very
during
very
situation
the
historic
crisis
that
albertans
have
been
facing:
I'm
I'm,
just
I,
don't
know
I'm
trying
to
put
together
what
should
I
call
I,
don't
know
where
the
minister
actually
lives
Minister.
It's
said
that
my
honorable
colleague
doesn't
live
in
her
own
riding
and
does
know
about
issues
in
writing.
I
wonder
where
the
minister
lives.
F
F
The
people
the
albertans
are
lying
on
the
food
banks
in
this
province
are
unprecedently
high
and
58
000,
kids,
just
only
kids,
depending
on
the
food
banks
in
these
days
to
survive
to
be
in
order
to
just
you
know,
to
get
fed
not
really
having
a
the
food
of
this
choice,
but
just
being
able
to
survive
and
and
get
fed
and
relying
on
the
food
banks
and
the
stories
I
was
on
the
radio
talk
show
past
month
stories.
People
are
sharing
the
people
who
have
been
the
donors
for
the
food
banks
in
the
past.
F
What
is
going
on
the
prices
that
you
were
paying
like
six
months
ago
and
prices
you
are
paying
now
and
the
prices
of
your
paying
last
year
and
the
prices
you
paid
six
months
ago
versus
price
as
you
are
paying
now,
and
the
Consumer
Price
Index
we
discuss
here,
has
not
even
really
affecting
all
albertans.
Equally,
because
the
average
increase
are
the
numbers
of
inflation
we
are
discussing
is
usually
it
is
average
like.
In
some
cases
the
inflation
has
jumped
the
prices
off
the
items
and
qualities
over
200
percent
and
particularly
in
vegetables.
F
I've
seen
that
sitting
in
elementary
looking
at
that
post,
so
so
it
has
been
like
very,
very
I,
don't
know
like
lack
of
sensitivity,
sensitivity
and
where
the
minister
was
coming
from.
It
was
very
sad
to
see
what
kind
of
and-
and
you
know
you
can
easily
even
easily
easily.
Even
can
you
know
figure
it
out
why
coming
back
to
house,
the
government
put
forward
very
first
well
as
a
sovereignty
act,
not
anything
else.
F
F
F
F
F
In
my
concluding
remarks,
I
I
just
wouldn't
take
very
long
I
know.
Many
of
my
colleagues
wanted
to
be
on
record
want
to
speak
in
favor
of
this
well,
because
this
is
Barry
important,
and
this
is
very
important
to
my
constituents
and
the
many
actually
albertans
they
are
struggling
with
the
historic
crisis
of
inflation.
Every
member
of
the
House
should
support
this
motion.
Thank
you.
B
AW
These
albertans
tend
to
be
squeezed
hardest
and
endure
the
Lion's
Share
of
the
hardship.
That's
why
we're
supporting
food
banks
with
20
million
dollars
in
new
funding
over
the
next
years?
This
is
the
first
time
the
government
has
funded
food
banks.
That's
why
we
launched
our
600
million
dollar
electricity
rebate
program.
That's
why
we
re-indexed
re.
AW
We're
serious
about
our
commitment
to
deliver
immediate
costs
and
I'll
agree
that
the
root
causes
of
global
inflation
extend
far
beyond
the
borders
of
our
province,
and
while
we
do
it,
we
will
do
everything
we
can
to
temper
its
effects.
We
are
fresh
out
of
magic
wands
to
wave
to
make
inflation
disappear.
AW
Well,
Mr
Speaker!
This
is
a
global
problem,
a
serious
Global
and
National
problem,
not
simply
an
Alberta
problem
with
an
Alberta
solution.
The
grocery
sector
is
concentrated
in
all
parts
of
the
country.
Canadians
generally
buy
their
groceries
from
retail
chains
operated
by
one
of
three
companies.
The
prices
reflect
National
and
International
Supply
chains
comprising
part
of
a
complex
system
encompassing
all
Canadians.
AW
The
competition
Bureau
of
Canada
already
has
an
active
study
underway
and
I
think
this
is
well
known
by
most
in
this
chamber
and
they're.
Looking
into
the
competitive
dynamics
of
the
industry
and
developing
recommendations
for
governments
to
promote
competition,
it
would
be
naive
to
think
an
Alberta
focused
review
would
have
value
for
a
national,
interconnected
problem.
AW
AW
AW
The
federal
standing
committee
on
agriculture
is
also
now
undertaking
a
similar
study,
yet
the
opposition
thinks
a
third
review
is
needed.
Clearly,
this
is
another
example
of
the
opposition
playing
political
games
with
their
Federal
counterparts.
