Alberta Premier Jason Kenney speaks to media on Wednesday, March 11 before travelling to Ottawa for the First Ministers' Meeting (Photo from Gov't. of Alberta livestream)

By David Opinko

provincial leaders to meet in Ottawa

Kenney to focus on job protection, economic relief at First Ministers’ Meeting

Mar 11, 2020 | 10:48 AM

EDMONTON, AB – Alberta’s Premier is one of several officials getting ready for this week’s First Ministers’ Meeting in Ottawa.

Jason Kenney says he will emphasize job protection and economic relief for workers and employers threatened by COVID-19 and the “international oil price war.”

“Alberta and Canada are currently in uncharted territory, facing an economic crisis complicated by a public health threat, so it’s more important than ever for Canada’s premiers and prime minister to be laser-focused on protecting jobs and providing relief. I’m looking forward to ensuring Alberta jobs and the unique concerns of our provincial economy are priorities on the national stage.”

Given the global economic slowdown that has already been caused by coronavirus, Kenney said he will welcome the federal government’s recent announcement to expand eligibility for the Employment Insurance program.

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He will also state that the “shocks to our energy industry” from the oil price war between Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the United States is a national economic concern, not just a western issue.

“It will require federal as well as provincial help to protect workers and employers, including measures such as payroll tax relief, job-creating stimulus, and access to capital to ensure our companies do not become collateral damage in a geopolitical economic war and to help our economy survive the worst that is ahead and emerge stronger when it ends,” reads a statement from the Government of Alberta.

Kenney believes the current economic situation transcends provincial boundaries.

Among the requests he will be making or reiterating at the meeting include:

• An “equalization rebate” and reform of the Fiscal Stabilization Program
• Immediate relief for employers and workers, including expanding EI rules, payroll tax relief, and access to capital
• Economic competitiveness to show global investors that Canada is a place that can approve and build major projects
• Funding, such as flow-through shares, to stimulate clean and emissions-reducing technology
• Funding for decommissioning of orphan and inactive wells
• Stimulus through accelerated infrastructure spending

The First Ministers’ Meeting is on March 13.