NDP Leader Rachel Notley says corporate tax increase would bring stability to Alberta

Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley answers questions at a news conference during the provincial election in Calgary on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Todd Korol

Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley has defended her party's proposal to increase corporate taxes, saying it would provide a “stable, thoughtful” economic plan for the province.

Notley was responding to a question about whether the United Conservative Party was a safer economic choice for Albertans in Monday's provincial election.

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She says two of the most important aspects of a strong economy are stability and predictability.

Notley, who was speaking to reporters in Calgary, says Danielle Smith's leadership is neither stable nor predictable.

She says Smith's sovereignty act has hurt investor confidence.

Notley adds that a recent report from the ethics commissioner showing Smith broke conflict-of-interest rules doesn't help matters.

“That's the foundation of economic growth,” she said Wednesday. “I am also, however, very proud of the economic plan that we have rolled out.

“We have a plan to take Alberta to have the lowest corporate taxes in the country. By doing that, we will have the resources necessary to invest in other things that investors are telling us they need to see.”

She said that includes incentives for emerging economic sectors, a cut to the small business tax and more investment in Alberta's post-secondary institutions.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 24, 2023.