Reality Check: NDP Job Numbers Nothing to Brag About

EDMONTON, AB: Since the NDP government was elected, its policies have contributed to tens of thousands of job losses and will continue to hurt Alberta’s economy, the Wildrose Official Opposition said.

Today in Calgary, Economic Development & Trade Minister Deron Bilous tried to sugarcoat the anemic job numbers seen since his government was elected in May 2015. Compared to October 2015, Alberta has lost a net 47,300 full-time jobs, according to Stats Canada.

“The fact is, the NDP government has brought forward a full slate of policies that have taxed and regulated jobs and businesses out of existence,” Wildrose Leader Brian Jean said. “Even Premier Rachel Notley has admitted the carbon tax will mean hundreds of millions pulled out of our economy and that will mean another hit to jobs. You can’t raise taxes on everyone, sue Alberta-owned companies and then try and brag about terrible job numbers.”

Wildrose Shadow Economic Development & Trade Minister Prasad Panda said it is embarrassing the minister would make the announcement in Calgary, where folks are becoming increasingly desperate to find work.

“If the minister was serious about giving hope to Calgarians and bringing investment back to Alberta in a major way, he would convince his colleagues to scrap several of their damaging tax increases and burdensome new regulations,” Panda said. “Those actions alone would send a strong signal to all Albertans that this government is ready to put its ideology aside and focus on jobs and the economy.”