Alberta Hansard Province of Alberta - The 30th Legislature Second Session Tuesday afternoon, March 9, 2021 - Legislative Assembly of Alberta
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Province of Alberta
The 30th Legislature
Second Session
Alberta Hansard
Tuesday afternoon, March 9, 2021
Day 81
The Honourable Nathan M. Cooper, SpeakerLegislative Assembly of Alberta
The 30th Legislature
Second Session
Cooper, Hon. Nathan M., Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills (UC), Speaker
Pitt, Angela D., Airdrie-East (UC), Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees
Milliken, Nicholas, Calgary-Currie (UC), Deputy Chair of Committees
Aheer, Hon. Leela Sharon, Chestermere-Strathmore (UC) Nally, Hon. Dale, Morinville-St. Albert (UC),
Allard, Tracy L., Grande Prairie (UC) Deputy Government House Leader
Amery, Mickey K., Calgary-Cross (UC) Neudorf, Nathan T., Lethbridge-East (UC)
Armstrong-Homeniuk, Jackie, Nicolaides, Hon. Demetrios, Calgary-Bow (UC)
Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville (UC) Nielsen, Christian E., Edmonton-Decore (NDP)
Barnes, Drew, Cypress-Medicine Hat (UC) Nixon, Hon. Jason, Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre (UC),
Bilous, Deron, Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview (NDP) Government House Leader
Carson, Jonathon, Edmonton-West Henday (NDP) Nixon, Jeremy P., Calgary-Klein (UC)
Ceci, Joe, Calgary-Buffalo (NDP) Notley, Rachel, Edmonton-Strathcona (NDP),
Copping, Hon. Jason C., Calgary-Varsity (UC) Leader of the Official Opposition
Dach, Lorne, Edmonton-McClung (NDP), Orr, Ronald, Lacombe-Ponoka (UC)
Official Opposition Deputy Whip
Pancholi, Rakhi, Edmonton-Whitemud (NDP)
Dang, Thomas, Edmonton-South (NDP),
Official Opposition Deputy House Leader Panda, Hon. Prasad, Calgary-Edgemont (UC)
Deol, Jasvir, Edmonton-Meadows (NDP) Phillips, Shannon, Lethbridge-West (NDP)
Dreeshen, Hon. Devin, Innisfail-Sylvan Lake (UC) Pon, Hon. Josephine, Calgary-Beddington (UC)
Eggen, David, Edmonton-North West (NDP), Rehn, Pat, Lesser Slave Lake (Ind)
Official Opposition Whip Reid, Roger W., Livingstone-Macleod (UC)
Ellis, Mike, Calgary-West (UC), Renaud, Marie F., St. Albert (NDP)
Government Whip Rosin, Miranda D., Banff-Kananaskis (UC)
Feehan, Richard, Edmonton-Rutherford (NDP) Rowswell, Garth, Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright (UC)
Fir, Tanya, Calgary-Peigan (UC) Rutherford, Brad, Leduc-Beaumont (UC)
Ganley, Kathleen T., Calgary-Mountain View (NDP) Sabir, Irfan, Calgary-McCall (NDP),
Getson, Shane C., Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland (UC) Official Opposition Deputy House Leader
Glasgo, Michaela L., Brooks-Medicine Hat (UC) Savage, Hon. Sonya, Calgary-North West (UC),
Glubish, Hon. Nate, Strathcona-Sherwood Park (UC) Deputy Government House Leader
Goehring, Nicole, Edmonton-Castle Downs (NDP) Sawhney, Hon. Rajan, Calgary-North East (UC)
Goodridge, Laila, Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche (UC) Schmidt, Marlin, Edmonton-Gold Bar (NDP)
Gotfried, Richard, Calgary-Fish Creek (UC)
Schow, Joseph R., Cardston-Siksika (UC),
Gray, Christina, Edmonton-Mill Woods (NDP), Deputy Government Whip
Official Opposition House Leader
Schulz, Hon. Rebecca, Calgary-Shaw (UC)
Guthrie, Peter F., Airdrie-Cochrane (UC)
Schweitzer, Hon. Doug, QC, Calgary-Elbow (UC),
Hanson, David B., Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul (UC)
Deputy Government House Leader
Hoffman, Sarah, Edmonton-Glenora (NDP)
Shandro, Hon. Tyler, QC, Calgary-Acadia (UC)
Horner, Nate S., Drumheller-Stettler (UC)
Hunter, Hon. Grant R., Taber-Warner (UC) Shepherd, David, Edmonton-City Centre (NDP)
Irwin, Janis, Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood (NDP), Sigurdson, Lori, Edmonton-Riverview (NDP)
Official Opposition Deputy Whip Sigurdson, R.J., Highwood (UC)
Issik, Whitney, Calgary-Glenmore (UC) Singh, Peter, Calgary-East (UC)
Jones, Matt, Calgary-South East (UC) Smith, Mark W., Drayton Valley-Devon (UC)
Kenney, Hon. Jason, PC, Calgary-Lougheed (UC), Stephan, Jason, Red Deer-South (UC)
Premier Sweet, Heather, Edmonton-Manning (NDP)
LaGrange, Hon. Adriana, Red Deer-North (UC) Toews, Hon. Travis, Grande Prairie-Wapiti (UC)
Loewen, Todd, Central Peace-Notley (UC) Toor, Devinder, Calgary-Falconridge (UC)
Long, Martin M., West Yellowhead (UC) Turton, Searle, Spruce Grove-Stony Plain (UC)
Lovely, Jacqueline, Camrose (UC) van Dijken, Glenn, Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock (UC)
Loyola, Rod, Edmonton-Ellerslie (NDP) Walker, Jordan, Sherwood Park (UC)
Luan, Hon. Jason, Calgary-Foothills (UC) Williams, Dan D.A., Peace River (UC)
Madu, Hon. Kaycee, QC, Edmonton-South West (UC), Wilson, Hon. Rick D., Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin (UC)
Deputy Government House Leader
Yao, Tany, Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo (UC)
McIver, Hon. Ric, Calgary-Hays (UC),
Deputy Government House Leader Yaseen, Muhammad, Calgary-North (UC)
Party standings:
United Conservative: 62 New Democrat: 24 Independent: 1
Officers and Officials of the Legislative Assembly
Shannon Dean, QC, Clerk Nancy Robert, Clerk of Journals and Chris Caughell, Sergeant-at-Arms
Teri Cherkewich, Law Clerk Research Officer Tom Bell, Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms
Trafton Koenig, Senior Parliamentary Janet Schwegel, Director of Parliamentary Paul Link, Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms
Counsel Programs
Philip Massolin, Clerk Assistant and Amanda LeBlanc, Deputy Editor of
Director of House Services Alberta HansardExecutive Council
Jason Kenney Premier, President of Executive Council,
Minister of Intergovernmental Relations
Leela Aheer Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women
Jason Copping Minister of Labour and Immigration
Devin Dreeshen Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
Nate Glubish Minister of Service Alberta
Grant Hunter Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction
Adriana LaGrange Minister of Education
Jason Luan Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
Kaycee Madu Minister of Justice and Solicitor General
Ric McIver Minister of Transportation,
Minister of Municipal Affairs
Dale Nally Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity
