EDMONTON, AB: As Albertans prepare for a new year, the evidence continues to pile up that the NDP government’s policies are doing damage to sectors across the economy, the Wildrose Official Opposition said today.
From contradicting its own message on the massive minimum wage increase to delaying the results of its long-awaited royalty review, Wildrose Leader Brian Jean said there needs to be serious evaluation of the impact NDP policies are having on the economy.
“Wildrose asked for an emergency debate to focus the legislature’s attention on the effects of these policies, but sadly it was rejected,” Wildrose Leader Brian Jean said. “We are all now starting to see the impact that their misguided, ideological policies are having on jobs in our province. It is our hope Premier Rachel Notley will start paying attention, and start doing what’s best for Alberta.”
The following are a set of the most concerning economic policies introduced by the NDP this year, all of which Wildrose has warned the government to cease immediately:
Policy: A drastic hike in the minimum wage of 50 per cent over three years
Impact: Wildrose was the first to warn the NDP that their drastic increase in minimum wage would have negative impacts on jobs and the economy. Now, government departments are warning of “serious job loss” as a realistic possibility when this policy is fully implemented.
Policy: Introducing a $3 billion carbon tax grab as part of the NDP’s climate change strategy
Impact: The carbon tax is in no way revenue neutral. When fully implemented, it will cost the typical household nearly $1,000 a year. The Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors has warned it will make Alberta less competitive. The Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association is saying natural gas costs, which already account for roughly 20 per cent of expenses, will, “almost double by 2018.”
Policy: Royalty Review
Impact: During a time of $35 oil, the ongoing royalty review is pushing investment out of Alberta. Encana has said it is deferring investment plans until the review is completed.
Policy: Higher Taxes
Impact: The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) estimated the changes in taxes even before the new carbon tax would cost the energy industry an extra $800 million over two years.