The
federal
NDP
demanded
Parliament
investigate
grocery
prices
earlier
this
year.
AW
Conversely,
we
are
taking
serious
and
sincere
approaches
to
making
sure
that
albertans
have
food
on
their
tables
a
roof
over
their
heads
and
money
in
their
pockets.
We
refuse
to
play
political
reindeer
games
that
are
a
waste
of
TR,
of
the
trust
invested
in
Us
by
Alberta
voters
as
to
price
gouging,
that's
covered
by
the
out
by
Alberta's
consumer
protection,
act
and
I.
Think
most
in
this
chamber
know
that
it's
defined
as
individual
businesses
charging
grossly
excessive
prices
on
individual
gross
grocery
items.
AW
The
consumer
investigations
unit
is
responsible
for,
following
up
on
consumer
reported
claims.
Anyone
who
suspects
unfair
practices,
including
pricing
without
explanation
on
grocery
items,
that
grossly
exceed
the
price
of
similar
items,
should
contact
the
report
a
rip-off
line,
given
that
the
the
competition
bureau's
Market
studies
underway,
the
proposal
to
amend
the
consumer
protection
act
is
wildly
premature.
AW
The
bureau's
recommendations
will
likely
include
changes
around
consumer
protections
for
all
governments.
It's
also
worth
noting
Mr
Speaker
Mr
Speaker.
The
opposition
had
four
years
to
amend
the
definition
of
price
gouging
in
the
act
and
failed
to
do
so.
That
suggests
to
me
that
their
priorities
are
elsewhere,
and
today's
motion
is
little
more
than
a
political
show.
Mr
Speaker.
AW
AM
Here,
members
of
this
government
stand
and
rail
about
wasting
valuable
legislative
time,
Mr
Speaker
the
number
of
times
we
have
seen
these
members
bring
forward
frivolous
motions
in
this
house
to
debate
and
yell
and
scream
to
create
political
hay
both
during
the
time
they
were
in
opposition
and
during
the
time
that
they
are
in
government
using
government
motions
to
do
so
are
countless
Mr
Speaker.
This
is
clearly
the
pot
calling
the
kettle
black
political
games.
Mr
Speaker.
AM
Mr
Speaker,
this
government
has
no
grounds
to
make
accusations
to
anyone
else.
Thank
you.
This
is
a
government
that
has
proven
is
an
entirely
unserious
in
dealing
about
with
the
real
priorities
of
albertins,
as
we
just
saw
today
as
a
shutdown
debate
on
a
bill
proposed
for
a
positive
change
in
health
care,
more
accountability
and
clear
service
standards
to
support
albertans.
AM
AX
AA
B
AM
AM
Now
we
have
heard
some
vigorous
defense
of
grocery
chains,
large
grocery
corporations
from
the
minister,
the
member
for
mourinville
Saint
Albert
interesting
now
we
do
know
Mr
Speaker
factually
what
has
happened
with
large
grocery
chains
in
Alberta
in
the
not
so
distant
future.
Indeed,
for
at
least
14
years,
Mr
Speaker
large
grocery
chains,
including
Loblaws
Metro,
Walmart
and
sobies
all
participated
in
an
industry-wide
arrangement
to
slowly
and
artificially
jack
up
the
price
of
bread,
gouging
customers,
billions
of
dollars.
AM
Now
the
minister
would
be
outraged
to
hear
me
say
that
and
hear
me
accuse
local
Grocers
of
gouging
albertans.
That
is
not
what
I'm
doing
Mr
Speaker
I
am
speaking
of
the
large
grocery
chains,
for
which,
indeed,
local
owners
may
be
franchisees,
but
those
local
owners
to
the
best
of
my
understanding,
Mr
Speaker,
are
not
setting
the
prices
they
are
taking
the
prices
from
their
head
office.
AM
AM
AM
AM
So
when
we
stand
up
today,
Mr
Speaker
and
talk
about
the
price
of
groceries,
it's
in
part,
because
it
really
matters
for
these
folks
who
lost
income
because
of
the
decisions
of
this
government,
and
this
government
wants
to
Pat
itself
on
the
back
about
affordability.
It
talks
about
the
utility
rebate,
which
they
do
not
offer
to
a
significant
number
of
my
constituents
who
live
in
apartments
and
condos.
Now
they
said
they
intend
to
perhaps
fix
that
with
their
new
affordability,
Bill
I'm,
certainly
looking
forward
to
that
being
the
case.
AM
Their
gas
tax,
Mr
Speaker,
does
not
benefit
the
seniors.
