By rdnewsNOW Staff

Provincial Politics

Rachel Notley promises to create more jobs if NDP wins election

May 3, 2023 | 5:02 PM

EDMONTON – Alberta’s NDP is promising to create 47,000 jobs if the party wins the provincial election set for May 29.

Leader Rachel Notley says an NDP government would also create a new tax credit to spur investment in areas including cleantech and critical minerals processing.

And it would invest $18 million into union-led skills and safety training facilities for industrial jobs.

At the announcement in Edmonton, Notley also criticized United Conservative Leader Danielle Smith for refusing to comment on her involvement in the criminal case of a Calgary pastor.

Arthur Pawlowski was convicted this week of mischief in a border-crossing blockade at Coutts, Alta., protesting against COVID-19 public health measures.

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Smith, as premier, had a phone call with him before his trial.

Notley says Smith’s reticence is ridiculous given she is heard on tape offering to help Pawlowski and agreeing with his concerns about prosecutor trial tactics.

The Alberta Liberal party also unveiled their jobs and economy platform.

Leader John Rogeveen stated, “With the UCP and NDP too busy fighting each other, they’re ignoring workers and businesses. We’ve listened and based our economic platform on the priorities of Albertans.   We are focused on creating jobs through education and training, supporting our energy industry, helping entrepreneurs succeed, and working with all Albertans to create shared prosperity.

“Alberta Liberals would create a “Back to Work Grant” that would provide $160 million annually to unemployed or underemployed Albertans looking to start new careers. We would boost employment by bringing back an improved version of the “Alberta Jobs Now” program.

“War Rooms and bluster won’t help our energy industry. The world is looking for cleaner product. That is why we are committed to working with industry to make our oil and gas products more environmentally friendly while expanding market access through pipeline creation.

“Alberta can and should be doing more to support its entrepreneurs. We’re committed to simplifying compliance procedures for small businesses, tackling Alberta’s skilled labour shortages, and strengthening the innovation economy and renewable energy sector.

“Alberta’s greatest strengths are its entrepreneurial spirit and talented workforce. We need a government that leans into that by listening to workers and businesses and providing them with the support they need. Our plan will create new jobs and give Alberta workers a raise.”

The full Alberta Liberal Jobs Platform can be found here.

With files from The Canadian Press)