Demetrios Nicolaides Minister of Advanced Education
Jason Nixon Minister of Environment and Parks
Prasad Panda Minister of Infrastructure
Josephine Pon Minister of Seniors and Housing
Sonya Savage Minister of Energy
Rajan Sawhney Minister of Community and Social Services
Rebecca Schulz Minister of Children’s Services
Doug Schweitzer Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation
Tyler Shandro Minister of Health
Travis Toews President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance
Rick Wilson Minister of Indigenous Relations
Parliamentary Secretaries
Laila Goodridge Parliamentary Secretary Responsible for Alberta’s Francophonie
Martin Long Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism
Muhammad Yaseen Parliamentary Secretary of ImmigrationSTANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ALBERTA
Standing Committee on the Standing Committee on Standing Committee on Standing Committee on
Alberta Heritage Savings Alberta’s Economic Future Families and Communities Legislative Offices
Trust Fund Chair: Ms Goodridge Chair: Mr. Schow
Chair: Mr. Neudorf
Chair: Mr. Orr Deputy Chair: Ms Goehring Deputy Chair: Ms Sigurdson Deputy Chair: Mr. Sigurdson
Deputy Chair: Mr. Rowswell
Armstrong-Homeniuk Amery Ceci
Eggen Barnes Carson Lovely
Gray Bilous Glasgo Loyola
Issik Irwin Gotfried Rosin
Jones Reid Lovely Rutherford
Phillips Rosin Neudorf Shepherd
Singh Rowswell Pancholi Smith
Yaseen Sweet Rutherford Sweet
van Dijken Sabir Yaseen
Walker Smith
Special Standing Committee Standing Committee on Standing Committee on Standing Committee on
on Members’ Services Private Bills and Private Privileges and Elections, Public Accounts
Chair: Mr. Cooper Members’ Public Bills Standing Orders and Chair: Ms Phillips
Chair: Mr. Ellis Printing
Deputy Chair: Mr. Ellis Deputy Chair: Mr. Guthrie
Deputy Chair: Mr. Schow Chair: Mr. Smith
Dang Armstrong-Homeniuk
Deputy Chair: Mr. Reid
Deol Amery Lovely
Goehring Dang Armstrong-Homeniuk Neudorf
Goodridge Getson Barnes Pancholi
Long Glasgo Deol Renaud
Neudorf Irwin Ganley Rowswell
Sabir Nielsen Gotfried Schmidt
Sigurdson, R.J. Rutherford Jones Singh
Williams Sigurdson, L. Lovely Turton
Sigurdson, R.J. Loyola Walker
Rehn
Renaud
Standing Committee on
Resource Stewardship
Chair: Mr. Hanson
Deputy Chair: Member Ceci
Dach
Feehan
Ganley
Getson
Guthrie
Issik
Loewen
Singh
Turton
YaseenMarch 9, 2021 Alberta Hansard 3969
Legislative Assembly of Alberta We also increased mental health supports to 24/7 access, in addition
Title: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 1:30 p.m. to removing user fees for addiction treatment beds.
1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2021 To support small and medium-sized businesses during the
pandemic, Alberta’s government created the small and medium
[The Speaker in the chair] enterprise relaunch grant. This offers financial assistance of up to
$20,000 to Alberta organizations, including businesses, co-
head: Prayers operatives, and nonprofits that were ordered to close or curtail their
operations. We also expanded this grant for up to $15,000 for new
The Speaker: Lord, the God of righteousness and truth, grant to small and medium-sized businesses that started between March 1
our Queen and to her government, to Members of the Legislative and October 31, including sole proprietors.
Assembly, and to all in positions of responsibility the guidance of Alberta’s government also supported livelihoods by providing
Your spirit. May they never lead the province wrongly through love various grants to Albertans. We provided the isolation grant of $625
of power, desire to please, or unworthy ideas but, laying aside all for people who must isolate or quarantine and cannot do so safely
private interests and prejudices, keep in mind their responsibility to in their home. There are also financial supports of $561 per child
seek to improve the condition of all. for working parents who need child care during the pandemic. And
Please be seated. to appreciate those that had been working on the front lines,
Alberta’s government has provided the critical worker benefit.
head: Members’ Statements I’m proud of the work Alberta’s government has done to support
the lives and livelihoods of Albertans. Thank you.
Postsecondary Education Funding
The Speaker: The hon. Member for Central Peace-Notley.
Mr. Eggen: Budget 2021 has cut postsecondary in the province of
Alberta by $135 million. Since taking office, accounting for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment Coverage
population and inflation, this government has cut $690 million from
our universities, colleges, and polytechnics. Mr. Speaker, that’s a total Mr. Loewen: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just over two years ago a
reduction of 23 per cent. This UCP government has also increased young couple in the constituency I represent welcomed a new baby
tuition for our students to the tune of $387 million, and we have lost into this world, Max. From the very beginning little Max had the
more than 1,500 full-time equivalent postsecondary jobs. And this odds set against him. He was born premature. It took lots of medical
UCP government has only been in power for two years. expertise and equipment to keep him going in those early days.
Our universities, colleges, and polytechnics are one of the strongest After a lengthy stay in the hospital, he overcame the odds and grew
tools we have for economic recovery in Alberta. Postsecondary can into a bright-eyed bundle of joy who brightened the day of everyone
and should be the economic engine of our province. The students that around him.
learn in these schools will be our future leaders, our innovators, the As he grew older, problems in his physical development
people who can take this great province into the future, but not if occurred. When examined at the hospital, the diagnosis was grim.
we saddle them with record debt, not if we fail to support them The boy who had conquered the odds from a premature birth now
during the pandemic where nearly half have lost their jobs, and not faced type 2 spinal muscular atrophy unrelated to his premature
if we continue to jack up tuition by hundreds or even thousands of birth. Previous treatments for this condition only delayed the effects
dollars every single year. of the condition.