The
students,
the
others,
many
folks
who
have
a
disability
in
my
constituency
who
do
not
drive
so
again,
I
recognize
that
they
are
moving
forward
with
providing
an
extra
hundred
dollars
a
month
for
each
of
those
individuals.
Now,
of
course
not
for
students,
Mr
Speaker
or
for
a
number
of
other
people
who
might
work
at
a
low
income,
job
and
minimum
wage.
They
are
excluded
from
this
because,
frankly,
this
government
doesn't
see
their
votes
being
particularly
valuable.
Coming
up
in
next
May.
AM
M
M
Sadly,
he
he
accused
me
of
wasting
time,
and
so
what
I
would?
What
I
would
like
to
say?
Mr
Speaker,
is
that
there
are
many
constituents
of
mine
that
have
written
to
me
that
have
called
that
have
talked
to
me
about
grocery
prices,
not
to
mention
as
a
as
a
Critic
I
deal
with
hundreds
of
people
all
the
time
every
week
that
are
letting
me
know
that
things
aren't
just
bad
or
difficult
they're
horrible
they're
in
crisis,
and
so
it
is
a
problem.
M
You
know
this
was
not
an
attempt
to
vilify
Grocers
or
anybody
that
worked
at
gross
for
Grocers.
It's
not
an
attempt
at
all.
What
it
is
is
an
attempt
to
do
everything
in
our
power.
I
understand
that
there's
some
federal
work
going
on,
but
this
is
about
here
at
home
in
Alberta,
is
about
doing
everything
that
we
can
to
ensure
that
albertans
are
paying
fair
prices
for
groceries.
M
Now,
certainly
you
know
the
member
went.
He
was
angry.
He
went
on
and
on
about
you
know,
we
don't
know
anything
and
yes,
we
understand
that
there
are
outside
influences
on
the
prices.
We
understand
that
climate
change
will
continue
to
be
a
massive
massive
problem.
We
understand
that
climate
change
will
continue
and
will
continue
to
impact
all
things
groceries.
We
understand
that
we
understand
that
the
war
has
certainly
created
a
lot
of
cost
pressures.
We
understand
those
things,
we're
not
we're,
not
ridiculous.
We
read
the
news.
M
I
mean
we
understand,
just
like
the
member
does,
and
so
to
stand
up,
and
just
mostly
try
to
insult
is
a
little
bit
disrespectful,
so
Mr
Speaker
I
would
like
to
say
that
this
particular
motion,
which
oddly
enough
sounds
like
they're
going
to
support,
is
not
an
attempt
to
to
say
that
the
federal
work
is
unimportant
or
won't.
Do
anything,
it's
an
attempt
once
more
to
identify
and
understand
the
uniqueness
of
Alberta
and
the
unique
challenges
that
we're
faced
with
here
in
Alberta
and
not
to
just
rely
on
the
feds
and
on
Ottawa.
M
You
know
it
seems
to
me
this
government
is
pretty
happy
when
they're
saying
those
very
things
now.
Suddenly
it's
the
opposite:
oh
just
let
the
feds
do
it
I'm
saying
we
need
a
plan
here
in
Alberta
I'm,
also
saying
that
it's
kind
of
weird
that
they
think
that
they
can
amend
the
Constitution
of
our
country
with
a
bill,
but
yet
they're
unwilling
to
look
at
are
there
tools,
maybe
that
they're
unaware
of
or
things
we
can
amend
to
actually
do
the
work
properly
here
at
home.
M
So
for
all
of
these
reasons,
it's
a
we
have
a
crisis
right
now.
People
can't
afford
their
food.
They
can't
so
people
that
were
struggling
are
in
crisis
now.
So
let's
all
support
this
motion
and
do
everything
we
can
to
ensure
albertans
are
getting
a
fair
price
for
very
Basic
Essentials
like
food.
Thank
you,
Mr
Speaker
members.
B
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A
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AR
AR
The
Honorable
Mr
lowen
Jehovah,
Mr
scow,
normal
Mr,
Matthew
notable
Mr
Taves,
normal
Mr
Gene.
You
know
well
Mr
McIver.
You
know
about
Mr
Jeremy
Nixon,
now
Mr
Rutherford,
Mr,
Williams,
The,
Honorable,
Mr,
Amery,
General,
Mr,
nicolaides,
the
other
monster
Horner.
You
know
Mr
Ms
Isaac.
The
album
is
fur
Mr
Stefan
The
Honorable
Mr
Hunter,
Mr,
Singh,
Mr,
Van,
Dyken.