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jobs and the economy

Liberals announce economic growth strategy

Apr 3, 2019 | 3:38 PM

Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan announced the Alberta Liberal Economic Growth Strategy on Wednesay.

Khan said the plan will reduce Alberta’s 7.1% unemployment rate and provide more opportunities for all Albertans and is based on and is based on three core principles: a world-class workforce; expanding market access; and creating an investment-friendly Alberta.

“We will launch our $80 million Back to Work Grant Fund. $2,500 will be given annually per person to help 32,000 out-of-work Albertans train for new job opportunities. We will also increase by 25% the number of STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) graduates in Alberta,” Khan said.

“We will work tirelessly to boost market access for our oil and gas products. We will push to approve and build the Trans Mountain Pipeline responsibly. We are demanding a progress report from the Federal Government on Indigenous consultations. We must get this process right. We will build renewed demand for an Energy East pipeline to displace foreign oil imports to eastern Canada.”

Khan also said the Alberta Liberals would break down interprovincial trade barriers and build support for national infrastructure projects like pipelines, and adhere to pro-investment and free market values in Alberta.

“Our fiscal and tax plan has been cited by top economists as ‘the most pro-growth idea of the campaign.’ Alberta Liberals will reduce provincial red tape to strengthen pro-growth reforms. We will propose concrete amendments to Bill C-69. We want to responsibly develop national infrastructure projects.

“We will exempt small business startups from income tax for their first three years. We will support these risk-takers during their initial difficult period. We will give them a chance to succeed and create more jobs for Albertans.

“Free enterprise can best grow the Alberta economy. Workers, employers and consumers will create shared prosperity. Alberta Liberals will take Government out of the business of doing business.”

(Alberta Liberals media release)