Minister, I’m asking you on behalf of the thousands of students, Luckily, there is a new treatment called Zolgensma that has
faculties, industry leaders, and Albertans in general to please stop shown to have long-lasting, positive results for those suffering from
with the cuts. Stop taking away this economic opportunity for our SMA. The problems with Zolgensma were that it was not approved
future. I invite you all to sign up at albertasfuture.ca for upcoming for use in Canada, its funding was not approved, and it was
consultations in technology, postsecondary, and getting women incredibly expensive. Another hurdle was the time limit; Max
back to work. Who knows? You might even learn a thing or two. needed this before his second birthday.
Thank you. Thankfully, the community rallied around him. Before long,
donations were pouring in. Unfortunately, the multimillion-dollar
COVID-19 Response and Economic Recovery price tag to the treatment was a tall order, but that did not dissuade
the outpouring of support. From all over the region and soon all
Ms Armstrong-Homeniuk: Mr. Speaker, the COVID-19 over Alberta donations and letters of support poured in, and I’m
pandemic has created a stressful and frustrating situation for many happy to have played a small part in bringing Max’s case the
Albertans. During this pandemic we have seen Albertans be attention it deserved.
resilient in keeping each other safe and healthy, but some have had Just recently Zolgensma received federal approval, and thanks to
to make sacrifices as the economic hardships of the pandemic came the support from our Alberta Minister of Health, funding was also
to light. Our government knew that we had to act in order to protect approved. I am further grateful that the Minister of Health has paved
both the lives and livelihoods of Albertans. Alberta’s government the way for families and children like Max to access the cutting-
put the necessary health restrictions in place in order to bend the edge treatments they need. Max’s doctor applied on behalf of Max
curve. and approval was received, with a few conditions, but I am so happy
We handed out 40 million free masks when the supply was scarce to say that it looks like Max has met these conditions and will be
and boosted health care funding to $500 million to test, trace, and receiving this treatment a week from today at the Stollery.
treat COVID-19 patients. Alberta’s government came up with a I invite all members of this House to join me in hope and prayers
well-rounded vaccine distribution plan that not only protects the that all will go as planned on Tuesday for Max and also to help me
most vulnerable and those on the front lines of health care but also celebrate Mighty Max, a story of hope, perseverance, and an
ensures that everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine will get one. example to us all.3970 Alberta Hansard March 9, 2021
Budget 2021 diversion work have been instrumental in reducing people’s experience
with homelessness and helping others avoid spending one night in a
Mr. Dang: It has been almost two weeks since the UCP government shelter. The government’s investment of $154 million in mental
dropped their new budget. That’s given us time to dig into the health and addiction funds plus an additional $53 million throughout
numbers and see what’s in it but, most importantly, what’s missing. COVID will have a big impact in providing much-needed support.
From cuts to education, health care, and forcing you to pay more in Now, as we sit on a year’s worth of experience in managing this
income tax, nickel and diming you through increased fees like pandemic, we need to learn from what worked and what didn’t. We
campsite bookings, this UCP government is taking more money out need to take that knowledge to build system capacity and further
of your pocket and delivering less in return. cross-sectoral collaboration in pandemic planning and homeless
Budget 2021 provides $632 million less for our public health care supports.
system if we simply kept up with inflation and population growth. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
That’s despite the increased demand of the COVID-19 pandemic
and the backlog of surgeries that’s been created as a result. The
Lethbridge Police Officer Monitoring Activities
Premier has also continued to attack our postsecondary and is
hurting our prospects for long-term economic recovery by cutting Ms Phillips: We need to trust law enforcement. If there’s no trust,
$300 million from Alberta’s postsecondary institutes and driving there’s no public safety, and in Lethbridge citizens need to see there
tuition costs for students up for the third year in a row. Again are concrete steps being taken to restore trust. A story broke over
students will be paying more and getting less while even more the weekend containing disturbing details about how the Lethbridge
young Albertans will be priced out of having the opportunity to get Police Service has treated me, a reality I’ve been living with for
higher education. There is no plan to get women back to work who four years. I filed a Police Act complaint in 2017 for in-uniform
have been disproportionately hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic. officers taking surreptitious photos of me and disseminating them
There is no plan to revitalize downtown Calgary and to rebuild the on Facebook accompanied by probably defamatory statements. I
economic heart of our province while this government continues to got the results of that complaint in 2018. I thought it was all done.
cut $53.5 million in income support for Alberta’s most vulnerable. I didn’t share it publicly. I didn’t even tell my colleagues.
This budget needed to set Alberta up for a new, more diversified Unbeknownst to me, there was a separate investigation undertaken
path to an economic recovery. It did nothing of the sort. That’s why
that I was never told about, in which I was a party apparently but
our caucus, through albertasfuture.ca, held our own budget
never informed. That 2018 investigation found that LPS officers
consultations to hear exactly what Albertans wanted to see in
made a plan to follow me explicitly for political reasons. The
Budget 2021 to kick-start our economic recovery. Albertans from
investigation that was withheld from me was leaked to Medicine Hat
across the province shared their hopes for bold new investments in
TV and reported in July 2020. It came as a shock to me and to the
small businesses, tech, agriculture, renewable energy, and so much
country. I appealed the whole sorry mess. I then requested my
more to start building a new and diversified economy. But all we
personal documents. I got back 9,300 pages of mostly redacted files,
got was the same old cuts and corporate handouts while Albertans
but what I did get in there was a sheet of paper showing that
are left to pick up the tab.
multiple officers accessed my personal files several times with no
The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Klein. law enforcement purpose listed.
Here we have an MLA and a minister that’s been photographed.
Homelessness Strategy for Pandemic Preparation A plan to follow her was hatched. Her records were searched. False
content about her was circulated by in-uniform police officers
Mr. Jeremy Nixon: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past week I had thousands of times, and who knows what else. I don’t feel safe in
the chance to volunteer at the Seed shelter and see first-hand the my community. No wonder it is so hard to recruit women into
tremendous effort that has been put in place to create a safe shelter. politics. But I am not a victim. I was certainly a target by police
At the start of the pandemic I approached the minister of social officers who don’t understand the basic lines of professional
services with concern for the homeless. After managing shelters conduct. I’ll be fine, but I am going to see this through on behalf of
before, including working at the Mustard Seed through H1N1 and all of the people who don’t have the resources I have to improve the
SARS, I was worried. Shelters have become monolithic in size, way law enforcement conducts itself.
often with hundreds of people sleeping mere inches from each I have dedicated my adult life and my career to democracy. Those
other. This was a devastating crisis waiting to happen. principles will guide everything I do to make sure there is
At the time I shared an article with the minister written by accountability at the Lethbridge Police Service.
