On day two of the Alberta election campaign, the United Conservative Party (UCP) has released its full
platform, which Premier Danielle Smith touted on
social media as a path toward “lower prices for everything.”
Released May 2, the platform includes pledges such as cutting personal income taxes, extending the holiday on provincial fuel taxes for the remainder of 2023, and a commitment to $10-a-day
childcare by 2026.
The UCP also said if re-elected, it would not increase personal or business taxes, and would continue a
permanent natural gas cap in place for households, to keep prices at $6.50 per gigajoule or below.
One of the UCP’s first campaign
promises made on May 1 was the announcement of a new tax bracket of 8 percent on income under $60,000, resulting in a 20 percent reduction to provincial taxes. Income earners over $60,000 would save $760, or $1,500 per family, if the party regains a majority in the Alberta legislature.
The party also committed to extending its fuel tax holiday until the end of 2023, reducing gas prices at the pump by 13 cents a litre by cutting the provincial tax on fuel.
The UCP pledged to continue its work to “axe the carbon tax,” and to expand the Taxpayer Protection Act, saying that would ensure no future government could increase personal or business taxes without a referendum from a majority of Alberta voters.
The party also said it had implemented what it calls a “
Public Health Guarantee“ that Smith said ensured Albertans will not ”ever have to pay out-of-pocket to see their family doctor or to get the medical treatment they need.”
“It means that a UCP government, under my leadership, will not de-list any medical services or prescriptions now covered by Alberta Health Insurance. No exceptions,” she said in a release.
On childcare, the party said parents can expect another 15,500 open spaces this year, and a drop to $10 a day for childcare within three years.
The UCP also said it would continue its focus on a school education curriculum emphasizing “essential knowledge” from kindergarten to grade six, with key learning themes of literacy, numeracy, citizenship, and practical skills.
Albertans head to the polls May 29.
