UCP leader warns voters against re-electing Rachel Notley and NDP at Calgary rally
United Conservative Leader Danielle Smith continually linked her NDP opponent with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at an election rally Thursday night.
Several hundred supporters flocked into a tent in the parking lot of a resort and casino in Calgary, which is believed to be the main battleground in the lead-up to Monday's Alberta election.
“What an amazing turnout. It looks like we might have some pretty strong support in Calgary, now doesn't it?” Smith said.
“Elections matter and this election will matter for a lot of reasons. It's going to matter for the economy. It's going to matter for affordability. It's going to matter for health care.”
Smith reiterated her party's campaign promises and spent much of her 20-minute speech attacking NDP Leader Rachel Notley, who was elected premier in 2015 before losing to the fledgling United Conservative Party under Jason Kenney four years later.
“The United Conservative Party is running on our record of success and economic growth because we are proud of it. Notley, on the other hand, is running away from her record as premier, isn't she?” Smith said.
“She increased personal income tax and people fled the province by the thousands. She raised business taxes ... she brought in a carbon tax that she never ran on and it increased the cost of everything and now thanks to her pal Justin Trudeau, we can't get rid of it.”
Smith also targeted Notley for her proposal to raise business taxes to 11 per cent over the next three years from eight per cent if she is re-elected.
She also linked Notley with Trudeau over her support for both Ottawa's goal of requiring electrical grids to be net-zero by 2035 and pending federal legislation, dubbed “just transition,” which is billed as helping Canadian workers adapt to the global move toward renewable energy.
“There is the Notley-Trudeau plan to 'just transition' Alberta out of oil and natural gas,” she said.
Smith has previously accused the federal Liberal government of imposing discriminatory policies and legislation on non-renewable resource development that she says is frustrating Alberta's energy sector.
In December, her United Conservative government passed a sovereignty act that grants Alberta the power to direct its agencies to flout federal laws and initiatives deemed harmful to provincial interests.
“As long as I'm premier, I will never permit any Liberal prime minister or any Ottawa politician to phase out our energy industry or the jobs of our amazing energy workers,” she said.
“No way. No how. That's not going to happen.”
Earlier in the day, the UCP said it would create a fund to build recreation facilities across the province if they win the election. The party said it would dedicate $80 million over four years to get facilities built in rapidly growing communities.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 25, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.