Stephen Gaetz and Kristy Buccieri, entitled The Challenges of
Pandemic Planning in the Context of Homelessness. This report The Speaker: The hon. Member for Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St.
shares the findings of research taken from 2010 to 2011 assessing Paul.
pandemic preparedness. It offered a number of suggestions that,
frankly speaking, we didn’t have in place. It also offered a number Northern Alberta
of useful suggestions to protect people experiencing homelessness
during the pandemic. Thankfully, the government and our not-for- Mr. Hanson: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Fighting for a
profit partners and faith communities rose to the challenge and fair deal within Alberta and due recognition for northern Alberta
responded within days, setting up additional shelter spaces, day has been a commitment of mine, even before entering provincial
shelters, and other resources. politics in 2015. Northern Alberta plays a key role in the prosperity
of this province. Northern Albertans are the unsung heroes of our
1:40
province, working hard for the benefit of all Alberta, sometimes
The government’s response includes an additional $72 million in with little to no recognition.
spending to ensure that we had capacity and that no one would be left The majority of resource-based industries such as mining, oil and
out in the cold. Our service providers also took the opportunity to gas, and forestry have deep roots in northern Alberta. It is these
double down on housing initiatives. Both rapid rehousing and roots that have made us one of the most profitable regions in theMarch 9, 2021 Alberta Hansard 3971
province. My riding alone contributes 30 per cent of all the bitumen year now. Albertans across the province have made incredible
royalties to the province. According to the Northern Alberta sacrifices, sacrifices to how we work, how we shop, and even how
Development Council, northern Alberta holds 100 per cent of the we spend time with our friends and family. While we’ve all had to
province’s oil sands development, 21 per cent of provincial crop make significant adjustments, our front-line workers have refused
production, and 10 per cent of provincial livestock production. On to let these challenges stand in the way of keeping us safe.
top of that, the Regional Economic Development Initiative for Those who work in our hospitals, who deliver our packages, who
Northwest Alberta reports that northwest Alberta contains 12.3 staff our retail stores and the countless other areas of our economy
billion cubic meters of natural gas and is home to 50 per cent of all have sacrificed their own safety to ensure that Albertans have access
organic farmers in the province. Mr. Speaker, northeastern Alberta to groceries, receive their mail, and, perhaps most importantly,
contains over 3 million cultivated acres of land, which is 12 per cent unrestricted access to our world-class health care system when we
of Alberta’s total cultivated acres. In the energy sector oil production need it. Mr. Speaker, these brave women and men have put their own
in the northeast region for the past six years has been close to 2 billion interests and mental well-being on the line to ensure that Albertans
barrels of oil equivalent annually. have access to the things they need. They are the workers who staff
Let me be clear. Northern Albertans are not looking for a pat on the our clinics and hospitals and face the constant threat of contracting
back or praise from anyone. We want the resources and infrastructure COVID-19 every day. They are the ones helping those with mental
to match the amount of work and capital we put into the province. health crises in this province, and they are the community leaders
Simple recognition. Mr. Speaker, it only takes one trip down highway who are helping families cope on the ground during these difficult
28 in my riding to understand how badly northern Alberta highways times.
need attention. We are simply asking for things like primary Mr. Speaker, there’s no other way to say it: our front-line workers
highways with appropriate infrastructure, things like access to timely, are the backbone of our economy and of our province. They are our
quality health care, a family doctor that stays in the community for family members, they are our friends, they are our neighbours, and
longer than three years, things like access to postsecondary education their sacrifices have made all of our lives better. For that, they must
to keep our young people in our communities; nothing too elaborate, be recognized. On behalf of my colleagues I take this opportunity
Mr. Speaker, just basic things that will make the north a better place to thank all of those who have worked tirelessly to get us through
to work and call home. this pandemic.
Thank you.
The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Falconridge has a
statement to make.
head: Introduction of Bills
Calgary Storm Damage Insurance Coverage
The Speaker: The hon. the Government House Leader.
Mr. Toor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last summer, while we were
dealing with the initial effects of the pandemic, residents in Bill 53
northeast Calgary were also dealing with the devastating hailstorm Service Alberta Statutes (Virtual Meetings)
that destroyed their personal property. From cars to siding, the Amendment Act, 2021
damage from the hailstorm was tragic. Fortunately, our government
Mr. Jason Nixon: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today on
was there to help by providing coverage for damages resulting from
behalf of the Minister of Service Alberta to introduce Bill 53, the
overland flooding through the disaster recovery program. However,
Service Alberta Statutes (Virtual Meetings) Amendment Act, 2021.
while this was a welcome support, for many the coverage did not
Many Albertans are concerned about the ability to conduct
address the damages that resulted from the hail itself.
meetings in person while health restrictions are in place. Our current
Sadly, the opposition saw the tragic hailstorm as a political
legislation doesn’t mention meeting or voting electronically, so the
opportunity, claiming that many affected residents could not afford
amendments being proposed will provide organizations with the
to fix the resulting damages. The Insurance Bureau of Canada made
option of having virtual meetings, electronic notifications for
it clear that not only was this assertion false, but more importantly
they went further and verified that nearly 100 per cent of the meetings, and electronic voting, Mr. Speaker.
affected residents had their claims processed and approved for Do you want me to rise on the next one, too? No? Okay. Thanks,
repairs to personal property. Mr. Speaker.
That being said, I have spoken with several constituents who [Motion carried; Bill 53 read a first time]
have expressed great concerns over insurance companies’ refusing
to provide renewed coverage for their homes. Constituents who find The Speaker: Hon. members, we will revert to Introduction of
themselves in this precarious position have not given a specific Bills immediately following Oral Question Period.
reason in many cases but have been led to believe it has to do with
recurring hail damage claims in the northeast. If that proves to be 1:50 head: Oral Question Period
the case, this is unacceptable as those affected by the hailstorm
could not have avoided this reality. Insurance companies have a The Speaker: The Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition has
fiduciary duty to operate in good faith with their clients, and that the call.
cannot be ignored.
Thank you. Postsecondary Education Funding
The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Cross. Ms Notley: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to start today
with something close to me as both the MLA for Edmonton-
Front-line Workers Strathcona and the parent of a university student, and that is the
devastation this government is causing in postsecondary education.
