Report card for Canada’s senior governments

By Chantelle de Jonge Chestermere-Strathmore MLA

On Oct. 24, the distinguished C.D. Howe Institute released its Report Card for Canada’s Senior Governments, 2023. 

According to this year’s report card, which grades the ability of governments to provide strong economic management and fulfill budget promises, Alberta’s government earned an A+, while the federal government barely earned a C-. And that trend is expected to continue, with the Institute predicting that “Ottawa will get a C next year and Alberta will top the class again with an A+.”

Our United Conservative government’s prudent fiscal policies have allowed Alberta to top the charts in fiscal accountability, resulting in Albertans having the best take-home wages in the country, paying the lowest taxes, and having more economic freedom and opportunity than their provincial counterparts. While others – especially the federal government – have faltered, Alberta is standing tall.

With a new legislative session beginning this week, this recognition of our province’s remarkable track-record is timely. Receiving the highest possible grade from a top Canadian research institute reflects our government’s commitment to making life better for everyday Albertans. As we embark on this new session, our United Conservative government remains committed to keeping life affordable, growing and diversifying the economy, fixing the health care system, and standing up against hostile policies from Ottawa.

Last week, good news came for Alberta’s livestock producers, who are vital to our province’s economy. It has been a tough growing season with challenges due to dry conditions causing many of our farmers and ranchers to face extraordinary costs. To help them through this difficult time, the governments of Alberta and Canada are partnering on a 2023 Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance response. Funding for this joint AgriRecovery initiative is cost-shared through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, with the federal government providing $99 million and Alberta’s government providing $66 million. Program details are still being finalized with the Government of Canada, and more information will be available soon.

(Chantelle de Jonge is the MLA Elect for Chestermere-Strathmore and the Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities)