UCP affordability measures not enough: Public Interest Alberta

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Posted January 5, 2023 4:36 pm.

As the UCP rolls out affordability measures this month, Public Interest Alberta (PIA) says the measures are not enough.

Bradley Lafortune, executive director at PIA, says Albertans are hit hard by the “affordability crisis.”

“Food banks can’t keep food on their shelves. Homelessness has more than doubled across the province, and families are sinking further and further into debt,” he said.

“Albertans deserve better than sleepless nights with their stomachs in knots wondering how they will pay their utility bills, feed their families, or make rent or mortgage payments.”

Lafortune adds the measures do not address the root cause.

“While the $100 per month for six months offered to seniors, AISH recipients, and children will provide some temporary relief, it will not address the problem at the root,” he explained. “Albertans are suffering with sky-rocketing costs as grocery stores and utility companies are posting record-breaking profits. The pay gap between CEOs and Canadian workers recently hit an all-time high.”

He also says the government is not doing anything “about runway inequality.”

“Instead, they’re continuing to line shareholder pockets with tax breaks and corporate welfare,” he said.

Lafortune adds these “band-aid measures” come amid being months away from elections.

“The UCP is attempting to ‘buy votes’ through cynical cash payments, all while slashing public services and refusing to address the health care crisis, overcrowded classrooms, and the collapse of our social safety net,” he said.

Meanwhile, press secretary of the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities, Andrea Farmer, told CityNews in a statement they continue to work on finding more “ideas” to keep the province affordable, as the cost of living keeps going up.

“We are extending broad-based relief to Alberta households, with or without children, providing up to $900 or more in support. This includes up to $500 in electricity rebates from July 2022 to April 2023, continued fuel tax relief at the pumps, and natural gas price protection this winter and beyond. Single Albertans will also get personal income tax relief, resulting in larger refunds come tax time and lower withholdings thereafter,” said Farmer.

“In addition to broad based support, we are providing $600 over six months to eligible seniors (65 and up), parents (per child under 18), and vulnerable Albertans from January to June 2023 will help offset inflationary pressures. The first monthly affordability payments will start later this month and we look forward to announcing more details very soon.”

Application details about the affordability package are expected on Monday.

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