Mr. Amery: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s hard to believe that the Since this Premier took office, he’s cut $690 million from Alberta’s
COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our way of life for more than a universities and colleges, accounting for inflation and population.3972 Alberta Hansard March 9, 2021
More than half of this year’s budget cut alone is from the University quite a few budgets, but I have never seen a government come to
of Alberta, $60 million. Premier, there are tens of thousands of this Assembly and ask for $2.5 billion in unmarked bills for itself.
students who are struggling during this pandemic. Why are you At a time when they’re raising tuition on students, sending kids into
making them pay for your mistakes? overcrowded classrooms, and firing front-line health care workers,
can the Premier exercise some fiscal responsibility and commit
Mr. Kenney: Well, Mr. Speaker, while this government is focused today to providing Albertans with an exact accounting of where that
on protecting lives and livelihoods through the crisis, we must also $2.5 billion is going to go?
ensure the sustainability of our programs, including our excellent
universities and colleges. The reality is that the cost to Alberta Mr. Kenney: Mr. Speaker, the hon. the Minister of Finance has
taxpayers of subsidies to those institutions was growing far, far higher been very clear that it’s very difficult for us to predict the health
than the number of students, than inflation, than economic growth. expenditures related to this pandemic. It’s ever-changing, but what
Indeed, we ended up with, according to the MacKinnon panel, the we’ve done – you know, I remember being here a year ago, when
most expensive and least efficient university system in Canada. We the NDP was trying to stop the budget that added half a billion
know that our administrators can do better. We’re challenging them dollars to health care. We spent 2 billion additional dollars in health
to do so. care last year, $1.25 billion set aside in the contingency this year,
and additional investments for job creation: we’re doing the right
Ms Notley: Well, Mr. Speaker, does the Premier want a world-class thing to protect lives and livelihoods.
university or a national-average university? By all means, let’s
compete with New Brunswick. You know, it’s not just the U of A. Ms Notley: Mr. Speaker, it’s not a contingency; it’s an
Last week I stood with students from the U of C, who have seen announcement slush fund, billions being promised to everything
their tuition fees go up 10 per cent. Third-year student Noa Spivak except maybe not. He says that it will go towards health care except
said, quote: these budget cuts will not only negatively impact the it’s a contingency, so it might not. He says that it will go towards
future of Alberta; they will repel young people who may consider our tourism strategy except it’s a contingency, so it might not. He
studying and starting their lives here. Premier, this is the brain drain says that it’ll go towards our manufacturing sector except it’s a
we are talking about. Why are you pushing young, talented, skilled contingency, so it might not. We have no idea how much money is
professionals out of Alberta? being discussed at any given time. How can the Premier possibly
believe Albertans trust him with $2.5 billion in walking-around
Mr. Kenney: I appreciate the opportunity given to me by the leader money?
of the NDP to highlight the fact that Alberta had the highest
population growth in Canada in 2020. What a great sign of the Mr. Kenney: Well, Mr. Speaker, the NDP leader knows full well
energy and optimism around this province that even when we had that every dollar and every cent spent by the government first of all
the toughest hit economy because of the energy price collapse, this has to be approved by a vote of this Assembly and then is reported
is one of the only provinces with net inbound interprovincial to the Assembly through the public accounts, all of which is subject
migration, maintaining the youngest population in Canada. Mr. to oversight by the Auditor General. But Albertans also understand
Speaker, that’s in part why companies like Infosys are locating in this unprecedented time that government needs the flexibility to
hundreds and thousands of new jobs in this province, new jobs for move quickly to jump on opportunities, to address new challenges
young Albertans. as they arise during the global health and economic crisis.
Ms Notley: Well, Mr. Speaker, if the Premier has his way, those Ms Notley: This Legislature has never been asked to approve $2.5
statistics will reverse very quickly. It seems everyone but this billion for nothing specific. That is outrageous. That is not a
government understands that a strong postsecondary sector is contingency. It’s sloppy accounting. It’s sneaky. It’s dishonest. It’s
critical to education, innovation, and economic diversification. arrogant. The perfect example of this is this jobs minister randomly
Giving our next generation the skills they need to succeed is the announcing yesterday that he’s going to give an unnamed amount
only way we are going to recover our economy and be ready for of money to an unnamed company for an unknown pharmaceutical
future growth. What will it take for the Premier to recognize that venture with 10 days’ notice. Let’s be clear. That does not smell
and stop slashing and hacking and cutting at our postsecondary good, Mr. Speaker. Premier, what are you going to use this money
system, putting all that at risk? for, and why won’t you tell Albertans before we’re asked to vote on
it?
Mr. Kenney: Part of the ideological blindness of the NDP causes
them to measure programs not by their outcomes but on how much Mr. Kenney: Well, first of all, Mr. Speaker, I’ll trust the judgment
is spent. Mr. Speaker, we spend nearly twice as much per university of this chartered accountant over that socialist any day of the week
student as does Ontario, and their universities are as highly rated or when it comes to the province’s books. Secondly, if it weren’t a
in some cases more highly rated than Alberta institutions. Shouldn’t contingency fund approved by the Legislature, then it would be
we learn from our other high-quality Canadian public universities future spending approved by the cabinet through supplementary
about how they operate more efficiently? That was Dr. Janice estimates, which is far less transparent. Thirdly, now she’s angry
MacKinnon’s challenge. By the way, I’m sure the Leader of the that we’re investing in an Alberta pharmaceutical industry so that
Opposition is happy to hear that the Bank of Montreal predicted we can have vaccine security. The NDP left us with absolutely
Alberta will lead the national economy in 2021. nothing in terms of the development of vaccines or pharmaceuticals
here in Alberta. Shame on them. [interjections]
The Speaker: The hon. the Leader of the Opposition.
The Speaker: Order. Order.
Budget 2021 Contingency Fund The Leader of the Official Opposition.
Ms Notley: Well, Mr. Speaker, I was reminded a couple of days Ms Notley: Two point five billion dollars without a single specific
ago that I’ve passed my 13th anniversary in this House. Now, that’s description: that’s not transparency except in their world.March 9, 2021 Alberta Hansard 3973
Northwest Territories’ Use of Alberta Curriculum trouncing of an incumbent government in modern Alberta history
is because they were trying to inject their socialist ideology into our
Ms Notley: Now, yesterday we learned that the Northwest Territories curriculum. They did it in secret. They wouldn’t release the socialists
is considering dropping the Alberta curriculum, rejecting the who were working on the draft curriculum. We’ve been perfectly
Premier’s redesign. After more than 40 years of partnership they may transparent. This government was elected to put an emphasis on basic
move towards adopting British Columbia’s curriculum instead. When skills and knowledge, on numeracy, on literacy, yes, on historical
we asked about this yesterday, the government repeatedly refused to literacy, not on NDP socialist ideology. [interjections]
answer, so I’ll ask the Premier: after 40 years, why are other levels of
government across this country losing faith in yours? The Speaker: The hon. member – order. Order. The Leader of the
Opposition has had her opportunity. Now it’s the hon. Member for
Mr. Kenney: Well, Mr. Speaker, in fact, it’s under this government Edmonton-City Centre.
