CALGARY — Albertans need financial relief as the cost of everyday living gets more and more expensive. Too many families are treading water, trying to make ends meet.
That’s why today in Calgary, Naheed Nenshi and Alberta’s New Democrats unveiled the Alberta Affordability Agenda, a first set of commitments on affordability that will help Albertans keep money in their pocket. This includes cutting electricity bills, providing downpayment assistance on your first home, tackling grocery store competition, increasing minimum wage, eliminating junk and nuisance fees, and other actions that will all add up to saving more money.
Alberta’s New Democrats will take action through the Alberta Affordability Agenda by:
- Cutting electricity bills by 10 per cent
- Increasing the minimum wage predictably to $18, then tying to inflation
- Reducing grocery prices by increasing competition, appointing a grocery watchdog, and ending shrinkflation
- Ending junk and nuisance fees while making it easier to cancel subscriptions
- Helping people buy their first homes more quickly
- Removing the 13¢/L provincial gas tax while prices remain high
“Albertans continue to identify cost of living as their number one priority needing to be addressed, and they deserve a government that will take action,” said Naheed Nenshi, leader of Alberta’s New Democrats. “Alberta’s New Democrats will be that government, and that is why I’m proud to announce the Alberta Affordability Agenda, our first set of commitments that will help Albertans keep money in their pockets. From groceries to household bills, wages and being able to save more monthly, we’re just getting started with our plans to help Albertans.”
“I’ve been hearing the same thing at doorsteps, in coffee shops, and at community events: people are doing everything right, and still falling behind,” said Kyle Kasawski, Alberta NDP Shadow Minister for Affordability and Utilities. “That’s why this Alberta Affordability Agenda is so important, and why I’m proud to be part of the Alberta New Democrat team announcing it today. This plan is just a start, and shows how we are focused on real issues like helping Albertans keep money in their pockets.”
Alberta’s New Democrats will unveil more policy commitments in the coming months to add to the Alberta Affordability Agenda. More detail on today’s announced commitments can be found here.