that we have seen unprecedented levels of solidarity from coast to
coast supporting us in suing the federal government on their carbon Health Care Workforce and Budget 2021
tax. Right now we’re challenging Bill C-69 supported by a majority
of provinces; all 10 provinces, all three territories behind us on the Mr. Shepherd: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today in estimates I gave
fiscal stabilization program; all provinces applauding our efforts to the Minister of Health a chance to make amends for the damage and
increase free trade within Canada. Under the NDP Alberta was distrust he’s sown amongst our health care heroes. These are people
isolated and alone. Now other provinces and territories have our who puts their lives on the line. While we were told to keep our
back. distance and stay home as much as possible, they worked around
the clock to care for people infected with COVID-19. Today I asked
Ms Notley: Back to the topic at hand, the real problem with
the minister to commit that he would not fire these workers once
Alberta’s curriculum is this Premier. He appointed his buddy Chris
the pandemic is over. He balked at the question, so I’m going to try
Champion as an adviser to the design, a man who called teaching
the Premier. Premier, can you explain why some of these front-line
indigenous history a fad. The same man pushed hard to remove
heroes will get nothing from you more than a pink slip when this is
indigenous history from the classroom and go back to the 1950s-era
all over?
memorization of European history. The rejection of his racist
curriculum by other jurisdictions should be a wake-up call. If other Mr. Shandro: Mr. Speaker, happy to respond again to the hon.
Canadians don’t want this curriculum, why does the Premier think member. As I said to him this morning, we are increasing the
Albertans do? employees within AHS by 2,940 full-time equivalents. Now, the
2:00 hon. member is asking about the implementation of certain
Mr. Kenney: There she goes, Mr. Speaker. Anybody that she recommendations in a performance review of AHS, a performance
doesn’t like or disagrees with is a racist. Shame on them. review, I reminded him this morning, that he lauded and complimented
[interjections] This morning the Minister of Education . . . as being common sense. Now, some of these recommendations, as
AHS came to us in how they would be implemented because of the
The Speaker: Order. I hesitate to comment on things that I may or pandemic: we asked AHS to continue with a balanced and thoughtful
may not have heard on or off the record, but if I did hear the hon. approach because of the pandemic.
Member for Edmonton-North West imply that the Premier was a
racist, that would be wildly unacceptable. Mr. Shepherd: Mr. Speaker, over the noon hour I was joined by
The hon. the Premier has the call. Elly O’Greyslik, a registered nurse and postsecondary educator, to
talk about the unthinkable challenges she and her colleagues have
Mr. Kenney: It would be unacceptable but par for the course for faced during this pandemic. She said, “Our healthcare system can’t
them, Mr. Speaker. stand to lose any staff. People are already exhausted . . . I worry that
This morning the Minister of Education had a great conversation the pressure within the system to stick to the budget will cause our
with Minister Simpson from the Northwest Territories, and they units to implode and our patients and staff to suffer.” I want to thank
spoke about the progress we’ve made in the curricula development Elly for her compassion and courage during this pandemic. Premier,
process. Minister Simpson was very pleased with our commitment will you now explain to Elly why she or her colleagues may be out
to addressing key principles of reconciliation and First Nations in of a job after this pandemic is over?
our draft curriculum, and she was clear that the Northwest Territories
are simply going through their normal curriculum review process Mr. Shandro: Mr. Speaker, we’re not keeping the Health budget at
as the previous five-year agreement they have with Alberta is par. We are increasing it by $900 million. Setting aside what we
coming to an end in September. would be budgeting for the response to the COVID pandemic, we
are increasing the health care budget in the largest percentage in the
Ms Notley: Yet she didn’t commit to staying for the next 40 years. history of this province because we have said to Albertans that we
We just learned Mr. Champion billed Albertans for 38 days of are here to protect lives and livelihoods and that the resources
curriculum writing. Here are some titles of his other written works: would not be a concern as we continue to make sure that the patients
Equality, but Not if It Costs; Who Should Pay for Self-inflicted and Albertans are, first and foremost, our primary concern in the
Ailments? As Demands Grow for Free AIDS Treatment; and pandemic.
Alberta’s Little History War, where he claims the blanket exercise
brainwashes children. Mr. Speaker, the reputational damage this is Mr. Shepherd: Once again, Mr. Speaker, no guarantee to Elly or
doing is a distant second to the damage that will be done to the her colleagues that they will still have a job once this pandemic is
children of this province by this curriculum. Why won’t the Premier done.
fire Mr. Champion and put actual educators on the curriculum? The Premier campaigned under the banner of a public health
guarantee. He signed a giant piece of cardboard with those words
Mr. Kenney: Well, Mr. Speaker, my colleagues here will confirm written on it: public health guarantee. Now he plans to cut 11,000
that one of the reasons the NDP government was fired in the worst jobs in public health care, a move that anyone who actually talks to3974 Alberta Hansard March 9, 2021
front-line workers knows will create unprecedented chaos in our can to make these companies competitive, to improve the operating
hospitals. So to the Premier: will you admit once and for all that the conditions so that they can start paying their taxes, they can get up
only guarantee Albertans can count on when it comes to your to speed, and they can be competitive.
government and public health care is a plan to slash and burn the
moment this pandemic is done? Mr. Loewen: Given that the loss of jobs from rural areas means
that there’s a loss of families in these communities and given that
Mr. Kenney: Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member opposite for the further loss of population affects the number of teachers,
highlighting this government’s public health guarantee to maintain doctors, and other jobs in rural Alberta and given that we want
or increase health funding in a publicly funded, universally healthy rural communities to have jobs in our resource sectors
accessible system. Exactly, promise made; promise kept because rather than isolated work camps where they commute from big
this government has increased health care funding by a billion cities, to the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation: what are
dollars – that’s the baseline – in addition to $2 billion in support for you doing to promote job growth in rural Alberta?
the pandemic last year. Only in the strange world of the NDP would
they see the largest Health budget in history and a billion-dollar The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of
increase as a cut. Why don’t they stop misleading Albertans? Treasury Board has risen.
Rural Issues Mr. Toews: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’re making a $20.7
billion capital investment over the next three years across this
Mr. Loewen: Mr. Speaker, as you know from your visits to my province, much of it in rural Alberta. It will create, support up to
riding, I represent a large portion of rural Alberta, mostly farms, 50,000 direct jobs, 40,000 indirect jobs. We’re also funding sector
small towns, and villages spread over a vast portion of Alberta’s strategies – sectors in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing – that
beautiful Peace River country. Because of the vastness of the area, will revitalize our rural communities, lead to increased investment
some government services cost a little more than urban areas.
attraction and increased job opportunities for rural Albertans.
We’ve seen the opposition benches focus on spending and services
in urban centres, but I know a strong and healthy rural Alberta is a
2:10 Public Service Pension Fund Administration
strong Alberta for much of our economy is based on the food,
energy, and raw materials produced in rural Alberta. To the Ms Phillips: The UCP is playing politics with Albertans’ retirement
minister: with the budget focus on lives and livelihoods, what security. They’ve quashed debate on now two bills to protect our
projects and programs for rural Alberta is this budget funding? Canada pension plan and the retirement security of hundreds of
The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Finance and the President thousands of Albertans who’ve been on the front line of this
of Treasury Board has risen. pandemic. Thousands of Albertans have told us, everyone in this
House, that they want this debate, so will the Finance minister
Mr. Toews: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the explain why he won’t listen to Albertans who are worried about
member for the question. I absolutely agree that rural Alberta will their retirement and, failing that, why he won’t have the debate on
be pivotal to economic recovery in the province of Alberta. We are the floor of this Legislature? What is he afraid of?
investing a big percentage of the $3 billion over the next three years
in capital maintenance and renewal efforts in rural Alberta. We’re The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of
investing in specific capital projects such as the $120 million Treasury Board.
investment in irrigation over the next three years, a new maternity
centre in La Crête, Alberta, a new high school in Camrose, upgrades Mr. Toews: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Here’s the first salient
to a youth centre in Lac La Biche, and the twinning of highway 3 reality: I’m not a member of the committee. This government and
and widening of highway 40. all Albertans have a congruent interest in well-performing, secure
pensions, and I can commit that Budget 2021, along with our efforts
Mr. Loewen: Given that municipal taxes on industry in my riding to amalgamate the investment function under AIMCo for our public
are crucial to many locally delivered services and given that I’ve service pension plans, will strengthen public service pensions to the
had many mayors and councillors speak to me and other rural betterment of public-sector employees and Alberta taxpayers.
colleagues about the need to collect unpaid taxes from oil and gas
companies and given that our energy sector has been recovering Ms Phillips: Given that my bill would have protected pensions for
from the price war last year and given that there are a multitude of Albertans like teachers and firefighters and given that while every
ways that we can protect lives and livelihoods, to the Minister of single member of this Assembly has heard from thousands of
Energy: we know that this issue is a complicated one, but what work teachers and firefighters and given that the UCP called these
is being done to ensure that payment of municipal taxes is occurring Albertans misinformed yesterday, will the Minister of Finance
without driving energy companies away and, by extension, good commit to an open town hall meeting with Albertans worried about
jobs for rural Albertans? his pension scheme so that he can tell them directly why he thinks
they’re misinformed?
The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Energy.
Mr. Toews: Mr. Speaker, I’m happy to meet with teachers and
Mrs. Savage: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. We recognize that the public-sector workers across the province, and I have been doing
oil and gas industry has been struggling for a number of years, at that. Here is the other reality. Their union bosses have been out
least six years, with low prices and a lack of pipeline capacity. spreading misinformation about our approach and the efficiencies
While the vast majority of these companies are paying their that are created and the benefits to Alberta teachers and Alberta
municipal taxes, there are some that aren’t. These are the same public-sector workers around amalgamating the pension investment
companies that aren’t paying their AER levies, that aren’t paying function under AIMCo. Again, our values and goals are congruent.
landowners, that aren’t paying their environmental responsibilities, It will result in strengthened pensions and lower premiums than
and they even aren’t paying royalties. We’re doing everything we what they would otherwise be.March 9, 2021 Alberta Hansard 3975
Ms Phillips: Well, given, Mr. Speaker, that I just heard that the forward all sorts of incredible and important changes to the justice
president of the Alberta Fire Fighters Association is out spreading act, especially on police reform, again one of the first times ever in
misinformation and given that my bill would have given those this province’s history to see a minister going to this level to make
firefighters representation on the AIMCo board, will the minister sure that racism is challenged.
try to repair that relationship with the firefighters that he just caused
grave injury to by committing to changing some of his existing Mr. Sabir: Given that one of the largest expense cuts in the horrible
government appointees so that those firefighters can have a window Justice budget is a nearly $17 million reduction to remand and
into his plan to reduce their pensions? correctional centres and given that correctional centres have been
the source of massive COVID-19 outbreaks and that we have
Mr. Toews: Mr. Speaker, again, it’s in the government’s best correctional centre workers who have tested positive for COVID-
interest, public-sector workers’ best interests, and Alberta taxpayers’ 19 being told that they still needed to come to work because there
best interests to see strong pension plans. We have a congruent was no one else to replace them, how can this possibly be the year
interest. The members opposite weakened the competency at AIMCo. that you set out to slash funding for the Justice ministry?
We brought in changes that ensure the correct competencies and skills
at the AIMCo board level. We will continue to ensure that AIMCo The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Finance and President of
can deliver to Alberta taxpayers and Alberta public-sector workers. Treasury Board.
The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-McCall has a Mr. Toews: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. We know that the
question. Minister of Health and the officials at Health are working hard
across the province to ensure that Albertans are protected from
Justice Ministry Funding COVID. In terms of correctional institutes, I know that that work is
taking place there as well. In the big picture, again, the Minister of
Mr. Sabir: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On budget day many Justice is working hard to find efficiencies, to ensure that we as a
Albertans were hoping to see a significant investment in our justice government can deliver well on behalf of Albertans and on behalf
system; namely, in support for victims of crime, systemic racism, of Alberta taxpayers.
and real reforms. Unfortunately, not only did the minister fail to
make investments in the Justice budget; he actually levelled a $65 The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Falconridge has a
million massive cut on the ministry and chalked it up to question.
modernization. Minister, we need more funding to support people
who have been the victims of crime. Will you admit that there is Critical Worker Benefit Eligibility
nothing modern about cutting victims of crime supports?
Mr. Toor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our government recently
The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Finance and the President announced the critical worker benefit for those on the front lines of
of Treasury Board. the pandemic. However, some groups are not eligible for this
support, groups like cab drivers, who have ensured the safe and
Mr. Toews: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would agree with the timely transport of many individuals throughout the pandemic. To
member opposite that there are victims of crime across this the Minister of Labour and Immigration: why are cab drivers not
province, and we need to step out to support those victims with a included in this program, and how did you determine eligibility for
strong justice system. The Minister of Justice has been making this program?
reforms and modernizing the department to result in increased
efficiencies in the delivery of justice across this province. That is The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Labour and Immigration.
the approach that we’re taking to every ministry as we’re looking
to improve the efficacy of programs and provide better value to Mr. Copping: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the hon.
Albertans. member for the question. We acknowledge the tremendous
contributions of all Alberta workers who continue to work during this
Mr. Sabir: Given that there have been six reported hate attacks on pandemic. In fact, more than 80 per cent of employees continued to
black Muslim hijab-wearing women in Edmonton in recent weeks work throughout this entire period. In developing the critical worker
and given that we have tiki torch marches on the streets of this city benefit program, this government focused on the 16-week period
and in Calgary and given that I have spoken to the family of one during the second wave, which meets the federal criteria. Alberta’s
victim of these attacks and they want more resources to crack down government is directing funds towards health care workers, critical
on marches being organized by racists so they can feel safe in their front-line workers, and those who are essential to the supply of food
home and communities, Minister, how do you justify reducing and medicine, and Alberta’s government continues to support all
Justice funding when we actually need more resources to improve Albertans through the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting lives and
safety in our major cities and rural Alberta? livelihoods with precise measures to bend the curve, sustain small
businesses, and protect . . .
The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism
and Status of Women. The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Falconridge.
Mrs. Aheer: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would like to first Mr. Toor: Thank you, Minister. Given that groups like cab drivers
of all congratulate the Minister of Justice on his work, especially have also been on the front line of the pandemic since it began and
when it comes to racism. Not only has he changed carding, one of the given that the president of the United Taxi Group, Dawinder Deo,
most racist acts that happened on the street, something that could have was live on air with My Radio 580 to convey a very convincing
been done by their government and was asked for on multiple position that justifies the inclusion of cab drivers and while I note
occasions by the indigenous folks and by black Albertans to have that my office just received a letter from Alberta Co-op Taxi
that changed – he did that, first and foremost. Also, Bill 38 brings requesting to be included in the program, to the same minister: have3976 Alberta Hansard March 9, 2021
you reached out to the United Taxi Group or the other groups they came into play makes no sense and given that the UCP is reducing
represent which are not included in the program? income support for the next two years, but federal emergency
programs will be done this year, Minister, are you really trying to
The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Labour and Immigration. use the cover of a global health crisis to continue making
devastating cuts to income support? Like it or not, you cut over $53
Mr. Copping: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you again to the
million. It’s in your budget documents. Fact.
hon. member for the question. There was thoughtful deliberation
that went into determining the eligibility criteria for the critical The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Children’s Services.
worker benefit program. Our government acknowledges the
contribution of all workers who worked throughout the pandemic. Ms Schulz: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Just to be clear,
Alberta’s government directed the available funds towards health rates and eligibility for income support have not changed. We do
care workers, critical front-line workers, and those who are expect caseloads to increase as federal benefit programs wind down
essential to the supply of food and medicines. Again, we continue later this year, and the Minister of Community and Social Services
to support all Albertans through the COVID-19 pandemic with has budgeted for this to make sure that nobody falls through the
precise measures to bend the curve, programs to sustain small cracks. So at the beginning of the fiscal year, starting, of course,
businesses, and measures to protect Alberta’s health care system. April 1, the federal government still has programs in place until at
least September. The budget forecast is based on the lower estimate
Mr. Toor: Thank you, Minister. Given the response from the of clients for that time period. Budget 2021 reflects this.
Minister of Labour and Immigration and given that taxi drivers
have proudly provided their critical front-line services through this Ms Renaud: Given that the facts are fairly simple, Mr. Speaker,
pandemic, can the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation that there is a massive cut in the Community and Social Services
advise if these subcontractors or sole proprietors are eligible for budget, and given that I’ve seen the numbers – it is minus $53
Alberta’s relaunch grant? If not, can the minister commit to helping million in income support; now, the numbers of caseloads might be
these deserving Albertans access similar financial support? slightly lower because files have transferred to the federal
2:20 government – the fact remains that the budget does not meet the
need. There is no plan. Word salads aren’t going to wish this away.
The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of We need answers. The budget is lower. We need an answer. What
Treasury Board. are you going to do to meet the needs of disabled Albertans that are
on income support?
Mr. Toews: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the
member for the question. Sole proprietors are eligible under the Ms Schulz: Thank you very much to the member. I have answered
SME relaunch grant and under the advanced COVID business the question, and spreading falsehoods doesn’t make them true.
benefit when it launches in the future. We’ve approved funding for Clients may need to provide updated documentation to confirm
more than 58,000 businesses under the SME relaunch grant, eligibility for supplementary benefits. Our excellent caseworkers
totalling over $405 million. These businesses employ more than are able to assist with any questions or concerns that these clients
260,000 Albertans. We know they’re critical to the Alberta may have. But, Mr. Speaker, I will tell you that the return to
economic recovery, and we will be there to support them. prepandemic numbers has been accounted for in the forecast to
ensure that nobody falls through the cracks.
Income Support Program Funding
The Speaker: The hon. Member for Calgary-Buffalo.
Ms Renaud: I’m concerned that barriers to full employment
income support is getting cut by $53.5 million. The minister’s press Calgary LRT Green Line Funding
secretary claimed that this is simply because of decreased caseload.
I’m not sure how this adds up. Yes, there are about 2,500 fewer Member Ceci: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Calgary green line is
people on barriers to full employment support this year, but a cut of a transformational project that will connect communities from the
that size exceeds any caseload changes pulled from your own open north to the south. It will provide the necessary infrastructure to
data. Minister, please explain to me how you can make these drastic support our future economy, and it will get Calgarians back to work,
cuts to income support. The math doesn’t make any sense. not only when it’s built but during the construction. In fact, the
project is expected to create 20,000 jobs as Calgary faces double-
The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Children’s Services has digit unemployment, yet the UCP continues to delay construction.
risen. Why does this government continue to delay a project that will
create jobs at a time when Alberta needs them most?
Ms Schulz: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To say that there
is a cut in this line item in the budget is completely false and a The Speaker: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of
misrepresentation of numbers. I will say, as the Premier and the Treasury Board.
Minister of Finance and the Minister of Community and Social
Services have said, that protecting lives and livelihoods for all Mr. Toews: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. This government is
Albertans remains our top priority. That’s why this program, the investing $20.7 billion over the next year to create jobs and build
income support program, remains fully funded according to critical infrastructure for Albertans. Budget 2021 reconfirms our
demand. The core benefit rates: there is no change. They are being commitment to Calgary’s green line with a $1.53 billion
maintained, and eligibility criteria remain the same. Any eligible commitment to the green line.
Albertan may receive these income support benefits, and this has
not and will not change. Member Ceci: Given that the pandemic has hurt our economy,
leading to record-high office vacancy rates in our downtown and
Ms Renaud: Given that the UCP’s claim that their cuts to income double-digit unemployment, and given that the green line will be a
supports are merely based on the fact that new federal supports central plank of any strategy to stimulate Calgary’s economy,You can also read
